Mistake #1: Your lighting and fixtures are outdated.

Look for lighting and modern fixtures that suit a space in size, function, and style. “We wanted the design to reflect a timeless and classic look," says Arterberry of this Austin remodel, "that would stand the test of time and wouldn't feel outdated quickly, while still feeling modern and fresh." This kitchen features neutral tones and refined fixtures that can act as a perfect canvas for more color and accessories as trends take shape.

Mistake #2: Your rugs are too small.

"The home is quintessential Austin with its classic yet contemporary feel," says Arterberry. Her design team decided to use a neutral palette throughout the main level, and the graphic rug enhances the overall aesthetic. Splurge on a generously sized rug for larger areas to tie the room together and create a seamless look. Even the most beautiful rug can look out of place if it doesn't fit properly, giving the impression that you're trying to cut costs. Choose a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture, ideally allowing the front legs of major pieces to rest on it.

Mistake #3: Your window treatments look cheap.

Thin, plastic blinds or low-quality curtains can detract from the overall look of a room. Invest in quality curtains, blinds, or shades that complement your decor and dress the windows completely.

Mistake #4: Walls are painted in outdated colors.

Millennial pink, tangerine, light yellow, violet, and bright red are out, while more earthy tones are in, like this beautiful statement wall Franklin and team had painted in Shade Grown by Sherwin Williams. It adds a moody vibe that feels rich and modern, albeit farmhouse-inspired.

Mistake #5: Using typographic signs in lieu of artwork.

Rustic typographic signs hint of a farmhouse decor past. "Although once a staple of farmhouse decor, replace typography signs with beautiful artwork that depicts a rural, landscape scene. In addition to being much more chic, these pieces will add a touch of color to an otherwise neutral aesthetic," says Franklin.

Mistake #6: Decor lacks authenticity.

DIY farmhouse decor like the faux-antique window pane with chicken wire or mason jars glued to faux-distressed barn board can scream a little too country. "Instead opt for vintage, antique finds with a rustic flair," says Franklin. Look for a high-quality cream vintage rug; handmade, weathered pottery; and solid wood furniture. "Make a statement and incorporate an authentic, solid wood farmhouse dining table made of exposed wood. These dining tables are typically the star of the space, and will age beautifully over time," adds Franklin.

Mistake #7: Clutter is everywhere.

A well-designed home, no matter what style, feels as good as it looks when the room is clean, comfortable, and clutter-free. Pare down to the basics and then add in warm features, like a rustic console and earthy lamps. For toys and things that always end up where they don't belong, invest in natural baskets and containers that suit your style.

Mistake #8: Your entry gets no love.

First impressions matter. Give your entryway a little love with a wood console table, a modern mirror at eye level, a durable rug, and simple accessories, like a vase with branches, small containers for keys and things, and coffee table books.

Mistake #9: Plants look a little sad or overgrown.

Plants, large and small, can help clean air and bring the outdoors in, ultimately making a room feel alive. Be selective and think about scale. These plants play a subtle yet decorative role in a spare office -- the perfect spot for clear thinking and productivity. Plants to look out for include olive trees, ficus elastica, pilea, snake plants and calathea.

Mistake #10: There is no symmetry and balance.

Multiples like these twin accent chairs add symmetry to a design, making a room feel more balanced. A rug large enough to reach all of the furniture makes a great impact too while adding to the balanced, cozy vibe.

Finally, add personal touches that make your home feel like you (vs. following the latest IG decor playbook). Bring in books you love, art that gives you all the feels, and personal mementos (travel souvenirs, family photos, etc.) to make a house, farmhouse or otherwise, a home.

Love these home decor tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for more decorating and design inspo!

Anthropologie Targua Inlay Coffee Table ($1,248)

Inlaid bone has been used to decorate furniture surfaces for centuries and we see why: it adds instant luxury to your space atop a cylindrical brass base.

Pottery Barn Folsom Rectangular Coffee Table ($799)

There's something to be said about the beauty of simplicity. This solid pine wood coffee table is elegant, casual, and practical all at the same time. Try it in your coastal decor.

