5 Living Room Painting & Decorating Mistakes

Your living room is probably the most social and open space in your house, which is why it should be beautifully and appropriately styled. When decorating or repainting your living room, there's an endless number of mistakes you do, from using too many pertains and wrong colors to making the room feel cramped and uncomfortable.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we pride ourselves on transforming living spaces with our expert painting services and eye for design. Our team of seasoned professionals understands the nuances of color selection, the importance of high-quality finishes, and the impact of a well-executed paint job on the overall ambiance of your home. 

In this article, we will be sharing five of the biggest and most common mistakes many homeowners in Omaha, Nebraska make repeatedly. By reading this article, you can prepare for your upcoming living room redecorating or remodeling project.

Choosing the Wrong Interior Paint Colors

This is probably the biggest mistake many homeowners and some decorators make. This often happens as a result of only basing the choice of color on color chips, which can be quite misleading. You pick out a color from the strip at the store, thinking it will look perfect in your living room, and place your order with high hopes. But when you finally paint it on your walls, it doesn’t look the same as what you picked.

The lighting in your home, the size of the room, and even the existing decor can all affect how the color appears, leading to a disappointing result that can feel like a waste of time and money.

To avoid this, request the paint store to mix a small sample of your color of choice and go try it on a small area before making a full commitment. Paint a section of your wall and observe it at different times of the day to see how it looks under various lighting conditions.

Additionally, picking a color that doesn’t coordinate or clashes with the rest of the materials in the room is a quickly noticeable mistake. Ensure that the color is cohesive with your furniture, flooring, and other elements to create a cohesive and inviting space.

Following Interior Design & Paint Trends

There is nothing inherently wrong with following trends; in fact, keeping your repainting and decorating ideas updated can breathe new life into your living space and make it feel fresh and contemporary. Trends can provide inspiration and introduce you to new styles, colors, and design elements that you might not have considered otherwise.

However, many homeowners fall into the trap of trying to incorporate too many trends at once, which can result in a cluttered and disjointed look that detracts from the overall aesthetic of the room. Overloading your living room with trendy elements can make it feel chaotic and overwhelming, rather than stylish and cohesive.

Adhering to too many trends can quickly date your room. Trends are, by nature, fleeting and ever-changing. What is in vogue today might be out of style tomorrow. This means that if you heavily invest in trendy decor, you might find yourself needing to do extensive and expensive redecoration every time a major trend falls out of favor. This constant cycle of updating can be both financially and emotionally draining, as you struggle to keep up with the latest.

To avoid this, consider accessorizing with small, inexpensive items that can easily be swapped out when trends change. Think of things like throw pillows, vases, and picture frames—items that can add a touch of current style without overwhelming the room.

For the wall paint, neutral colors are always a safer bet because many of them are timeless and blend easily into other colors and styles. Neutral tones provide a versatile backdrop that allows you to experiment with trendy accents without committing to a full-scale overhaul. This approach ensures that your living room remains stylish and adaptable, regardless of changing trends.

Bulky Overhead Lighting in Living Room

This often makes the ceilings appear lower than they actually are and causes the rooms to look heavier and more confined, creating an oppressive atmosphere that can be quite uninviting.

Unless this effect is what you’re specifically aiming for, we strongly suggest that you avoid using such bulky overhead lighting fixtures. If your goal is to create a sense of lightness and spaciousness, it is best to steer clear of heavy, cumbersome fixtures.

Instead, opt for light fixtures with open designs and slim lines that allow light to flow freely and enhance the airy feel of the room. Consider using recessed lighting, pendant lights with minimalist designs, or even strategically placed floor lamps to achieve a bright and welcoming ambiance.

These choices not only help in maintaining the visual height of the ceilings but also contribute to a more modern and elegant look, making your living room feel more expansive and comfortable.

Going for the Showroom Look in Your Home

By “showroom look” I mean a living room that looks like everything was bought from the same place; furniture, decorations, fixtures, and so on. This often results in a space that feels overly coordinated and lacks individuality, making it appear more like a staged display than a lived-in home.

To avoid this, you can generate some character and interest by adding in a mix of elements to create a personalized and somewhat eclectic space. This approach not only adds depth and texture to your living room but also reflects your unique taste and personality.

Shop at different places, including local boutiques, antique shops, and online marketplaces, to find pieces that speak to you and complement each other without being overly matched. Leave some room in your budget for unique accessories, textiles, and lighting fixtures that can serve as conversation starters and focal points.

Consider incorporating items with different textures, patterns, and colors to create a layered and dynamic look. This way, your living room will feel more authentic and inviting.

Trying to Make Everything Match

While we’re not advocating that you go wild with colors and textures, trying to make everything in your living room match can make the room look uninteresting and featureless. A space where every element is too perfectly coordinated can lack the visual intrigue and depth that make a room feel inviting and dynamic.

Instead, aim to work with a color palette that includes just enough contrast, accent, and coordination where necessary. This approach allows for a cohesive yet lively environment. For instance, you can use an accent wall painted in a bold or complementary color to create a focal point that draws the eye and adds dimension to the room.

Additionally, incorporating a vintage object, such as an antique mirror, a unique piece of furniture, or a classic rug, can be a good starting point for choosing decor. 

Painting & Decorating Your Living Room

Repainting and decorating the living room can be quite intimidating and tricky, but if you avoid the above most common mistakes, you should be on your way to a beautiful looking interior.

But as earlier mentioned, if decorating, design and painting are not your strengths, you should consider hiring professionals like Brush & Roll Painting for your home interior painting needs. To get started, simply book a free estimate below or give us a call 402-932-9764 for more details.

If you need more paint color and design guidance, download your paint and design guide. This guide will help you find and select the right colors for your home, so you don't make any costly mistakes.