The Little Things Sabotaging Your Dream Home Aesthetic

Have you ever walked into a room and felt… underwhelmed? Maybe even overwhelmed by how “too much” a space was? Maybe the vibe just isn’t vibing, even if all the “right” elements are there. Maybe it’s not bad, but it’s not giving “effortlessly chic” or “put-together.” The truth is, it doesn’t take a mansion or a designer's budget to make a home look aesthetically pleasing.

Sure, nowadays there are so many incredible disguises that fool the eye, but so many people are entirely missing the mark on that and instead, making design mistakes. But what exactly is the problem? Well, there are so many mistakes that are sabotaging your space. But what exactly? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know.

Lighting That’s Killing the Vibe

Only in the past year is this something that’s finally grabbing people's attention, technically, this is something that could even be free to fix (it just depends on what light(s), you’re turning on at night). So, overhead lights have that harsh glare, there the awkward shadows, the way it makes even your favorite room feel like a hospital waiting area. Plus, it just seems to really highlight even the tiniest of mistakes on the wall (like weird undertones, bad brush strokes, or even those lines from wallpaper).

It’s doing nothing for your space, or for you either. So, why not look into some other forms of lighting? This can be some gorgeous floor lamps, table lamps, candles, or even wall sconces. But seriously, it makes a big difference. These other sources of light have a way of softening the room, eliminating those weird shadows, and making everything (and everyone) look better.

Texture is the Missing Puzzle Piece

Have you ever felt like a room is just… flat? Like it’s got all the right colors, but it’s still not quite there? Nine times out of ten, it’s a texture issue. A room without texture is like bread without butter, technically it does mean it’s fine, but bland and forgettable. People love bread and butter, and people love texture.

Chances are, you already have these at home. So go ahead and throw in a plush area rug, some velvet cushions, or a chunky knit blanket on your bed or couch. Depending on what you’re going for, you could even add some woven baskets, linen curtains, or even a leather accent chair (bonus points for Eames). 

Now, these are all just examples, but it does show that these can add some visual depth to help make your room feel more alive. The whole point is to mix up textures, such as smooth, and rough, soft and structured, or even shiny and matte.

Furniture That’s Out of Proportion

Yes, size does matter. Well, in furniture, of course. Just think about it; a giant sectional in a small living room? Well, that’s overwhelming. Tiny art on a big wall? It might be trendy at the moment, but at the same time, it’s fairly awkward. Your pieces need to fit the space and each other.

Color Choices That Could Confuse

So this one could be fairly debatable because some people are eclectic by nature, while there are others who are more into sad beige and other neutrals. Just go ahead and take this one with a grain of salt. But for the most part, too many colors in one room can feel chaotic. 

On the flip side, going all beige can leave a space looking like an uninspired Pinterest board from a Sad Beige Mom. A good rule of thumb is to pick three main colors and stick with them, and then add some small bold accents here and there.

Neglecting the Power of Empty Space

Not every wall needs art. Not every surface needs decor. A little breathing room, some negative space, if you want to get fancy, goes a long way in making a room feel calm and intentional. Basically, less is more.

Forgetting About Flow

You need to keep in mind that aesthetic isn’t just about what a room looks like, it’s about how it feels to be in it. If the layout doesn’t make sense or the furniture blocks natural pathways, the whole vibe is off.

Just go ahead and think about how you move through the space. Does the coffee table make sense where it is? Are chairs shoved into corners where no one sits? Sure, it’s a lot of questions, but overall, a functional flow makes a space feel more put-together and way more enjoyable to use.

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