What’s the most challenging part of decorating for you? There always seems to be a few areas that aren’t as comfortable as others. Many of these challenges are voiced when I visit people’s homes to help them with their decorating. Some people seem to know exactly what their issues are, but some aren’t so sure. A great way to assess the challenges, is to look at the home with fresh eyes, as if you’re walking into it for the first time, or walking into another persons house (we always seem to find their problems, lol). What bothers you? Identify the trouble spots. List them so they seem tangible and real. When you’re aware of the problems, then you can work toward ways of correcting them.
Here’s my top 10 list of decorating challenges, starting with the most “thought provoking”… (click on photos to enlarge)
1. Picking the right paint colors for one space or an entire house.
2. Picking the right window treatments for function, beauty and how/where to hang them.
3. Space planning and room arranging.
4. Blending colors, patterns and textures.
5. Decorating with the correct scale of furnishings and accessories.
6. Mixing and blending pieces with different styles.
7. Flooring options.
8. Lighting for ambience.
9. Accessorizing.
10. Knowing when enough is enough. Eliminating clutter.
These are a few I’ve encountered in my experience. Are any of these your Achilles heel, or, what others have you experienced? We’d love to know what your decorating challenges are and if others can relate or have the same.
A challenge does not have to be a bad thing. It can be a call to action that can cultivate creativity, engage excitment, broaden horizons, find and define your style. Embrace and identify those challenges and turn them into decorating conquests! Fight on!
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1. My biggest challenges are time, energy and money (thankfully your site provides many answers for the money part).
That is what we need though….someone we trust to come in and list areas of improvement….my list would be a long one.
Actually I do know where I would work….
IF I ONLY HAD TIME!
Thanks for all your motivating ideas!
by Julie — 9/6/09 at 9:17 pm #
2. All of the above? LOL. Good list, Cathy.
My biggest problem is knowing EXACTLY what I want and not being able to find it. Customization would solve this problem but my budget leans toward household items that are mass produced. This means I have lots of areas of my home that are awaiting completion with items that exist only in my imagination. But gives me a good excuse to spend hours browsing the stores.
by Joan — 9/9/09 at 9:48 am #
3. Hey Joan,
I can relate! We get an idea of what we want in our mind and then can’t find it, or if we do then it costs too much. I guess we have to be flexible.
Have 3 plans. One we really want now (but can’t afford), one that’s OK and will work for now, or work slowly toward our goal and resist instant gratification. I’ve done all three! I guess it comes down to self control lol.
Good luck with your decorating…it’s challenging, but anything worthwhile usually is.
by Cathy — 9/10/09 at 12:34 pm #
4. I think most of the things you listed are my challenges! One major problem I have is knowing how (and if I can) to mix furniture I buy at different times, from different places and different colors, especially wood. Does all of the wood need to match? In my kitchen everything is natural oak, the cabinets, banister, table etc. I want to get a little bench/storage piece to put by the garage door, but I don’t know what color to get it?
Often I just get overwhelmed and end up not doing anything, if only I had your talent!
by Rachel — 9/12/09 at 11:40 pm #
5. Hi Julie, #1
Yes, energy, time and/or money always seem to hurdles to the decorating process. Work toward a goal slowly and those 3 challenges usually can be controlled. Do a little at a time so energy, time, and money will stretch and it will get done within your parameters.
There’s no hurry for good design, do it on your terms.
Great to hear from you and thanks for your nice comments.
LYC
by Cathy — 9/14/09 at 1:20 pm #
6. Hey there Rachel,
Thanks so much. Don’t feel overwhelmed, just go back an reassess and rethink. Mixing furnishings is a great way to have an interesting interior. Especially wood pieces in the house. I love a mix of dark, light and in between finishes on wood pieces. You don’t have to match all your finishes to your permanent wood elements. For your bench, you could go a dark finish or a painted finish on the bench. Mixing is much more interesting and has a wonderful collected look and feel.
If it’s something you love and feel comfortable with, then it will usually blend nicely with what you have.
