I was going to title this blog post- “4 Design Mistakes I have Made”. I actually think “mistakes” might be kind-of harsh. So I called it,”Four Design Lessons I have learned”! There is nothing to be embarrassed about with learning. For me the only way to learn and get better is through trial and error. And I still continue to learn about design daily, just through moving things around in our home. From getting the right curtain rods to how many accessories is too many. When I get asked- “how did you learn how to design”, it was honestly through practice! I started at a high-end design store when I was 15!!! My job was a design assistant, I would shadow the designers and see how they would do something then stand back and take away or add. I also practiced in the store. There probably hasn’t been a day since I was 15 that I have not practiced design. Today I am going to share a few design lessons I have learned!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post

1- Design Lesson- Wrong or No Window Treatments

Ok let me tell you the design lesson I have learned. Short curtain rods really don’t look good on all windows. I do think there are times they work. But when we moved into this home I went with two short curtain rods because it was cheaper than one long rod. Often when you get a new house you are spending so much money that you start to go cheap, when you should’t. I really just should have waited to do a full-size curtain rod, until I found the right one. We changed to a long curtain rod about a year ago and LOVE it so much more. While it didn’t look bad before, now it is just BETTER than it was before.

Window treatments do SO much for a room. I love to switch mine up seasonly. I was looking for a white curtain to add to our family room. Then I came across the new collection from Drew Barrymore and Walmart and fell in love!!! I saw THESE floral curtains in person when I got to preview the new Flower Collection, in New York. (You can see where I met Drew Barrymore HERE). I knew I wanted to use some of her new pieces in our home. They feel very vintage, yet modern. (They also come in a pillow too).

These floral window curtains are such nice quality!! They have inner lining, making them so they insulate the room and also look really full hanging on the rod. 

Above is what the room looked like with the dark curtains. See how just changing the curtains gives a totally different feel?

Below is what the room looked like with short curtain rods and really not the right color. I have since decided that a black curtain rod or a dark color add depth to a room. I personally think that a logout curtain rod looks best in a nursery or kids space. Take a look at your room and see if your room would look better with a dark rod. Spray paint could be your best friend! A dark curtain rod is like eyebrows on a face! 

2- Design Lesson- Not Allowing Room to Breath-

I have learned that while I do like a lot of accessories, I also know that rooms need some breathing space. Not every surface needs something on it. I like to do every other piece. And a busy spot like your entry, where things come in the door already feels messy. I like to do just a lamp and a piece of art. Try decorating your walls more than surface. I got THIS herb artwork  from the Drew Barrymore Collection with Walmart. I mixed the art through the room. Love how a collection of things, or pieces repeated can make your space feel cohesive.

Same with your coffee table. I keep its super simple. While I couldn’t do nothing. I like to do a plant and a book or two. 

Our piano is off of our entry so I stuck with just a plant or two and a lamp. Leaving the space empty that is close to the front door empty and not overwhelming. I have tried several things here and it always feels off to me and leaves me feeling claustrophobic. Less is more in an entry and a smaller home. Go for bigger pieces! I have THIS large pottery coming that I was planning on grouping with a plant for a little pop of color.  

3- Design Lesson- Not Designing with YOUR style

I can remember someone made a comment on one of my photos on Facebook. She said “too cluttered” or “too much stuff”. At first my feelings were hurt. I actually changed my style a little after I received that feedback (and a few other) without realizing it. I tried to be something I wasn’t. I look back at photos and I can totally tell when that comment was made. Our home did not reflect our style. I soon went back to my old ways:). 

You can find THIS set of four herb artwork in the new Flower Home Collection from Walmart. They are under $20 each! And really mix well with so many deign styles. Make them you by mixing them in with a gallery wall or a hanging basket on the wall.  

4- Design Lesson- Give Yourself Time-

I love to get a room DONE like know one else. But when it comes to art or some of the finishing pieces I think it is good to take your time. When we built our electric fireplace I was so excited to get it decorated. I had been looking for the right piece of art to put over the fireplace and to hang on either side of the fireplace. I just couldn’t find anything I loved. So rather than rushing to Home Goods, I took my time. I used what I had and left some space empty. 

I ended up recently hanging a mirror over the fireplace (it is out of stock). I found THIS mirror from Walmart that is really similar. I also layered one of the herb pieces of art over the mirror. 

Then I added a piece of art to the other side of the fireplace. I had hung frames on one side and just couldn’t decide on the other side. While it was fine with nothing, it feels more balanced now! I added THIS painting from The Flower Collection from Walmart!! I actually bought it for my hall. Then I tried it here and loved it. I like how it works with the busy ficus in front of it, feels part of the plant! It just took some time to find the right thing and that is ok! Plus- I am sure I will move it around after summer. 

Hopefully what I learned will help you in designing your own home. Remember how important the right window treatments are, give your space room to breath, design with your style and take your time!

Shop more of the Flower Collection HERE and you can Shop our Room HERE. 

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