Interior design mistakes can range from safety hazards like imperfect flooring to aesthetic issues like mismatched rugs. Even if you can’t pinpoint what’s off, it’s likely one of these common mistakes. Design is personal, but some errors are universal. We consulted with interior designers to identify these issues and how to fix them.
**Choosing Bad Lighting**
Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, identifies lighting as a frequent issue. Many rely solely on overhead lighting, neglecting the mood and feel of a room. Scheck suggests layering lighting—combining task, ambient, and accent lighting—to add warmth and individuality.
**Forgetting About Size, Scale, and Proportion**
Andrea West of Andrea West Design highlights that buying furniture too small for the space is a common mistake. This can lead to a cluttered look. West recommends measuring and planning furniture layout to achieve a better-proportioned space.
**Overcrowding Your Space**
Displaying all your decor pieces can lead to overcrowding. Scheck advises focusing on quality over quantity, allowing each piece to stand out without overwhelming the space. Consider the flow of movement and place items thoughtfully for physical and visual flexibility.
**Lacking a Cohesive Color Scheme**
Color choices are personal, but cohesion is key. Bree Steele from RJ Living notes that mismatched color schemes are often seen. A cohesive color scheme enhances the overall design.
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Achieving a harmonious color scheme is crucial in interior design. Professionals advise starting with a neutral base and building the color scheme around it, especially when using complementary colors. This approach helps prevent the room from becoming visually overwhelming.
Incorporating your personal style is another aspect often overlooked. Many people attempt to replicate designs they find online, which can result in a lack of personal touch. Embracing your preferences, even if they don’t align with current trends, creates a more intuitive and comfortable living space for both you and your guests.
Selecting the appropriate rug size is a common challenge. Olma Fuentes, founder of Deni + Dove Interiors, notes that rugs that are too small can cause furniture to be placed too closely together, restricting movement and creating a cramped appearance. Conversely, rugs that are too large can overwhelm the space. There are guides available to help you choose and place the right rug size for your living room.
Proper spacing and height for wall decor are essential for a cohesive look. Fuentes points out that many people estimate where to hang artwork, which can lead to wasted time and money due to the need to rehang and repair any damage. The recommended guideline is to aim for eye level, approximately 57-60 inches from the ground.