Have fun decorating your darling house and don’t be afraid to mix it up.
LYC
by Cathy — 9/14/09 at 1:47 pm #
7. Hi, I have always mixed up my woods and styles(thanks to my mom who read every magazine + catalog known to woman.) So I have eclectic, antique, shabby, country, traditional, French, primitive, etc., and everyone always says my home is so cozy.
But, I have this problem…it’s this corner fireplace, and not being able to place the sofa on a wall. It’s just something I have to live with, and work around but any suggestions or ideas would be apprecitated. 
Thanks.
by Barb — 9/15/09 at 2:15 pm #
8. Yes, I have encountered all of the above. The problem for me is mostly money and time. I have a vision of how I want things to look and I want to do it all at once. When I try to execute the plan it doesn’t seem to come out the way I visioned it.
by Janekia — 9/15/09 at 2:49 pm #
9. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and your ideas. You are a blessing!
Question- regarding draperies–
I am attempting doinga coastal chic feel” and would like to know where I can get those color block curtains? That picture with the beige, blue and brown is what I am going for–or color blocks with sandy tones and blues.
Thanks
Regina
by regina — 9/15/09 at 3:08 pm #
10. Hi Barb,
It sounds like your home is a wonderful mix of beautiful elements. That gives a home great personality. Your Mom taught you well.
Corner fireplaces can be a bit of a challenge. If your room is large enough you might try arranging the seating grouping on a diagonal, perpendicular to the fireplace. Use an area rug on the angle to solidify the group and repeat that angle. Set the sofa in front of the fireplace (on angle) and maybe two chairs on either side. Then the fireplace remains the focal point in the room. If that doesn’t work, draw a simple space plan of the room and the large furniture pieces in it (to scale). Then move the pieces around in the plan to see what functions and looks the best. Sometimes it’s much easier to view the problem in smaller scale and look at many options, than trying to figure it out in actual size.
Here’s the link on space planning you might want to check out…
http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2009/01/03/space-planning-101/
Enjoy your wonderful COZY home and do some space planning to find that best room arrangement.
by Cathy — 9/16/09 at 12:32 pm #
11. Hello Janekia,
Yes, time and money do have to spoil all our fun. lol. It’s good to have a vision of your plan, then you have ideas rolling around in your head of what you’d like. The thing that helps me, is to plan each step and not rush into anything. Get it down on paper first. Find samples, figure costs and proceed by the plan. Then you can work at your own pace and stay within your budget. Working slowly and by the plan seems to eliminate many mistakes so you are more satisfied with the final results.
Have fun decorating, it’s always rewarding in the end.
by Cathy — 9/16/09 at 6:24 pm #
12. Thanks so much Regina,
I’m glad you liked the draperies in the picture. Those draperies I had custom made for my client who also had a coastal style of design in her home. If you can’t find the color combination you like in ready mades, then custom draperies are a perfect choice. They do cost more, but if you sew or have a friend sew them, costs can be kept down. Just make sure you line them so they function, hang, and look custom.
As for locating tri-color draperies, you might try online and Google “tri-color or color blocked draperies”. You might get lucky and find the color combination you like, ready made. I wish you luck. They are a great look and make a big statement on the windows and in the room.
Stop back soon and keep me posted on what you find.
by Cathy — 9/16/09 at 6:41 pm #
13. My major problem at the moment is how to best display a number of pieces of pottery in a low bay window. The pieces are of various colors, sizes and shapes. Mostly vases, pots, bowls and a couple of small dishes. None are more than 12″ high. I want them displayed in the window, but it seems there must be a better way to do it than just sticking them there on the window seat. Besides, I’d like to get them out of reach of my active and somewhat aggressive pug who likes to bark out the window at all things real or imagined! Does anyone have any ideas?
by Nancy — 9/29/09 at 3:54 pm #
14. I am trying to see what sofas that are sold at the Home Goods stores, but I haven’t been able to bring anything up on the screen that shows the item by itself. HELP
by Kathy in VA — 9/30/09 at 9:37 pm #
15. I also have a design dilemma & am curious if there are any other ideas on how to approach the situation.
I have a large great room that serves as my living room & dining room…I have two very large..and very blank walls that are opposite each other and don’t have any clue what sort of wall art to put up, and still keep things tied in together. One wall is 22ft long & the other is 19ft.
