Outsourcing home decorating can be expensive, not to mention impersonal, so it’s no surprise many people choose to do it themselves. While it can be fun to choose colors, fabrics and furniture, there are several things to be aware of to make sure you don’t regret not finding professional help. Here are three common rookie mistakes made by many beginner home decorators.

Not testing paint beforehand

Repainting a room’s walls can be the best way to breathe fresh life into older houses or change the ambiance of a room if you decide you need to shake things up. With mini paint samples available when selecting colors, there’s no reason not to buy a few of your favorites and test them out on your walls beforehand. A color that may look awesome in a magazine or store can vary dramatically in your own home. The size of room, furniture and light all affect the overall appearance of the final result. By testing out a few different colors and seeing what they look like after a couple of coats and at different times of the day, it’s easier to see which color works best in your specific room.

Not matching colors and patterns

In terms of paint and furniture, fabrics and even appliances, choosing two or three colors as your room’s “palette” is a great way to create cohesiveness and depth. This works especially well for making smaller rooms look larger, as drawing attention to specific dimensions with a hodge-podge of colors breaks the illusion of size created by cohesive colors. That’s definitely not to say you need to stick to monochrome palettes, as mixing whites or blacks with statement shades of red, for example, can help make a room pop. Make sure you don’t overlook choices of smaller items too. Matching coffee machines and blenders can be the cherry on the cake of a beautifully coordinated kitchen.

Creating a fussy look

Depending on your tastes, you may prefer a modern look with clean lines and blocks of color, or to add depth with traditional upholstery patterns. Whatever your preference, make sure you don’t sabotage an otherwise tasteful room by filling it with too much junk. Keeping surfaces as clear of stuff as possible is key to avoiding fussiness. Consider, for example, the difference between a mantel full to the brim with knick-knacks, and one with a couple of your favorite souvenirs which draws more attention to each piece and showcases your personality properly. Prioritizing your best things and keeping other objects tidied away in boxes and closets is usually the way to go. As an added bonus, it’s far easier to clean if there’s less stuff to move around.

Those looking to decorate their own homes shouldn’t panic too much about getting things wrong. With proper research and by keeping these basics in mind, it’s easy to save money and have more fun choosing your own color schemes and room layouts. Home decorating gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, so have fun, plan properly and enjoy your upgraded abode.

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Welcome home! This well maintained and regularly serviced 4 bedroom 1930s home that has stayed within 3 generations of the same family is up for grabs! Bring your vision as you step into this gorgeous home with original trim and French doors between the dining and living rooms, 9' ceilings, strong bones, welcoming front porch, and relaxing 3 seasons patio. Replacement windows allow for plenty of natural light. The open floor plan basement houses the laundry, sink, and toilet. An oversized 2 car detached garage goes perfect with the brick home as well as four additional rock parking spaces- two on the west and 2 on the northeast of the house. A smaller shed that was once used as a smoke house and garden tools storage is next to the detached. More! A 1.90 acre lot is included to do with as you please! There is a partial chainlink fence lining the three sides of the rear half of the lot. Tall cedars line a part of the the west for privacy.

$219,000 Active

1281 E 2nd Avenue Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,250 SqFt 1.900 Acres

Listing courtesy of Keasha Fromme from Carpenter Realty LLC.

This nice, well kept home in the heart of Huntingburg is sure to please. There are two bedrooms on the main level, and large bedroom upstairs. The custom headboard and built-in bunk stay with the house. The oversized living room and dining area have beautiful hardwood floors. Upstairs is a den that is currently being used as a 4th bedroom. The basement provides an abundance of storage, and has direct access to the garage. Outside is a child's paradise with large yard and basketball goal with concrete pad.

$174,900 Active

105 E 1st Street Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,080 SqFt 0.290 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Lukemeyer from F.C. TUCKER EMGE.

Welcome home to Huntingburg's desirable Hunter's Crossing neighborhood! This pristine 1564 square foot ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with a thoughtfully designed layout. The open concept design and vaulted ceilings in the living and kitchen areas add to the spacious feel of this home. The living area has large windows which overlook the stunning in-ground pool. A gas fireplace with floor to ceiling stone surround makes an impressive statement in the living area. The living area is open to the kitchen which has an island with sink and dishwasher for convenience. The kitchen has beautiful granite countertops, stainless appliances, and space above the cabinets for decor. Off the kitchen is the lovely dining area, which also overlooks the pool and has a door that opens to the covered patio. The owner's suite which is off the living area also overlooks the pool and has vaulted ceilings. An ensuite bath off the owner's suite has a jetted tub, walk-in shower, and huge walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second full bath are on the opposite side of the home for more privacy. A nice laundry room is off the foyer and leads to the two-car garage with extra space. Out back, the 18'x36' in-ground saltwater pool with automatic cover and heater makes this home an absolute perfect place to entertain! A large patio and beautiful black metal fence surround the pool area. There is also a covered patio as well for enjoying the outdoors in the shade. A large back yard and nice utility shed rounds out this perfect property. Extremely budget-friendly utilities are a plus at this home. Budget for utilities including electric, gas, water, and sewer is only $268/month. Hurry or you will miss your chance at this lovely home that is convenient to everything!

$319,900 Active

210 W Stellar Way Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,564 SqFt 0.300 Acres

Listing courtesy of Jennifer Fritz Wahl from ERA FIRST ADVANTAGE REALTY, INC.

3 Rookie Mistakes When Home Decorating