Your living room is the heart of your home—a space for comfort, connection, and personal style. But even the most well-intentioned decorating plans can fall flat without the right approach. At Stones Design LLC, our Orlando interior decorators often step in to help homeowners recover from common design missteps.

Here are the top living room decorating mistakes to avoid—and how to get your space looking like it belongs on a magazine cover.

1. Ignoring the Power of a Cohesive Color Palette

Color can make or break a living room. Choosing shades that clash or don’t work with your lighting can result in a chaotic or dull space. In 2025, color palettes loved by Orlando interior decorators are all about warm neutrals, earthy greens, soft mauves, and warm terracotta tones. These shades create balance and comfort without overwhelming the senses.

👉 Fix it: Choose a base palette and layer accent colors carefully. If you’re unsure, ask an expert to help you build a 2025-inspired color scheme that suits your space.

2. Overcrowding the Room with Furniture

Trying to fit too many pieces into one space is a common error. It makes the room feel cramped and doesn’t allow for easy movement or proper furniture flow.

👉 Fix it: Start with your essential pieces like a sofa and coffee table. Then, scale the rest of the furniture to fit the size of the room. Leave breathing space between items.

3. Poor Lighting Choices

Many people rely solely on overhead lights or ignore lighting altogether, which can create a harsh or lifeless environment.

👉 Fix it: Layer your lighting. Include ambient lighting (like ceiling fixtures), task lighting (such as floor or table lamps), and accent lighting (wall sconces or LED strips). This adds warmth and dimension to your space.

4. Hanging Artwork Too High or Too Low

Art that’s placed improperly can throw off the visual balance of your room. It either draws the eye uncomfortably upward or looks awkwardly misplaced.

👉 Fix it: Hang artwork at eye level. A general rule of thumb is to center the artwork about 57–60 inches from the floor.

5. Skipping the Area Rug or Choosing the Wrong Size

A rug that’s too small can make your furniture feel like it’s floating, while one that’s too large might overwhelm the space.

👉 Fix it: Your area rug should be large enough to fit at least the front legs of your furniture on it. In open-plan spaces, it helps define the living room zone clearly.

6. Lack of Personality and Texture

A showroom-perfect room may look beautiful but can feel cold and impersonal. Without texture and personal touches, it lacks soul.

👉 Fix it: Layer different textures—think plush throws, leather accents, wood furniture, metal finishes, and plants. Add meaningful items like artwork, books, or heirlooms.

7. Forgetting Functionality

Design without purpose leads to frustration. If you have kids, pets, or entertain often, your decor must reflect that lifestyle.

👉 Fix it: Choose durable materials, multipurpose furniture (like ottomans with storage), and layout arrangements that promote conversation and functionality.

Conclusion

Living room decorating doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you steer clear of common pitfalls. By following these expert-backed tips—and taking inspiration from 2025 color palettes loved by Orlando interior decorators—you can turn your living room into a stylish, functional sanctuary.

Need help bringing your vision to life? Trust the professionals at Stones Design LLC, your go-to Orlando interior decorators, to transform your space with elegance and expertise.

FAQs

Q1. What is the biggest mistake in living room decorating?
One of the biggest mistakes is overcrowding the space with furniture and décor, making it feel cramped and uninviting.

Q2. How can I make my living room look more modern in 2025?
Use warm 2025 color palettes, opt for minimalistic furniture with clean lines, and add texture with natural materials like wood and linen.

Q3. What size rug should I use in my living room?
Ideally, the rug should be large enough for all your furniture to at least have the front legs on it to anchor the space.

Q4. Do Orlando interior decorators help with furniture layout?
Yes, experienced decorators like those at Stones Design LLC help optimize your furniture layout for both functionality and visual balance.