If anyone has any thoughts, I am open to suggestions.
by Julie — 10/1/09 at 2:29 pm #
16. Hello Nancy,
Your vases and pottery sound wonderful and what a great place to display them in, a bay window. You didn’t state how wide your bay is, but if it’s not too wide, have 2 or 3 clear glass shelves cut to fit the height and width of the window. Then add the pottery on the glass shelves in a decorative way. (display only your best pieces so it doesn’t look too cluttered).
Then your view will not be totally obstructed, but your pottery will be showcased in the window at different levels. Or you can do a similar thing with a clear glass shelving unit set in the window.
Hope that was helpful to you.
Enjoy your home and collection of pottery and hug the pug!
by Cathy — 10/1/09 at 4:20 pm #
17. Sorry Kathy,
HomeGoods does not sell merchandise online. You can put your zip code in the “find a store” at the top of the page to find a store near you.
Hope that will help you.
by Cathy — 10/3/09 at 11:31 am #
18. Hello Julie,
Your home sounds lovely with the large scale architecture. But, decorating can be a challenge, especially your large wall areas. With large walls, you need to think large scale. A great way to add interest and fill the scale of any wall is to use art. You can hang a large piece of art or you can add multiple like pieces to make one large statement without
looking busy or cluttered. This is called “Series Art”
I wrote a blog on this, titled “Big Wall Try Series Art”. This application would work well on one of your walls. Here’s the link…
http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2008/01/05/big-wall-try-series-art/
On the other wall, you could hang a large mirror over a long console and add sconces on the sides or two tall trees on either side of the console to fill the length. Or have a large tall built-in bookshelf fill up the wall. Or even paint the wall an accent color and that can act as large art. Maybe, hang a large textile, quilt, artsy rug, tapestry, etc.
Look in some decorating magazines and see how designers approach big walls. You’ll get some inspiration there as well.
Enjoy your beautiful home.
by Cathy — 10/3/09 at 12:01 pm #
19. I have a modern open-floor plan and a wonderful maize colored linen couch in my living room that matches the wall-to-wall rug almost too perfectly. My walls are medium tan with white trim. I love the simple look but it’s time to add more seating in the room. I’m on the hunt for two additional chairs that will coordinate well. Recently, I found a set of dark brown leather chairs but am not sure how leather and linen will look in the same room. Should I stick to fabric covered chairs? Appreciate your opinions.
by Maria — 10/20/09 at 1:22 pm #
20. Hello Maria,
Your home sounds beautiful and love your calming room colors.
I don’t see why you couldn’t add some leather chairs. Both leather and linen are natural materials. Very compatable. Also the mix of texture is nice as well as a darker color in the chairs lend some contrast in the room. My only concern is with style. If your room is formal, leather sometimes conveys a more casual feel, unless it’s upholstered on more formal chairs.But, if your room is more relaxed and less formal, I think the leather chairs would look great. Then, you could also bring a simple patterned fabic, in browns, maize, tan in, to unify the colors and feel, with pillows on the seating, drapery, and a throw.
Bottom line…go for the leather chairs and add your fabic with pillows, drapery etc. It will look great and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
Thanks so much for your question, enjoy that beautiful room.
