Many people want to refresh their homes at the start of a new year. But smart decorating is about patience, not impulse buys. Designers warn against six common mistakes that can leave you with a cluttered, impersonal space. The key is to prioritize lasting quality and functionality over fleeting trends.
Prioritize Usefulness Over Looks
It’s easy to fall for attractive items that don’t actually fit your lifestyle. Interior stylist Cayley Scrooby of Sovereign Interiors explains: “A beautiful piece that doesn’t serve a purpose disrupts flow and feels out of place.” Instead of buying something just because it looks good, focus on items that integrate seamlessly into your routines.
Interior designer Lisa Sternfeld of WLLW suggests: “Buy fewer, better pieces. A settled, supportive home feels better than a fast makeover.”
Avoid Short-Lived Trends
Trends come and go. Decor that’s popular now might look dated within a year. Steven Graffam, co-founder of Stivale Graffam Home, recommends investing in classic designs that let you add trends subtly.
Sternfeld advises releasing the urge to rush. Ask yourself if you can see yourself living with an item for years. Focus on craftsmanship, material sourcing, and durable finishes. A restorative home feels intentional, not just filled with gaps.
Pay Attention to Scale
Proportions matter. A beautiful object looks wrong if it’s too big or too small for the space. Designer John Stivale says: “Too-small rugs, undersized lighting, or delicate furniture can throw off even a luxurious room.”
Always measure first. Consider how pieces relate to architecture and each other. When scale is right, a space feels effortless.
Declutter Before You Shop
Don’t just add more things. First, remove what no longer serves you. Sternfeld points out: “Sometimes, simply rethinking existing items creates a lighter, more considered space.” Define your home’s intention—better rest, easier mornings, more connection—and let that guide your purchases.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Filling a home quickly with cheap decor leads to clutter. Graffam warns: “Items lacking craftsmanship rarely age well.” Instead, buy a few well-made pieces per trip.
Seek out handcrafted items, vintage finds, or designs with a strong point of view. These elements bring individuality and age beautifully. Compelling interiors aren’t built fast; they’re built with meaning.
Be Wary of Chemical Smells
Style and substance matter, but so does a natural scent. Sternfeld says: “A noticeable chemical smell is a red flag.” Look for decor made from straightforward materials.
Natural materials like wood, wool, linen, cotton, clay, glass, and metal perform better indoors and age gracefully. This ensures a healthier, more comfortable living space.
In conclusion, successful home decorating in 2026 and beyond means resisting impulse buys, prioritizing lasting quality, and creating a space that reflects your needs rather than fleeting trends. Thoughtful purchases build a home that feels supportive and restorative over time.