Anthropologie Brass Starburst Round Coffee Table ($998)

Beaming rays of antique brass on a rosewood base turns this coffee table into a conversation piece.

UO Aria Coffee Table (was $599, on sale $419)

A wavy wood base with a tempered glass adds a creative flair to your living room.

WE Monti Lava Stone Coffee Table ($599)

We love that this organic coffee table, made of lava stone, can be used indoors or out.

CB2 Santoro White Quartz Coffee Table ($1,099)

This statement coffee table has a polished round of solid white quartz over three acacia wood legs. Its timeless look feels super high-end without a crazy price tag.

Rove Concepts Sienna Coffee Table ($1,200 member price, $1,713 retail)

Here's another example of basic but not boring. This pedestal coffee table's soft curves made from concrete anchor your room in refined minimalism.

Etsy Turqueta Coffee Table ($315)

The shipping on this beautiful handmade coffee table will run you about $200 (it's made in Spain) but it will be worth it. This versatile piece will go anywhere in your space, even as you grow out of it.

CB2 Bovisio Square Smoked Glass Coffee Table ($1,500)

This 70s-era coffee table designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini features a grey smoked glass top over tubular legs. CB2 reintroduced the classic design, made in Italy — just like the original.

Anthropologie Swirled Drum Reclaimed Coffee Table ($1,398)

Crafted from naturally fallen trees, the blond wood veneer of this drum coffee table is stunning and adds an organic vibe to your space.

Perigold Magari Kompei Coffee Table ($570)

Who says you need to go round or rectangle? This geometric coffee table shows off the natural warmth of the wood-grain base, topped with a dramatic midnight gray color.

Homary Lift-Top Coffee Table Set with Storage + Ottomans ($760)

This affordable modern coffee table comes with its own ottomans (that stow away underneath) and storage unit, perfect for your small-space needs!

Article Skane Coffee Table ($449)

This indoor-outdoor coffee table may look minimal and light but it's actually made of powder-coated metal. We love the idea of a colorful coffee table too.

Pottery Barn Terry Round Coffee Table ($759)

The cuffed neck and conical base of this solid, kiln-dried wood coffee table stands out as one of a kind.

Article Kera Coffee Table ($699)

Covered in ceramic tiles, this blocky piece is durable, splash-resistant (so you can use outdoors), and quietly demands attention.

Modern Drum Coffee Table In Sintered Stone ($499)

A stone tabletop with a beaded edge adds interesting details that keep this gorgeous coffee table from getting overlooked.

The Novogratz Voler Coffee Table ($106)

We love that you can score a Scandi-style piece like this (made from engineered wood in light oak finish) at an amazing price.

Modern Clear Acrylic Coffee Table ($225)

This transparent acrylic coffee table opens up your space while looking classic and modern. It's perfect for small spaces and works outdoors too.

Triangle Coffee Table, Walnut ($472)

This Noguchi-style coffee table is a design classic, available in walnut and natural finish.

WE Sintra Coffee Table ($349-$748)

Add an edge to your cozy living room with a metal frame in a bronze finish. This set of coffee tables is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory too.

WE Graphic Stripes Coffee Table ($1,449)

We never met a stripe we didn't like, paired with antique brass legs and we're in love.

Etsy Colorful Unlimited Design Coffee Table ($226)

These multi-functional tables come in a bunch of fun colors and can be a round coffee table, a long coffee table, or shelving in one. Take your pick!

Zeke Round Brushed Oatmeal Coffee Table ($400)

Seek a sleek coffee table for your modern decor? These legs posts curve around the table for a clean, minimal but cool design effect. We also like these rounded edge for family-friendly decor. Also available in oval.

Schoolhouse Andy Coffee Table ($849)

This round Saarinen-inspired table has an earthy, satin finish in two woody options on a cast aluminum base.

WE Solstice Coffee Table ($599-$799)

This bestseller is made with raffia over engineered FSC-certified wood (so it has a unique texture) in a water-based whitewash finish. We envision little dinner parties around it.

