Just like our favorite magazine, we stagers/redesigns have our own list of pet peeves when it comes to our craft.  Here are a few....

•1.)    Faux Greenery/Silks in Odd Areas.  Always place trees, plants or greenery in areas that they could actually grow.  Their sole purpose is to give the illusion they are real, therefore need sun to grow.  Visa-Versa on silk floral arrangements.  You would never place a fresh floral arrangement in direct sunlight; it would wilt and die in a day.

•2.)    Floating Art. When hanging art over a sofa or a case good, associate the height to the item to retain good visual contact. The display will not look right if it seems to float above the object - it needs to be grounded. 18" from the back of the sofa is a good rule of thumb. And slightly above the smallest arrangement for the case good.

•3.)    The Rug Scale to Conversation Area Faux Pas.  A rug can create and define a conversational grouping.  Make sure that the scale of the rug is in-tune to the scale of the furniture/objects associated to it.  A sofa should either be sitting on or no more than 8"away from a rug. Just about the same size as the cocktail table is not a scale formula for rug size.

•4.)    Accessorizing with Evens.  When accessorizing or creating vignettes, the golden rule is "Always in Odd Numbers."

•5.)    Forgetting the Focal Point.  Every space has a fabulous purpose or emphasis.  Focusing on the purpose and/or emphasis of the room will allow you to set the mood and arrange the furnishings and accessories properly.

•6.)    Forgetting the Stature of the Home or Room.  Wicker doesn't belong in formal living rooms, nor does a Big Lots ficus tree in a Tony Tudor.  Make sure the things placed in a room or home go with the perceived personality and stature of the space.

•7.)    Flood Window Treatments. Traditionally drapery panels are set 1/2 in. off the floor.  1" is pushing it and 3" off the floor is creating a Capri.

•8.)    Being Light Challenged.  Every room should have at least three light sources for the function of space. Ceiling lights do not count. The perfect formula is to have them placed in a triangle pattern around the room; which will create movement and flow to the space.

•9.)    Table Short.  Anywhere someone sits in a functional space should have a table in reach of a seated person.  The exception is a transitional space such as a foyer or hall.

•10.)  A Mirrored Mess. Mirrors over fireplaces or sofas, oh my...  Mirrors should always reflect something beautiful - Not a ceiling fan, walk rail or wall. You can be excused if it is a decorative mirror that shows as art rather than function.

Julea Joseph is a Chicago based design and staging business - Reniventing Space that specializes in giving homeowners expert insight on how to refresh & style their space - Whether prepping their home to go on the market, just settling in, or just in need of a change.  She also offers educational, seminar and mentoring services to others in the industry.