Your home is not only a financial investment but also the place you spend most of your time. From sleeping and dining to entertaining friends and family, your home should be both functional and appealing. Of course, decorating a house can be overwhelming for many people, but help is available. If you want to improve the flow, style, appeal, and value of your home, here are a few common residential interior design mistakes you should avoid.

Decorating In Someone Else's Style

Visit your local home décor shop or discount retailer and you will see a large number of attractive furniture pieces, linens, wall décor, and decorative accessories. While they are sufficient for most home décor, these pieces may not align with you and your family's specific style and personality.

One of the worst mistakes you can make when decorating your home is using someone else's design style. Your home is your castle, so it should be decorated in your style using your specific likes and personality. This will ensure your home is comfortable for you and your family, but it will also help showcase you and your family's unique personalities.

Choosing the Wrong Size Rug

Rugs are important for a few reasons. While they are great for creating a plush surface against wood or tile floors, rugs also define specific spaces in your home. In addition, rugs can be used to pull decorative looks and colors together with ease. Unfortunately, the wrong size rug will reduce the appeal and function of this imperative decorative accessory.

When choosing the right size rug for a space, focus on your furniture's set up. On average, most people choose a 6x9, 8x10, or 9x12 rug for their living room space, but you should make sure there is 4 to 8 inches of bare floor space around each side of the rug.

In a dining room, the rug should be larger than the actual table and enough space for the actual chairs. For a bedroom, make sure the area rug sits a few inches out from each side of the bed.

Not Having Enough Light

Light is also an important factor to consider when decorating your home. However, most homes do not have adequate lighting, which makes the space look dull and dark.

A key rule to remember is that an overhead light fixture is not going to be enough to light up a room. Therefore, you need to incorporate other light fixtures, such as recessed lights in the ceiling, accent lights, and lamps into the room's design.

Also, allow natural light into your space. Instead of heavy drapes and shades, consider sheer curtains, blinds, and plantation shutters which can be opened during the day to allow in natural light.