Blu Dot Circula Small Coffee Table ($895)

For when you want a pop of color in your living room, this sophisticatedly simply table does the trick and comes in a slew of stunning colors.

Hay Tray Coffee Table ($295)

Perfect for hosting, this bestselling coffee table has a removable tray top.

UO Inet Coffee Table ($499)

Looks like a contemporary art piece to us, you? This glass top is easy to clean and perfect for small spaces too.

Grovehill Round Coffee Table by Everly Quinn ($1,050)

This coffee table echoes an era gone by but feels totally modern too. Love the blue hue.

Japandi Round Wood Coffee Table with Rattan Base ($440)

Score an extra shelf for all your coffee table books.

Wendall Coffee Table (was $499, on sale $299)

This eclectic-modern piece features a circular glass top with colorful curved legs.

Juliette Coffee Table ($599)

This circular coffee table has a lift-up top where you can store blankets, books, remotes and more.

Sonali Oval Coffee Table ($1,498)

This sculptural design is functional art and will make a room standout.

Crispin Coffee Table ($499)

A little bit rustic with a whole lot of chic, this tripod table gives your decor a woodsy yet contemporary edge.

Carlo Coffee Table ($800)

This coffee table is a modern take on the farmhouse-inspired style with a leaf-like inlaid chevron pattern.

All Modern Xavier Coffee Table ($610)

This industrial-inspired coffee table has a wooden top on a steel asymmetrical base. So cool.

Derel Coffee Table ($640)

This slate coffee table is super durable with a feminine vibe.

Mid-Century Modern Mini Swing Coffee Table ($112)

Magazine lovers will enjoy the handy storage pocket on this sleek swing coffee table, which is made of environmentally friendly rubber wood. The price is pretty lovable too.

Heavan Coffee Table ($112)

Add just a touch of gold to your small space with this sweet piece.

LAZZO Rattan Coffee Table ($88)

Coffee tables with storage are perfect for clearing clutter instantly. This one has great style and an amazing price!

Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

The Best Gifts For Your Beauty-Obsessed Bestie

SLF LED Face Mask

Soon your beauty-obsessed bestie will be able to say she has an LED face mask in her possession thanks to this version that's only $100 at Target! So far it has 8 5-star ratings which means it's going to give you the same benefits as a pricier one. What benefits, you ask?

The 7 different light therapy colors target everything from circulatory to scarring issues over time, leaving one's face refreshed each time it's used. It also makes sure your skincare goodies do their job more effectively.

P.S. It comes with a rechargeable USB and accompanying bag so it can be easily stored when not in use.

Osea Bestsellers For Face & Body Kit

Beauty sets are ever popular this year because they truly make for the best gift ideas! With Osea's bestseller's kit, you can surprise the beauty lover in your life with products designed for their face and body. From the cleanser to the hydrating body oil, someone may fall in love with Osea and look for ways to incorporate more products into their daily routine!

Cantu Sleigh All Day Holiday Gift Set

Give your sister or bestie the gift of slaying the holidays and new year with this cute set! It includes the following:

• Cantu Extra Hold Stay Gel
• Cantu Edges Styler
• Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
• Eylure Luxe Marquise False Eyelashes
• Elegant Touch Press On Nails in Cocoa Crush

Rael Blemish Essentials Care Gift Sets

Pimples won't be able to crush anyone's holiday plans thanks to this blemish kit. It has 54 pimple patches and two amazing tea tree face masks for anyone who doesn't have time for beauty setbacks. From spot covers to overnight treatments, there's something that tackles breakouts in a cinch!

The Best Gifts For Whoever's Booked & Busy

Threshold Wood Lidded Glass Wellness Calm Candle

An at-home spa day always requires things that will help set the tone. One of the best ways you can help that booked and busy person in your life is to gift them with a candle that smells like lavender & sage. Both are known to invoke a sense of calm which is often needed for the person who's always on the go.

Oura Ring 4

Forget the beloved Apple Watch and surprise your sister or bestie with the Oura Ring 4! It has Smart Sensing that'll provide insights about their health in ways they'd never expect. With 30 biometrics, sleep, activity, stress, and heart health trends will be recorded in real time. Though it looks bulky, it have a comfortable fit for daily wear and can be used with apps like Apple Health, Flo, and more.

