Today is a day to offer a little constructive criticism and to plant a seed of thought in your mind for the next time you are decorating a room. I cannot stress the importance of editing when it comes to design. If there is one piece of advice I can offer to anyone it is to simply take a step back and remove a few elements from a finished room. The results of the completed design will be much more pleasing.

It’s like the words to the song that we all remember from our childhood:

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn’t belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you’re absolutely…right!

Below are a few examples of what could be a successfully decorated room if a few items were edited from the space. Take a look and see if you can identify what things just do not belong.

If the number of mirrors is reduced and a few are replaced with round or organic shapes it would feel more like a home and less like a retail space.  Also the number of pillows makes one wonder where they should sit.

What works is the color scheme, overall feel, and the intention of the design. Remove a few elements and it will feel more welcoming and less confusing.

Simply clear the coffee table and start over. The fresh flowers are on the right track however a pale yellow or white would better suit the color scheme. A simple vase of fresh flowers and the coffee table books would be all that is needed. Less clutter allows greater focus on the true elements that work in this space such as the rug, coffee table, and fabulous throw pillows.

How does one enter the seating area? There are too many chairs and certainly too many lamps. Pull two chairs off to the side and if needed they can be added later for extra seating when entertaining a large group. The number of lamps is a bit of an overkill as well. Two is plenty to create a subtle and comfortable ambiance.

What works in this space is the blend of natural textures and earthly colors. Floating the furniture in the center of the room to create a comfortable conversation area is another successful design element in the room. Personally I would remove the vases on the sofa table and replace them one of the lamps off to the side. Also, this would allow for a place to set your drink or add a few stacked books on the end tables.

I absolutely love this little fireplace nook…but I can’t see the fireplace! Everything works with one exception, there are too many knitted bags hanging from the mantle. Two would be plenty. Once again the fabulous throw pillows reappear but in a different color. Could this be a subtle message to myself that I need to find these for my own home?

Ultimately the rule of thumb today is to edit, edit, edit. If you find yourself over-thinking a few items then I suggest not using them. The basic phrase “less is more” is true when decorating with all design styles.