Decorating your home can feel like a risky endeavor. The choices seem endless, and the fear of making a decor mistake can leave you paralyzed and sticking with bland, safe options. However, taking some thoughtful risks can pay off with a uniquely personal and stylish space. Here’s why decorating risks are overrated, and how to evaluate risks so you can create spaces you’ll love.
The Risks of Playing It Safe
While neutral wallpaper or paint colors may seem like a safe choice, they can backfire by creating a boring, cookie-cutter look. Some downsides of always playing it safe with home decor include:
- Lack of personality – Safe, mainstream decor lacks originality and does little to reflect your tastes and interests.
- Wasted money – Paying for professional decorators or expensive furniture but ending up with a lame, impersonal look.
- Lack of satisfaction – A home filled with items you don’t really like or connect with can feel unfulfilling.
- Not maximizing function – Neutral decor does not always enhance how you want to use a space.
- Resale value – Personalized spaces with character often have greater resale value than bland, neutral rooms.
Evaluate Risks Thoughtfully
While decorating risks can pay off greatly, it’s wise to carefully evaluate risks before jumping in. Consider the following:
Permanence – A bold wallpaper will make more of an impact than toss pillows in a trendy print. Also consider costs and effort of switching out items later.
Personal style – Don’t worry about widespread appeal of a choice. Choose items you connect with and that reflect your tastes.
Functionality – Make sure a decor choice works with how you use a room and enhances your lifestyle.
Quality – Well-made items in bold prints or colors are less risky than cheap versions in loud designs.
Future plans – If you may redecorate or move soon, limit permanent changes and pricier purchases.
Embracing Risk in Small Doses First
Taking small steps can help you gain confidence with bolder choices. Some low-risk ways to start include:
- Try bold wallpaper or paint in a powder room, mudroom or other small space first.
- Search for decor inspiration outside your comfort zone, but purchase just one item to try it out.
- Add an unexpected, colorful print on toss pillows, curtains panels, or area rugs. These can easily be switched out later.
- Repurpose or upcycle flea market finds by painting or reupholstering them in a modern, eye-catching way.
- Display vibrant art, sculptures or plants in bold containers for pops of color and interest.
Final Tips for Taking Decorating Risks
As you move beyond safe, mainstream decorating options, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a few focal points – Limiting bold color and prints to key items prevents a space from feeling busy or overwhelming.
- Repeat colors – Pull a bright or unexpected wall color into accessories, textiles and artwork for a unified, intentional look.
- Rethink neutrals – Instead of beige and tan, try warmer neutrals like navy or soft peach, or pale greens and grays.
- Mix patterns mindfully – Pair large and small prints, and limit patterns to 2-3 per room. Repeat colors to tie them together.
- Display cherished travel finds or gifts – Even if they seem loud or fanciful, these special items add personality.
The rewards of personalized spaces far outweigh the risks of decorating mistakes. Follow your instincts, evaluate choices wisely, and take small steps at first. Before long, you’ll have a home filled with spaces that spark joy and reflect your unique spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Risks
Should I consult with a professional before taking decor risks?
Not necessarily. While a designer can help avoid mistakes, you don’t need to spend money for permission to decorate boldly. Start with small affordable steps, evaluate choices carefully, and don’t be afraid to course correct.
What if I’m worried about resale value?
Personalized spaces often increase resale value, while cookie-cutter decor decreases it. For permanent changes, use high-quality materials and focus on timeless style versus fleeting trends.
How do I choose a bold wallpaper or paint color?
Start by pulling colors from existing items you already love in the space, like furniture or artwork. Then limit bold colors to one or two statement walls or key focal points in the room.
Should I match furniture and decor to my wall color?
It’s fine to mismatch furniture and wall colors. Repeating accents of your wall color in decor items and textiles can actually create anintentional, collected look.
I’m nervous about mixing colors and prints. What if it looks haphazard?
Stylish mixing requires limiting patterns and keeping a color palette cohesive. Start by repeating a bolder color in multiple prints and solids to tie the look together.
What’s the best way to display travel souvenirs or family heirlooms?
Embrace them! thoughtfully curated displays of items with personal history add warmth and personality to any space. Focus on items with visual interest and arrange them attractively.
In Conclusion
Stepping outside your comfort zone by taking thoughtful decorating risks pays off through rooms filled with style, personality and purpose. Stay mindful of permanence and cost, evaluate choices through a style lens rather than mass appeal, and take small steps at first. The end result will be a home that reflects who you are and what makes you happy, not trends or the safe status quo.
