The Most Common DIY Home Decor Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

by Carolyn Andrews 01/09/2022

The process of creating your own home decor is exciting, but you are going to want the hard work and effort that you put into these projects to be the worthwhile in the end. The last thing that you want is to make an avoidable mistake during the process that ends up compromising the entire plan.

These are the most common DIY home decor mistakes and how you can avoid them:

Forgetting to Measure Twice and Cut Once

Measuring seems like it would be the simplest step in any project, but it's easily the most common mistake with DIY home decor. Whether you are working with paper, wood or fabric, it's imperative that you double-check your measurements before you make that final cut. You can't put the material back together, and if it doesn't fit properly, you will have to start over in order to finish the project correctly.

Hanging Homemade Art Work Too High

Once you have finished the DIY wall art for your bedroom or living room, you are going to be antsy to hang it on the wall and display it with pride. However, avoid hanging it too high on the wall. Far too many people simply take a guess and put a nail in the wall only to find that the work is hanging too high. Most experts recommend hanging any type of art, including DIY art, at eye level so that it can be enjoyed by anyone who enters the room.

Making Too Many Accessories for the Same Room

Any room in your house should have a mix of decor - ranging from large fixtures as well as small accent pieces. Making too many accents or decor accessories for the same room can result in a room that feels cluttered and chaotic. Avoid this mistake by choosing one or two projects for each room in your home rather than always opting for DIY decor ideas that can only go in one specific room.

Starting the Project Before Choosing a Theme

Most DIY decor projects are going to serve as a detail in the larger plan for any room, so it's important that you decide on the color palette or theme for the room before you start buying the materials for your next DIY adventure. It is better to take it slow and make sure there is a plan in place before you start working on your next craft.

Taking on a Project that is Too Challenging for Your Skill Level

It's very easy to look at a finished product and think that you could do that on your own. However, it's important that you consider your own experience and skill level before you take on a DIY project. Read the instructions for the project thoroughly and make sure that you feel confident completing each step before you begin.

Now that you are aware of some of the mistakes that are easy to make when you are taking on a new DIY home decor project, you can be mindful and avoid them as you begin to work on your next piece. When you head into the project being both aware and prepared, you will move smoothly from step to step and avoid the frustrations that others have endured before you.

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Andrews

Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.