Interior design mistakes can range from hazardous flooring to incorrect rug sizes. While design is subjective, there are common errors that many homeowners make. We’ve consulted with professional interior designers to identify these issues and provide solutions.
**Misjudging Lighting**
Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, identifies lighting as a frequent issue, particularly reliance on a single ‘big light’ or overhead lighting. ‘Lighting affects so much and is essential when setting the mood and feel of a room,’ she says. The solution is to layer lighting, incorporating task, ambient, and accent lighting to create warmth and individuality in your space.
**Ignoring Size, Scale, and Proportion**
Andrea West of Andrea West Design points out that buying furniture and decor that is too small is a common mistake. This can lead to a cluttered feeling as more items are needed to fill the space. ‘Larger is better, as it uses fewer items that fill it at the appropriate scale that make it feel dramatic and elevated,’ she says. Measuring and planning the furniture layout can help achieve a well-proportioned space.
**Overcrowding Your Space**
While it’s tempting to display all your favorite decor pieces and mementos, overcrowding can occur. Scheck suggests focusing on quality over quantity, allowing each piece to stand out without overwhelming the space. Consider the flow of movement through the space and place items thoughtfully for physical and visual flexibility.
**Lacking a Cohesive Color Scheme**
Bree Steele from RJ Living notes that color schemes that don’t jive are often a problem. Cohesion in color choices is key, whether you prefer bold or neutral tones.
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Starting with a neutral base for your home decor can create a harmonious color scheme. ‘If you want the colors to look more coordinated, you should start with a neutral base and build the color scheme around it,’ suggests an expert. This approach is particularly effective when using complementary colors, as it prevents the room from becoming visually overwhelming.
Blending colors, tone, and temperature is crucial in home design. ‘It’s not so much the colors you pick, but more how you blend them,’ the expert advises. Infusing your personal tastes into the design is another essential aspect. Often, people try to replicate online looks, neglecting their own style. Remember, personal design should feel intuitive, making your home feel like home for you and your guests.
Choosing the right rug size is a common challenge in home design. ‘If the rug is too small, then the furniture ends up being placed too closely together, which restricts movement and results in a squished appearance,’ says Olma Fuentes, the principal and founder of Deni + Dove Interiors. A rug that is too large can engulf the space. To avoid design mishaps, follow helpful guides on how to choose and place a rug in your living room.
Wall decor is another area where proper spacing and height are vital. ‘Nothing brightens a room like wall art and photos,’ notes Fuentes. However, many people tend to ‘eyeball’ where artwork should be hung, leading to wasted time and money. The best guideline is to aim for eye level, which is around 57–60 inches from the ground.