Image Credit: Melanie Rieders

by KELSEY MULVEY

7 Ways We’re All Laying Out Our Living Rooms Wrong

Image Credit: Mackenzie Schieck

 To help make the most out of your living room or family room, interior designers share common layout mistakes people make—and how to fix them.

Image Credit: Lisa Diederich

Mistake #1: It’s Too Symmetrical

Don’t be afraid to shake things up! Combining different styles, colors, and proportions will make your home feel welcoming and cozy.

Image Credit: Diana Paulson 

Mistake #2: Your Furniture Matches

Put your stellar eye for design to good use by mixing and matching your furniture. And if you already have a matching set, why not add different throw pillows or blankets to differentiate?

Image Credit: Esteban Cortez

Mistake #3: Your Furniture Is the Wrong Size

Buying new furniture to fit each room can be expensive but it pays off. Otherwise, your space can run the risk of looking like a scene from “Alice in Wonderland.”

Image Credit: Diana Paulson

Mistake #4: Your Furniture Is Attached to the Walls

Pushing all your furniture up against the walls makes your room look bigger, right? While certain pieces of furniture like a media center or lamp need to be close to a wall, go ahead and center the rest of your furniture.

Image Credit: Minette Hand

Mistake #5: It’s Not All About Your Television

We love to binge on Netflix as much as the next person, but that doesn’t mean your entire room needs to revolve around your television set. Prioritize connection and conversation by taking the attention off your television.

Image Credit: Jessica Isaac

Mistake #6: There’s Only One Piece of Furniture

“You definitely don’t want to use all of your square footage nor do you want to use too little. Just remember it’s all about balance!” — Caitlin Murray, interior designer and founder of Black Lacquer Design

Image Credit: Mackenzie Schieck

Mistake #7: Not Enough Light

It’s no secret that good lighting can make or break your space. While adding more lights is a no-brainer, it’s important to be strategic about where you place your lights.