by Cathy — 10/23/09 at 12:18 pm #
21. Hi, Cathy!
I haven’t been around lately because I have been busy with family and projects. This evening I had a chance to browse, and I noticed your post about Decorating Challenges. I certainly have one, and I think it fits under the accessorizing category. I rearrange my furniture during the winter months, and it means that the couch must be under a tall, narrow window. There is about eight feet of wall space on either side of this window, and nothing I put in this space seems to look right. This wall is to the right of the fireplace wall. The fireplace walls is painted red with an ebony mantle. Above the fireplace I have an ebony-framed mirror and sitting on either side of the mantle is a pair of tall silver-based buffet lamps, with black and white toile shades. Also, on the antique trunk turned coffee table, I have three tall ebony candlesticks with red candles. So I don’t think I need sconces on the walls on either side of the window. The room has a French feel. I have thought of using shutters on either side of the window, perhaps painted black. I have thought of vertical iron wall grilles but they are expensive. Could you suggest something that will be doable before the holidays? I might mention that the fireplace wall is the ONLY one that is red. Should I paint the wall behind the couch red also? My couch is in a camel-colored microsuede, and it looks a little blah against the cream wall. My floors are in a medium wood laminate. Thanks for your help.
by Janice — 11/21/09 at 12:45 am #
22. Hi Cathy,
The most challenging task for me WAS hanging wall decor. Luckily, I found Accuhang some time ago. Now I myself place Accuhang brackets on all wall decor that I buy from you and other stores. I even weld those brackets to decor pieces made with metal. It’s so easy to hang decor with Accuhang hanging guides and my wall decorations are kept on the wall safely and in the same positions I placed them.
Why don’t you use Accuhang on your wall decor?
Cheers,
Gaston
by Gaston — 11/22/09 at 10:10 am #
23. Hello Janice my friend,
It’s great to hear from you! Sounds like you’re rearranging the living room for the Holidays. I remember your style well. Really cute, fabulous, black, red and white French.
I have a few ideas for your wall with window and sofa in front…
1. Since you might want a little red over there behind the sofa, can you hang 2 long red drapery panels from a black iron rod and rings. Hang them out on either side of the window on the wall area maybe 18′-24″ on each side. This will make the window look much wider and add the color you want. That might be enough to add the interest and color on that wall.
2. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy some tall wood garden trellis’s (lattice panels) and paint them black or red to hang on either side of the window, like open shutters or out on the wall as wall decor. These will fill the wall nicely and add some pattern, color and interest. These look great as -is, but If you have room behind the sofa on a sofa table, set two pots of ivy growing up the trellis ,or 2 tall topiaries on front of the trellis.
3.Maybe set two tall skinny buffet lamps on a sofa table or sconce shelves on either side of the window.
4. FInd some wall hanging vases and set tall open winter branches in two of them, on either side of the window. Add some red color with pillows on the sofa or a big red throw over the back of the sofa for color.
5. Add panel moulding painted black or white in two tall rectangles on the wall on either side of the window and inside of the moulding paint red. Hang a sconce, wreath, candlesconces, or plates etc. in the panel.
Well, there’s a few to mull over. Let me know what you decide to do. It will be great whatever YOU do.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with you family and friends. Talk to you soon.
by Cathy — 11/25/09 at 5:31 pm #
24. Hi there Gaston,
I will certainly check out “Accuhang”. They sound pretty neat. Anything to make hanging things easier is worth checking out. It sound’s like you’ve had some good experience’s with them.
Thanks for sharing and jumping in on the blog!!
Cheers back!!