Therabody Theragun Relief

Our affiliate writer Meredith Holser gave her honest reviews about the Theragun before so we can vouch for how well it works. If you know someone who does physical labor or complains of intense neck or shoulder pain from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, you need to surprise them with this. It's an investment that'll provide them with the relief they're looking for because chronic pain can lead to more stress!

It comes with:

• 3 massage attachments
• Standard Ball
• Dampener
• Thumb
• USB-C charging cable

Sharper Image Portable Sauna

Forget booking another spa day and opt for something that'll always be in reach for the person who needs an intense sweat session. Its spacious design will allow the user to fit comfortably inside and receive the steam treatment of their dreams.

if you've ever been to a sauna then you know how amazing your body feels afterwards, plus it promotes a good night's sleep that rivals the benefits of sleepmaxxing!

Green Inspired Guided Journal Softcover Sewn Today with Intention

Once that person's done pampering themselves, they'll love reaching for this intentional journal that helps them practice reflective self-care. Filled with different journal prompts that encourage practicing gratitude, it's the perfect gift for the person whose mind can't stop filtering from one task to the next.

The Best Target Gifts For The Book Lover In Your Life

WITHit Quad Light LED Reading Light

This is for the book lover who won't stop straining their eyes to read at night when they're supposed to be sleeping. This LED reading light is secure enough to attach to any book and makes it easier to see the words on the page thanks to its 4-level brightness design.

Threshold 2 Pack Marble and Wood Bookend Set

Has your bestie been raving nonstop about bookends to hold her books together? Look no further than this gift idea from Target.

Brightroom Bamboo Bathtub Caddy

And if they insist on reading books while taking a bath, help them keep their latest read dry wit this bathtub caddy.

DesignWorks Inc Book Lovers Journal

If 2025 is the year your bestie has declared she's going to track her reading habits, she needs a cute and compact book journal to help her do it. She can even write her own reviews of everything she's read — for better or worse!

City Creek Prints

For the fun of it, gift your bestie with this canvas tote print and watch their eyes light up.

The Best Gifts For Anyone Obsessed With #FoodTok

Gatherings

We all know that one person who can't stay away from #FoodTok and we get it. Help them start recreating meals in the comfort of the home with this casual-fancy cookbook.

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard

We love Tieghan Gerard's recipes that she shares on her Half Baked Harvest site because they're flavorful and simple to make! She's got everything from cocktails to holiday-themed desserts that make our mouths water every time we see them.

Surprise the foodie in your life with her Super Simple cookbook in case they're on the hunt for quick and easy meals that'll happily fill their bellies.

Hot Ones Hot Sauce Trio Pack

There's at least one person you know who's seen every episode of Hot Ones by now so we think you should surprise t hem with this hot sauce kit. They'll get to taste the mildest and hottest of flavors which may produce similar hilarious results as seen on the show!

Figmint 7.5qt Enamel Dutch Oven in Blue

Target gift ideas often include a range of things - like this Dutch oven. Needless to say, it's mandatory for the cook in your life to have one.

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia French Press Coffee Maker

Is there someone in your inner circle that won't stop chatting about French press coffee? It's a great idea for anyone who doesn't want to rely on a machine to brew their cup of coffee.

Polder Twist Digital Kitchen Timer with Extra Large Black Display

I know it's seems lazy but a digital kitchen timer simplifies the cooking process.

Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee, and Cold Brew

But, you can splurge and surprise them with this Ninja Espresso machine! It has all the bells and whistles that'll make anyone feel like they've been working evening shifts at Starbucks. We can't get enough of the coffee bean grinder and attached milk frothing option that gives us the warmest or coldest foam we've ever tasted!

Threshold 4pk Coupe Ribbed Glass Set

We already know your bestie needs the perfect glassware set for your upcoming Christmas gathering so why not gift her with this fancy set? You'll love looking at your peppermint cocktail recipes floating in these pretty glasses.