We have all made a few bad decor decisions, especially when it comes to shopping, that we would like to forget. Here the DailyFix team rounds up some seriously bad decor habits to keep in mind when you next hit the stores.

1. Buy before relaxing. 

We are all about online shopping for great decor pieces. These days most stores have an amazing e-commerce site and we love the unusual finds that make their way onto our Pinterest boards. Shop away except (and that is a big except) when it comes to your big, relaxing buys like your couch or bed. Why do we say to stay away from online for these big ticket items? A couch and a bed have got to be comfy… make sure you sit, lie, put your feet up, put your feet down etc etc before you make this big purchase. Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable couch or a bed that you need to replace immediately.

2. Test your paint

The paint (and fabric for that matter) swatches always look completely different in store than they will on your wall. Make sure you buy a test pot of paint and do a test on the actual wall that you wish you repaint. Remember each surface is different, each room has different lighting, no paint will ever look exactly the same in two spaces so make sure you are happy before buying litres and litres and painting  the entire house.

3. Avoid the catalogue look

Yes, we agree each store’s catalogue looks great and we all think to ourselves, “how can I make my lounge look like that?” The answer is not to buy everything from one store and copy the catalogue pages exactly. Yes, be inspired but no one wants their guests to walk into their home and wonder whether this is your new lounge or a Mr Price showroom. Mix and match from different stores will mean giving your space it’s own unique sense of design.

4. Listen to your gut

Remember you are the one that is going to have to live with the new piece that you buy, so don’t let anyone talk you into purchasing something with which you are not 100% happy. Sales people can be persuasive, as can mothers, husbands and even daughters! Stick to your gut.

5. Take your time

A good space takes time, pieces are found with love and care, not in one morning at your closest mall. Yes, you want to change up a room today but in order to not get decor fatigue, take your time, search for those interesting, unique pieces. If you have a specific idea in your head, plan it and look for your items that will give your space satisfaction. A good space was never designed, and items purchased in one day… it just doesn’t happen.

Words: Cheska Stark

Image: 79Ideas