by Cathy — 11/25/09 at 5:39 pm #
25. Cathy, you have the most wonderful ideas!! Thanks so much! Let me tell you what I had thought about doing, and perhaps you can tell me if this will work or not. I have enough red paint left from the focal one (the fireplace wall which is the only one painted red) that I can paint the wall behind the couch. That way, the couch won’t blend into the beige walls. In my decorating stash, I discovered two rather large black wrought iron sconces. On one side of the window, I could hang these in a staggered pattern, and use white candles. I also found a wrought iron shelf that I’d forgotten that I had. I could put that on the other side of the window and, for Christmas, put a Fitz & Floyd Santa on it. This would balance out the sconces on the other side. A friend offered me some old shutters that she has. I thought about putting one shutter panel to each side of the window, and painting them black. Of course, the sconces and the iron shelf would be on the wall space that is next to the shutters. As I said, I have the red paint already, a friend is giving me shutters, and I have the iron decorative items. DH said he has never seen anyone use shutters on either side of a window. But I remember Kitty Bartholomew doing that in a guest room. In fact, it was a French room, and I remember the shutters being blue. So, I KNOW one other person in the world has done this! (smiles) So, out of all the options you presented to me — and those I told you about — which do you think is the best solution. I plan to get started right away. Oh, yes, I loved your idea about plates. But I already have 3 black and white Spode plates, hung vertically on one side of the mirror, which is above the fireplace. Again, thank you so very much. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
by Janice — 11/26/09 at 10:49 pm #
26. Hey Janice,
You have some great ideas and things to work with. I think painting that wall red sounds great and will work well with the fireplace red wall. I like your wrought iron sconces, shelf and shutters. Now, how to combine them in a visually pleasing manner? OK here’s an idea… On your red wall behind the sofa, paint the shutters in a white/cream color. Hang them on either side of the window. Then hang the black wrought iron sconces in the center of the shutters (layered). Then hang the iron shelf above the window and decorate it with Christmas. That way you are making a big impact in one area and it’s not spread all over the wall. Or, hang the shutters further away from the window on the wall (as wall hangings) and add the sconces the same way, in the center of them. Fills the wall more that way.
Just a few ideas, I like yours as well if the wall area is wide enough. I just like the symmetry if you have 2 of each thing.
What do you think?
by Cathy — 12/1/09 at 3:03 pm #
27. I think that sounds like a plan, Cathy! And, I’m going to dress that wall exactly as you’ve said. The only other thing I’d like to ask you about is the actual window treatment. I plan to use a black and white toile valance above the window. Will that be too casual? The windows are “paned” and you see the river through the one that is above the couch, the minute you enter the room. I’ve always heard that the view takes precedence over any focal point — unless, it is a fireplace. So since I plan to use the shutter idea, a valance is the best choice for a window treatment, right? So, even if I have more elegant things in the room — like silver candlesticks, a French print, the Spode plates — can I still use valances?
by Janice — 12/2/09 at 12:34 am #
28. It’s me again, Cathy. I failed to mention that the iron shelf wouldn’t work above the window because it is a semi-circle shelf. That is, the shelf part is a piece of wood that has been cut in half, and it is supported by iron brackets. That’s the reason I’m thinking that black and white toile valances would work as a topper for the window, combined with the shutters, of course. Would it be better that I forfeit the idea about the shutters and just use black and white toile panels at the window? I guess I’m feeling they would be too formal and, as I said, I want the view to be the main thing. I think you use valances in your bedroom, don’t you? How do you determine when a valance is the best treatment or when panels are the better choice? I have such a problem with this. Thanks again.
by Janice — 12/2/09 at 1:29 am #
29. Hi Janice,
My first choice for window treatments, especially in a living room is full length drapery (stationary panels or functioning panels). It just gives that room a sophistication and formality even casual rooms need. This of course depends on wall space, and other elements that dictate what style can be used. A valance treatment I usually try to use on small windows or where there is little or no wall space, or in less formal rooms. I think your shutters and sconces would be fine by themselves without the valance. But if you like it, give it a try. What do you have on other windows in the room?
I know you want to preserve the view. If you hang full length panels on the window, hang them way out on the wall area ( 18-24″ each side) and cover only about 1-2 ” of window with the leading edge of the drape. Then your window will look twice as large, you’ll fill the wall area nicely behind the sofa, and you’ll keep your view.
The shutters or the drapery should work well. I’m not quite feeling the valance with the shutters, but that’s just me. Simplicity sometimes makes more of a statement than too much of a good thing. But, I’m always open to new ideas and it could look fine.
