Stop Making "The Target Decor Mistake"

At some point in your life you’ve probably put a room together and thought, “That doesn’t feel right.” When this happens, the problem is often that the size, scale or proportion of the space is off. So today I want to talk about how to use larger scale decor items so that you don’t make what I call “The Target Mistake.”

Target has really nailed the small scale decor game, but it has zero options for large scale items. I have seen so. many. people. on a design budget make a Target run and spend hundreds of dollars just to get home, set everything up and have a finished space that only looks slightly better. Their money would have been better spent buying a couple of larger coffee table books or a sizable piece of art versus many little things. I’m not saying that I don’t love the nic nacs from Target and use them in client’s home all the time. But they are called accessories for a reason, not what you should use to make a statement.

Below are some of my designs where I chose large scale items to really make a space feel powerful.

With such high ceilings, we chose a 5 ft wall sconce and 7 ft floor mirrors for the wall. If you are looking to add a punch to your space try using a floor mirror.

A large plant added to just about any space can really help with scale. I will never put a tall plant next to a tall floor lamp, but when a space is missing height a tall fig leaf plant is the answer.

So many people choose small pieces of art because they’re cheaper than a large piece. Places like Minted and Art.com are great options for affordable large art. Large art is more striking and definitely helps with scale.

A tall vase of branches from your local flower store is a perfect way to add height and a larger scale piece to a space.

Don’t be scared to go for a larger light for your island pendant. It can make the biggest difference.

Design by April Tomlin Interiors (me) and photography by Nick McGuinn.