Has this happened to you? You dedicate all of your time and energy (not to mention money) designing a room with the perfect color scheme, the perfect furniture, the perfect window treatments -- only to find that it still doesn't look quite right?

A common design mistake could be the culprit.

But there's hope! For every decorating mistake made, there is a lesson to be learned, and an even better home design to be created. I've collected some of the most common design mistakes and provided you with some creative ways to fix them.

Design Mistake #1: Bad Lighting
No matter how trendy your color scheme, no matter how fashion-forward your furniture, if you can't see it (or if the lighting is so poor it alters the look), you can't enjoy it.

How to Fix It:
First off, take advantage of your free lighting accessory - the sun! Effective window treatments that combine fashion and function are key to making the most of its' rays. Any shade or blind that allows you to control incoming light is going to help you out here: Shangri-La Sheer Horizontal Window Shadings and Stardust Sheer Verticals offer sheer window shade solutions that can be adjusted to control light. Woodwinds Plantation Shutters (pictured at left) also offer a classic look, with the ability to control the light that comes through.

And remember - don't limit any room to a solo light source. Add table and floor lamps, even when there is an overhead light fixture. This will not only give you more resources for brightening the room, it will also give you more options for changing the ambience.   

Design Mistake #2: Looking Up to Your Art
Many people try to balance out a room by placing their wall artwork high above their furniture. However, this often results in the pieces appearing to be "floating", creating a disorganized effect instead of the balanced, "put together" look that you probably desire.

How to Fix It:
Keep this in mind: wall decor should relate to the furniture below it. Some designers suggest that there should be anywhere from 66" to 72" from your floor to the top of any hanging wall art or pictures. Of course, there are always exceptions, but this is a good rule of thumb that will help you keep your artwork from floating away.

Design Mistake #3: Everything Matches!
While I wouldn't go so far as to say that clashing colors and furniture is in vogue, too much matching can actually be a design nightmare. When everything matches exactly, the viewer's eye is not drawn to any one thing in particular, which makes the room appear dull and lifeless. In addition, with no prominent, contrasting pieces to break up the monotony, a completely matching room can actually appear more cluttered.

How to Fix It:
Coordinate, don't duplicate. When choosing colors, furniture, or accessories, pick items that will blend well together but do not repeat themselves. Take a look at this example with window treatments: pictured at left, you'll see Shangri-La Sheer Horizontal Window Shadings paired up with Stardust Soft Sheer Verticals. The sheer textures and neutral colors coordinate beautifully, keeping the room interesting and light, without getting repetitive and boring.

No plans to replace that matching furniture suite? No problem! You can neutralize extreme matching by changing colors. Choosing a different wall color can tone down or unite the patterns.

Design Mistake #4: Choosing Quantity over Quality
This is one of the most common design mistakes, and often results in over furnishing, over accessorizing, and way too many knick-knacks. It works against a unified look for a room, as every space becomes crowded with tiny accessories and picture frames. In moderation, these accessories accent a room - but their overuse can make a room feel crowded, cramped, and disjointed.

How to Fix It:
Buy design pieces because you love them, not because they're on sale. (Admit it, we've all done it) And if you can't afford that gorgeous large wall hanging yet, don't purchase small candle holders and picture frames instead. Wait and save up! Your room decor will thank you for it.

And organize your must-have accessories by grouping smaller things together for a more unified look. Display one group at a time, and you'll have plenty of ways to refresh your decor each season!

Design Mistake #5: I Just Want to Get it Done!
Home decorating takes time, exploration and research, but too often people make decisions too quickly, without testing the possibilities or researching various options. This can lead to paint colors or furniture that doesn't look right, or even worse, an ignoring of your own personal style in an effort to get it done.

How to Fix It:
Test, explore, and research! And when you've done all that, listen to your gut! Many online tools that can help, like MyStyle, an online guide to design styles, based on YOUR personal preferences.

This article was provided by Comfortex Window Fashions.