Welcome to today’s blog post! In this, we guide you around common interior design mistakes to help you avoid future regrets.
(1) Common Interior Design Mistakes making you feel something is wrong:
Ever stepped into a room where you sense the homeowner has spent a lot on the interiors, yet you feel, ”Hmm, something’s not quite right”!
Each piece seems heavy, throwing off the balance of the space. You’re likely picking up on some common interior design mistakes, even if you can’t quite pinpoint them.
Note: If you’re in a hurry or prefer to dive right into the key points, feel free to skip the small talk and jump straight to the section-3 addressing actual ‘common interior design mistakes’. Your time is valuable, and we’ve got you covered.
You might also enjoy: How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive without Remodelling- 13 Tips
(2) Learn from Observations to Avoid Common Interior Design Mistakes!
As a designer, we can decipher what went wrong. So, here I am, sharing what I’ve observed around.
It’s not about pointing fingers but learning from others.
Case 1: There’s this family I know, who bought this huge sofa. The problem? It couldn’t fit through their apartment door. Their solution? They removed the armrest, managed to squeeze it inside, and reattached the armrest. Now, the sofa is too large for their living room; when someone sits, their knees touch the person in the adjacent accent chair.
To make matters worse, they voided the warranty by dismantling it! Quite the cozy squeeze, isn’t it?
Case 2: Then there’s a friend who got a bit carried away with colours. Bright walls, patterned curtains, funky pillows, and a wild carpet – it was like a burst of confetti.
The result? A riot of colours that left guests feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Case 3: Another family loaded up on colourful furniture, fabric design laminates for the wardrobe, multiple colours in each bedroom, without thinking about balance.
They didn’t consider giving accents their rightful place. In their space, everything is independently accented—the wardrobe, the headboard, the TV unit, the curtains, along with other artifacts—everything is accent.
The result? A mishmash of colours, patterns, and textures creating visual noise.
(3) Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them?
Above are just a few examples. Now, let’s dive into other common design mistakes one by one, exploring both the hits and the misses!
(3.1) Neglecting Space Planning:
Overlooking space planning is a significant design blunder.
Without thoughtful consideration, rooms can feel cramped or lack functionality.
How to Fix: To plan your space like a pro, dive into this blog for valuable insights and transform your home into a well-balanced and harmonious haven.
(3.2) Oversize Furniture:
Using oversized furniture is a common mistake that can instantly cramp your design.
When it comes to furniture, getting the size right is crucial. It shouldn’t look like you’ve forced a giant puzzle piece into a small space.
How to Avoid: Measure, Measure, and Measure Again!
When buying big furniture, measure carefully. It’s not just about fitting in the room but making sure it looks good too. Make sure you leave enough space to move around easily.
(3.3) Scale: Balancing Act
One big design goof many makes is not getting the size of furniture and decor just right.
Getting the scale perfect is a bit like a balancing act. If things are too big or too small, the whole room can look a bit wonky.
To nail it, you want your furniture and decor to fit together like a perfect puzzle, creating harmony in your space.
How to Fix: Understand that it’s not just about size of furniture piece independently; it’s about maintaining proportionate size for a harmonious look.
(3.4) No Focal Point:
Every room needs a focal point – a feature that draws the eye and anchors the space.
It could be a fireplace, a piece of art, TV unit or a statement piece of furniture.
When designing, think of it like a play. There’s one main star (your focal point, like a fireplace or art), and the rest are supporting actors.
How to Fix: The key is making sure the main star stands out without the others stealing the show. Everything in the room should work together, like a great cast, to create a harmonious and good-looking space.
(3.5) Not having multiple light sources: Bad Lighting
While we shed light on common interior design mistakes, no one can deny the importance of the unsung hero: lighting.
A common interior design mistake related to lights is having all the lights either around the room’s periphery or having all the lights just on the ceiling of the room. Incorrect placement of lights can cast a gloomy look, even with plenty of fixtures.
How to Fix: Illuminate with Purpose!
Mix ambient, task, and accent lighting to create layers that cater to different needs and moods. This creates a dynamic atmosphere that suits different occasions.
If you’re curious about these layers, you can learn more by reading my blog on ‘Light Layering’ here. Once you plan your layers, selecting the right kind of light fixtures is also essential. Check out my other blog on, ‘How to Choose Perfect Light for Your Home’.
(3.6) Losing Your Identity in Trend Waves
In the age of rapidly spreading trends on social media, homes can lose their uniqueness by copying the same styles.
No matter your budget or style, keeping your space special is key.
How to Fix: Injecting a personal touch ensures your space remains distinctly yours. Whether it’s travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, earned trophies, or upcycled furniture, make your space uniquely yours.
(3.7) The darker colour palette: For small spaces
Choosing the right colours is crucial in design. Colours set the mood in a room.
Choosing the right colours is key in design as they set the mood in a room. It’s not just about appearances; it really affects how you feel in the space.
Dark colours in small areas can create a somber atmosphere and drain your energy.
Similarly, dark furniture and heavy decor can make a room appear even smaller and a bit cramped.
How to Fix: To counter the effects of a dark colour palette, try adding pops of vibrant colours or lighter accents. This brings balance and brightens the overall look of the space.
For more insights, check out my blog ‘From Drab to Fab: 10 Ideas to Make Your Dull Home Look Vibrant’!
