Block judges Neale Whittaker and Darren Palmer reveal the cardinal sins of home decorating

When creating a stylish and chic home, it pays to take advice from the experts.

And who better to share the breadth of their knowledge than Australian interiors gurus and Block judges Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker.

Darren, a top interior designer and Neale, editor-in-chief of Belle, not only understand how to tap into the latest trends but also how to avoid common style faux pas.

From avoiding a minimalism overload to why competing ‘hero’ features make a room feel small – here, FEMAIL takes a look at their cardinal sins of decorating.

1. Avoid too many personal photos in entertaining spaces

Family photos can add a much-needed touch of warmth to any interior.

But, the experts say too many personal photos, especially in spaces used for entertaining, are a ‘no-go’.

‘It’s better to keep private memories in private places, such as the master bedroom and save public spaces for more broad art choices,’ Darren told Nine Honey.

The experts say too many personal photos, especially in spaces used for entertaining are a ‘no-go’ (stock image)

If you do have your heart set on including some photos in a living area, consider a ‘gallery hang’.

Darren explained this is a great way to incorporate images among other pieces including artworks and photos from travels to create a more diffused look.

2. Avoid a minimalism overload

In recent years, styling trends have leaned heavily in favour of a less-is-more aesthetic.

And while it’s tempting to create a home that eschews clutter-free spaces, too few objects mean space can lack warmth and personality.

In recent years, styling trends have leaned heavily in favour of a less-is-more aesthetic (stock image)

The Block experts are in favour of order, but they say the key to a stylish home is one that incorporates a range of different elements.

Darren said rooms need soft furnishings, decor, rugs, art, books, magazines, candles, flowers, plants and objects from your travels.

‘Basically, all the stuff that you love or reminds you of what you love so that you have a home that has personality,’ he said.

Too many feature items can make a room feel small and cluttered (stock image)

3. Only feature one ‘hero’ piece

Statement feature items can lend a particularly stylish twist to an otherwise bland space.

But as with anything, moderation is key.

Neale advised against layering a room with too many hero pieces as these items can ‘compete with each other for attention’ and make a room feel small.

Feature items can include oversized art, pendant lights and heavy drapes.

Put the things you love on display to create stylish vignettes through the home

4. Keep your favourite things on display

It can be all too tempting to keep the things we loved locked away.

Instead, make a strong style statement by incorporating these into your home by creating stylish vignettes.

Favourite items can be artfully placed among a collection of books on a bookshelf or interspersed among other displays.

Darren explained the way to create stylish ‘stories’ is to ‘unify the elements’.

Think about everything you put in your home, and what it relates to.

While neutral furnishing make for an ideal backdrop, inject warmth with plants, brightly coloured ceramics and cushions 

5. Avoid saturation of ‘sameness’

A home that has personality embraces difference in an open and fresh way.

This isn’t an invitation to add everything that catches the eye, more to bring in texture and colour to add depth and interest.

While neutral furnishing makes for an ideal backdrop, inject warmth with plants, brightly coloured ceramics, and cushions.

Throws and rugs can also break up the ‘sameness’ of a room and can be changed according to the seasons for an inexpensive style update.

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