Thoughts??
by Cathy — 12/4/09 at 2:16 pm #
30. Cathy, I do have enough wall space on either side of the window to use drapery panels. Although the windows are not wide (probably 34 inches), they are tall, going almost to the floor. Of course, on the window that is above the couch, you can’t tell how far it goes to the floor, because the bottom half of it is blocked by the couch. Part of my problem is not knowing whether to use drapery panels or a valance. The more I think about it, I feel that the drapery panels might solve the entire problem. That is, they would fill the wall space on either side of the windows, if I hang them as you suggested. Plus, they would give a more softer look than a valance, and I would have the option of closing them, if I wanted, although privacy is not an issue. As I said, I just thought panels were for more formal rooms. The whole shutter and valance idea has been bothering me. And, I think, that is because that is not the treatment I should be going for. Since I have black and white toile valances already, I’m going to use one above my kitchen window. Remember, I have red walls and a black and white checked backsplash (like yours). In addition, my dining chairs have seats upholstered in a small black and white check. So, using the valances in the kitchen would make good use of them, don’t you think? You asked about the other window in the living room. It is directly across the room from the couch. Both windows in the room are the same size. But the “other window,” the one NOT behind the couch, doesn’t have a lot of wall space on either side. A desk sits to one side, and a TV is angled on the other side, in the corner. Drapery panels would have to be really squeezed, to fit on either side of this window. After hearing all this, what do you think, Cathy? Thanks again!
by Janice — 12/4/09 at 3:01 pm #
31. P.S. Can one use two different window treatments within the same room . For instance, drapery panels on the wall behind the couch and a valance treatment on the window across the room, which has very little wall space on either side?
by Janice — 12/4/09 at 3:17 pm #
32. Hey Janice,
I do think the long drapery panels, hung out on the wall, might be the way to go for you. Like I said, they will fill the wall nicely, add the color and pattern you wanted , keep your view, and add sophistocation. I always love drapery, even in very casual rooms. It completes the feel and adds a warmth and style to the room. Yes, you can mix different styles of window treatments in one room, just use the same fabrics. I did this in my room because I didn’t have the wall space for drapery on a smaller window. Check out my blog on this idea…
http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2009/10/25/no-sew-valance-on-a-dime/
Also hang them high on the wall as well as out on the wall. This will make that window look huge. Check out this post on hanging drapery…
http://openhouse.homegoods.com/index.php/2008/05/04/hang-em-high/
SO, I think this is your solution. Hang the long drapery (even if it’s behind the sofa) and add a valance, shade, or top treatment to the other small window. It will look great and give you the “interest” you want on that wall and tie in that other window.
Yes, you can use your toile valances in your kitchen. And/or press them and make a table runner out of them.
Do you think that will work for you?
by Cathy — 12/9/09 at 3:18 pm #
33. That indeed will work for me!!! Thank you so much for solving my problem. I kept thinking valances because the “other” window — the one not behind the couch — didn’t have enough wall space for panels. I just didn’t realize that one could have two different window treatments in the same room. I’m so happy you have solved this issue for me. I hope Santa is very good to you! Thanks again, my friend.
by Janice — 12/9/09 at 6:17 pm #
34. I’m sorry, I keep forgetting things I want to ask. Since the couch will be under the window which has the black and white toile panels, what color throw pillows do you suggest? Should I use sold red pillows, maybe red and white toile ones, solid black and red ones, or something wild like zebra? That is my last issue, and I think I will have this room exactly like I want it.
by Janice — 12/9/09 at 6:22 pm #
35. Janice,
I’m glad those window treatments will work for you. I think you’ll be really happy with how it makes the room look and feel. I always love simple drapery. It completes the room and gives it that aire of sophistication. Yes, you can mix styles, but keep the fabrics the same to unify the two in the same room.
As for what to put on the cream sofa, I like the solid red to bring some of your red over to the space. Then add your zebra throw over the arm or fold the thow to one end of the sofa, add a red pillow on top and another red pillow on the other side. Pretty chic and classy! I think that could look great. What do you think?
I hope Santas good to you too. I have my letter in to him, we’ll see if he can fire up the sleigh and get moving, LOL.
Talk soon.
by Cathy — 12/11/09 at 1:13 am #
36. rug runner…
Your post on Top 10 Decorating Challenges | HomeGoods Openhouse was an interesting read when I was looking for rug runner information….
by rug runner — 4/3/10 at 1:34 pm #
37. Thanks rug runner, i”m glad you enjoyed it!
by Cathy — 4/5/10 at 3:44 pm #