(3.8) Not Applying Colour Rule of 60-30-10
Not applying the colour rule of 60-30-10, also known as the Golden Ratio, is a very easy and common interior design mistake that many homeowners make in their excitement to create a vibrant interior.
Furthermore, using colours without a plan can make a room look messy and unbalanced. It’s like throwing colours without thinking, and the result is a space that doesn’t look put together.
How to Fix: To overcome this, the 60-30-10 rule serves as a foolproof way to achieve balance in your colour scheme.
Use the dominant colour for 60%, a secondary colour for 30%, and accentuate with a pop of colour at 10%. This creates a visually appealing and harmonious look.
(3.9) Not Using Texture: Embrace the Sensory Experience
Smooth and glossy surfaces everywhere can make a room feel cold and uninviting.
For instance, the combination of marble floors, glossy walls, shiny wall panels, golden accents, and an abundance of glass, paired with warm lights – in short, an overload of shine – may contribute to this stark impression.
How to Fix: To rectify this mistake, introduce texture into your decor by utilizing different textures in textiles, furniture finishes, and decor items.
This not only adds visual richness but also brings depth and warmth to the room, creating a more inviting atmosphere.
(3.10) Too Many Accessories: Less is More
Accessories add flavour to interior design, but too much spice can spoil the dish.
How to fix this mistake: Resist the temptation to overcrowd your space with trinkets.
Consider the approach of branded fashion outlets, where each handbag or footwear is showcased in its own space, preserving its value. Apply the same principle in home decor.
Select a few meaningful pieces that contribute to the overall theme.
(3.11) Forgetting Traffic Flow: Navigating Gracefully
A beautifully designed room should be functional. Don’t forget about the flow of traffic.
Ensure that there are clear pathways through your space, allowing for easy movement and access.
(3.12) Small Rug
A small rug can make a room feel disjointed.
How to fix: Opt for a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture in a seating area, connecting all the elements harmoniously.
(3.13) Hanging Curtains Too Low:
A big design no-no is hanging curtains too low.
It affects how the room looks. If curtains don’t extend close to the ceiling and are just above the window, it creates an illusion of shorter walls and makes the room feel smaller.
How to fix: Fix it by placing curtain rods or channels higher and wider to create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings, letting them reach the floor.
This simple trick adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to your space, giving it a better overall look and feel.
Curious about choosing the perfect curtains? Dive into our blog here for insights. Wondering if sheer curtains are the right choice? Explore more in our dedicated blogs for expert insights.
(3.14) Common Interior Design Mistakes: Hoarding many Things.
We all have that tendency to accumulate items over time. However, a cluttered space can be overwhelming.
How to fix: Embrace a minimalist approach, keeping only the things that truly bring you joy and serve a purpose.
A decluttered and organized space is like giving your mind a vacation. Read this blog ‘How to Declutter and Organize Your Home: 20 Easy Tips’; to stay motivated in decluttering game.
(3.15) Hanging Wall Art on the Wrong Height: Eye-Level Appeal
Art has the power to enhance the ambiance of a space with its composition, colours, and overall aesthetics. Hanging it too low or too high can destroy the look.
How to fix: The general rule of thumb is that art should always be hung at eye level, with the centre of the artwork typically positioned around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
(3.16) Forgetting Vertical Space: Think Upwards
Vertical space is often underutilized, making your room’s height appear shorter.
How to fix: Consider tall bookshelves, vertical artwork, or statement lighting fixtures to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height.
(3.17) Not Having Dedicated Storage: Tidy and Tasteful
Storage is key to maintaining a clutter-free space. Not having enough dedicated storage can literally destroy the look and drain your energy in everyday activities.
How to Fix: Invest in furniture with built-in storage solutions to keep belongings organized and out of sight.
(3.18) Not Allocating Budget in Proportion: Balancing Act
When budgeting for your interior design project, allocate funds wisely.
Prioritize essential items like furniture, but don’t drain yourself to the point where you’re left with no budget for decor that blends utility with aesthetics.
(3.19) No Natural Elements: Bring the Outdoors In
Incorporate natural elements like plants and water features to add life and vitality to your space.
These elements not only beautify but also contribute to a sense of well-being.
(3.20) Picking Form Over Function: Striking a Balance
While aesthetics is crucial, never compromise on functionality.
Choose furniture and decor that not only look good but also serve their intended purpose.
(3.21) Using Too Many Different Designs and patterns:
While variety is the spice of life, incorporating too many conflicting designs and patterns can lead to visual chaos.
How to fix: Aim for a cohesive look by choosing a theme and avoiding an overabundance of design patterns throughout your space. Find the right balance; incorporate some items with design patterns while keeping others solid.
(3.22) Furniture Against Walls
A common mistake is putting furniture right against walls, making the room feel dull and unwelcoming.
How to Fix: Try pulling furniture away from walls to create a cozier and more inviting space. This simple change creates good layout, adds charm and makes your room feel more dynamic.
4. What is a good design?
A good design is about cohesion, aesthetic appeal, a balance of light and shadow, and weaving each element in the decor towards a final result.
It’s not about individual items standing out on their own, but rather a harmonious interplay where each component respects and complements the others.
5. Wrapping Up:
In conclusion, creating a well-designed home is a journey that requires thoughtful consideration and a touch of personal flair.
By avoiding these common interior design mistakes, you can transform your living space into a haven of comfort and style. So, go ahead, experiment, and let your creativity flow as you embark on this exciting adventure of interior design!
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