Ask the Experts: Design Pitfalls to Avoid

We've all been there: flipping through home décor magazines, admiring all of the gorgeous tableaus, but at a total loss as how to translate editorial spreads into real life. While there are a thousand and one design “dos,” from French Country to Scandinavian Minimalist, weave collected some surefire “don’ts” from our guest experts. Consider yourself warned!

Jillian Harris, celebrity designer and co-host of Love It orList It Vancouver: Never, ever design a room around a single theme! While it can be tempting to keep it simple and pair pieces that obviously go together, you’re missing out on half the fun of design, which is finding that unexpected harmony between different styles. Themed rooms are too match-matchy and lack that something special.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Friday, September 20^th at 7:00PM and Saturday, September 21^st at 3:00PM and 7:00PM.

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18^th at 7:00PM, and Saturday, October 19^th at 3:00PM and 7:00PM.

Jennifer Scott and Megan Baker, designer duo at A Good Chick to Know: We completely agree! One thing that makes us cringe every time is when clients want to recreate something seen on a showroom floor; think gag-worthy matching furniture sets that stick to a boring neutral palette. Now don’t get us wrong, furniture sets can be a great way to get all the essentials without breaking the bank, but make sure you distribute the pieces among different rooms. And always remember to break up a neutral base with bright accessories that pop!

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18^th at 2:00PM, Saturday, October 19^th at 6:00PM and Sunday, October 20^th at 1:00PM.

Alykhan Velji, interior designer and television personality: I think we’re all on the same page here, ladies. I always tell my clients to keep their space fresh by choosing a different coffee table from the end tables, or switching up their accent chairs. Another schticky trend I can do without is wallpaper borders. Even an infant deserves more from their home décor!

Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Friday, October 18th at 4:00PM and Sunday, October 20th at 12-NOON.

Jonathan and Drew Scott, designer, realtor and television hosts: You’re onto something there, Aly! While cool wallpaper can be a great way to liven up a room, patchy appliques like borders or wall decals are just a lazy way to avoid committing to a paint colour or awesome piece of art. It’s crucial to do your homework before undertaking a major design project. Too often people see something they like on Pinterest, but once they set it up in their own home, it doesn't end up being functional or appealing.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday, September 21^st at 1:00PM.
Appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Saturday, October 19^th at 1:00PM.

Ricky Zayshley, associate editor at Avenue magazine: You’re exactly right, Bros. It’s super important to avoid working against the bones of your home. Don’t turn a mid-century-modern home into an English cottage, no matter how much you liked Keira Knightley’s performance in Pride & Prejudice. When you rush the design process with a copycat approach, you’ll suck all the personality out of your home.

Appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show on Saturday, September 21^st at 12- NOON.

Want to hear more invaluable advice from our design pros? Buy online to save $3 on regularly priced tickets and catch their insider tips and expert insight on the Main Stage in Calgary from September 19-22, 2013, and in Vancouver from October 17-20, 2013!