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As an interior designer for over 15 years, I have seen trends come and go, and styles change and evolve. I recently spoke at the Home Design Emporium in Greensboro on the 10 biggest decorating mistakes people make. A number of audience members told me the advice helped, so here it is again — my list of top 10 mistakes to avoid, along with explanations for why these decorating decisions are mistakes from a design point of view.

1. Lack of a complete design plan.

The No. 1 mistake I see over and over is an obvious lack of planning for a space. You would not think of building a house without a comprehensive plan; the same holds true with decorating.

It is best to plan how you want to set up your space before you go shopping. Many people are operating in reverse and end up buying furnishings that are too large or too small for their space.

2. Playing it too safe with paint.

Paint is one product that can easily and inexpensively transform a space, yet many people continue to choose white or pale neutrals and their designs end up looking bland. If you’re considering making a bold design statement, I recommend investing in testers. You can get a sense of how you feel about a shade by placing large samples in different areas of a room. It’s best to try to live with a new color for a few days before making a decision.

When purchasing paint, keep in mind that less expensive paint tends to look darker when wet or in the can, but dries lighter. A more premium paint goes on slightly lighter and dries darker.

3. Choosing accessories that don’t fit.

Accessories are great for creating a statement, providing a finishing touch and adding character. There is an art to accessorizing, so consider the scale, color, style and quantities before investing. A large wall with a tiny painting would not look right. A large wall with many tiny paintings can look great. Whether you decide to create a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement, you must plan ahead.

4. Improperly installed window treatments.

Since window treatments put the finishing touch on a room, improperly installed treatments can really detract from the look you are trying to achieve. Drapery panels should not float; they should kiss the floor or puddle slightly. Drapery hardware should be installed 4 to 6 inches above the molding, not on the window frame molding.

Hardware needs to be the correct size for the window you are dressing. Drapery hardware for a large window can be quite costly, but saving money in this area is not advisable. A pole for a 10-foot wide window can cost $1,000. Many people look for cheaper alternatives and think the difference won’t be noticeable. Unfortunately, a skimpy pole will ruin the look of the treatment. I recommend reconsidering a treatment if the proper hardware is cost prohibitive.

5. Bargain-priced upholstery.

If you are on a budget, you may be tempted to buy cheap upholstery — don’t. Inexpensive upholstery is generally poor quality. Invest in good seating for the rooms you use all the time, like family rooms. Not every space deserves the same budget. If you are on a budget, purchase a classic-style sofa with good bones and cover it in neutral upholstery. With a quality piece in a versatile fabric, you can easily update your sofa using throw pillows.

6. Small area rugs.

It is important to make sure you purchase a rug that fits your space. A 5-foot-by-7-foot rug is usually significantly less expensive than an 8-foot-by-10-foot rug, but realize that the smaller rug is insufficient in size to fit most spaces.

As a rule, the front legs of a sofa or chair can be on your area rug and the back legs off, but a floating rug in front of a sofa looks like an afterthought. With dining room rugs, there should be at least 24 inches to pull back a chair, the back legs should remain on the rug when the chair is pulled out.

7. Chandeliers hung at the wrong height.

A light fixture, much like accessories, creates a design statement. If a fixture is hung too low or too high, it detracts from the overall look. As a rule, dining room or kitchen chandeliers should hang about 34 to 36 inches above your table if you have 8-foot ceilings. You should add 3 inches for every foot above that. For example, if you have 10-foot ceilings, hang your fixture approximately 42 inches from the tabletop.

8. Furniture that is too small or too large.

Your floor plan should be well thought out and your pieces the correct scale for the space. An overstuffed sofa in a small den or a small loveseat in a large living room will not work. In combination with other furniture, the look may work. The correct combination of furniture is as important as the size and furniture layout.

9. Having too many advisers.

It’s usually best not to rely on advisers who do not have the knowledge base to provide answers about specific decorating decisions. Talk to a design professional if you need advice.

10. Decorating for the next owner.

It’s surprisingly common for homeowners to make choices with the next owners in mind. Concerned about resale values, people are often stuck because they are thinking about making “safe” choices. Well, unless you are planning to flip your house within a year, decorate for you. You spend half your life at home, so I suggest making your environment as beautiful and comfortable for yourself and your family as possible.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.