Decorating is a great way to transform any space into one that truly feels like your own. That said, it’s just as easy to fall into the trap of overdecorating, oftentimes by piling on too many items or experimenting with every colour under the sun. Before you know it, the room feels cluttered and chaotic, far from the calm, cosy space you originally envisioned.
The key to a well-decorated space is finding balance and choosing meaningful pieces to incorporate into your design. Here at DROOL, we have a wide selection of art prints and posters that can bring the sense of cohesion and style you're looking for. Whether you're building a gallery wall or simply adding a few focal points, our collection offers something for every taste, helping you create an environment that feels thoughtfully curated. Even if you're new to purchasing art, you can always check out our Art Finder Quiz so we can connect you with stunning pieces from emerging artists all over the world.
With DROOL’s art prints, you can enhance any room in a subtle yet impactful way. To help you decorate your space without going overboard, we’ve compiled some practical pointers to keep in mind.
- Start with a Neutral Base
When decorating a room, it’s always a good idea to start with a neutral base. Think soft whites, light greys, or beige for the walls, furniture, and flooring. This creates a flexible backdrop that lets you play around with bolder colours and textures later on. By keeping the base neutral, you can add pops of colour or personality with smaller decor items, knowing the room will still feel balanced and not too overpowering. A neutral backdrop also lets you experiment with different styles and accents first rather than commit to a specific colour scheme right away.
- Limit the Number of Decorative Pieces
It’s tempting to fill every corner of your home or office with decorative items, but sometimes less really is more. The trick is to choose a few standout pieces that you truly love and let them take centre stage. Instead of having lots of small items throughout the room, just focus on those that reflect your style and make an impact. This approach not only creates a more cohesive and organised look but also helps avoid overcrowding.
Limiting the number of decorative pieces also allows you to better appreciate each item for its design and meaning without it getting lost in a sea of clutter. For example, instead of scattering prints all over your living room, you could opt for a large photograph with strong composition and solid black wood framing as the room's focal point. This creates a strong visual anchor without making the space feel too busy.
- Mix Functionality with Style
When decorating, it’s important to choose items that are both visually appealing and functional. This is especially true in smaller spaces, where practicality and style need to go hand in hand. For example, a decorative basket might look lovely on a shelf while offering much-needed storage, or a stylish lamp can brighten up the room while adding a modern touch.
Mixing functionality with style means you’re creating a room that’s not only beautiful but also practical. Instead of filling the space with purely decorative items, focus on pieces that serve a purpose while looking great. This approach naturally helps you avoid overdecorating, as each item has a clear role and contributes to the overall flow of the room.
- Use Art Prints and Posters Thoughtfully
Art is a brilliant way to bring character and personality into any space, but it’s important not to go overboard. A few well-chosen pieces can make a space feel sophisticated and intentional, whereas a wall full of mismatched art can feel overwhelming. Moreover, to help you select art prints with cohesive colour schemes or styles, you can use DROOL’s search filters, which allow you to easily narrow down pieces by mood, medium, artwork size, and other categories.
It’s also worth remembering that art doesn’t need to cover every wall to have an impact. A single statement piece or a carefully curated gallery wall can create a striking focal point without overpowering the room. For inspiration, you can also explore DROOL’s selections or check out our bestsellers to see what’s resonating with other art enthusiasts.
- Embrace the Power of Negative Space
Negative space, or the empty areas around objects, is a game-changer when it comes to decorating. Leaving some areas open helps to create balance and makes the space feel less cluttered. It also gives your eyes a place to rest, which can make a room feel calmer and comfortable overall.
For example, if you have a statement armchair or a striking floor lamp, leaving some space around it can really help it stand out and feel intentional rather than squeezed in. It’s the same with shelving or sideboards. Resist the urge to fill every inch with books, plants, or ornaments. A bit of breathing room around each item makes the room feel more relaxed and visually balanced.
At the end of the day, decorating is about finding the right balance of style, personality, and practicality. With the help of the pointers above, you can steer clear of the common pitfalls of overdecorating and instead create a space that feels uniquely yours. For more helpful decorating tips, also check out DROOL School, a short course that’ll teach you the basics of utilising art to elevate your space to the next level.
