.png)
Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid: What Experts Wish You Knew
When it comes to interior design, it’s easy to fall into common traps that can leave your space feeling off-balance or uninspired. Whether you’re a homeowner, metropolitan renter, or interior design professional, knowing the right (and wrong) design moves is essential to creating a space that feels cohesive, functional, and reflective of your personal style.
We’ve consulted with top designers to share the most common interior design mistakes they see—and how to avoid them. Ready to elevate your space? Let’s dive into these expert tips!
1. Overlooking Functionality for Aesthetics
Sure, it's tempting to make your space look Pinterest-perfect, but at the end of the day, functionality matters most. A beautifully designed room that doesn’t work for your daily routine will eventually leave you frustrated.
Common Mistake | What You Should Do Instead |
|---|---|
Prioritizing Style Over Function | Don’t compromise comfort or usability for design. Choose pieces that serve both form and function. |
Ignoring Flow and Space | Ensure your layout allows for easy movement and accessibility—especially in high-traffic areas. |
Pro Tip: In the living room, opt for a sectional sofa with a chaise lounge to allow ample seating without overcrowding the space. Shop sectional sofas here.
2. Choosing the Wrong Color Palette
Picking colors is more than just about what looks good on a paint chip. Choosing the wrong hues or mismatched colors can throw off the energy of your entire space. Experts recommend selecting a color palette that enhances the room’s purpose, lighting, and your personal vibe.
Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
Using Too Many Colors | Stick to a primary color and two complementary shades for a more harmonious look. |
Not Considering Lighting | Test paint colors in different lighting conditions before committing. |
Pro Tip: For a calm, balanced bedroom, try soft earth tones like beige, taupe, or soft green. Shop neutral paint colors here.
3. Neglecting to Consider Scale and Proportion
Nothing throws off a room more than furniture that’s too big or too small for the space. If you have a large room, cramming in tiny furniture can make it feel empty and uninviting. On the flip side, oversized furniture in a small room can make the space feel cramped and claustrophobic.
Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
Overcrowding Small Rooms | Choose smaller-scale furniture and leave plenty of open space for movement. |
Underfurnishing Large Spaces | Use larger pieces (sofas, rugs) to fill the space without overwhelming it. |
Pro Tip: In a small room, opt for sleek, compact furniture like a modular sofa and a small round coffee table to create a balanced layout. Shop compact furniture here.
4. Ignoring the Power of Lighting
Lighting can make or break the mood of a room. A well-lit space feels warm, welcoming, and vibrant, while a poorly lit room can feel dark and uninviting. Don’t just rely on overhead lighting—incorporate layers like ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and warmth.
Common Mistake | What You Should Do Instead |
|---|---|
Relying Only on Overhead Lights | Layer lighting with floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lights. |
Choosing One Type of Light | Use a mix of task lighting (for work areas) and accent lighting (for ambiance). |
Pro Tip: Add a statement chandelier in the dining room and place task lighting by reading areas. Shop statement lighting here.
5. Overaccessorizing
While accessories can elevate a space, too many can make the room feel chaotic. It's easy to get caught up in adding more decorative items, but less is often more when it comes to styling your home.
Common Mistake | What You Should Do Instead |
|---|---|
Overcrowding with Accessories | Stick to a few statement pieces and leave negative space to let each item shine. |
Mixing Too Many Styles | Limit the variety of styles and focus on a few key accessories that complement the room’s overall aesthetic. |
Pro Tip: Opt for minimalist décor like a few well-placed plants, one or two unique vases, or a standout artwork piece. Shop minimalist décor here.
6. Skipping the Details
It’s easy to focus on big-ticket items like sofas or dining tables and forget about the little details. Details like hardware, textiles, and small accessories pull everything together and make a space feel polished and thoughtfully curated.
Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
Forgetting About Small Details | Focus on details like decorative pillows, stylish lampshades, and unique hardware for doors and cabinets. |
Overlooking Textiles | Layer throw blankets, area rugs, and pillows to create warmth and texture. |
Pro Tip: Update your kitchen with modern cabinet hardware and add a cozy throw blanket on your couch for added texture and style. Shop hardware and textiles here.
7. Not Personalizing Your Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make is decorating their homes like they’re in a magazine instead of reflecting their personal style. Your space should feel authentic to you, not like a showroom. Don’t shy away from showcasing personal pieces like family photos, souvenirs, or anything that brings you joy.
Common Mistake | What You Should Do Instead |
|---|---|
Creating a "Staged" Look | Incorporate personal items that make the space feel lived-in and authentic. |
Overmatching | Let your unique personality shine through—mixing different styles can give the space character. |
Pro Tip: Add a gallery wall with personal photos or art to make your space feel more intimate and reflective of your journey. Shop gallery wall frames here.
8. Skipping the Floor Plan
Not paying attention to your room’s layout is a design mistake many make. Arranging your furniture randomly might work for a while, but if it doesn’t flow well, it can leave the space feeling cluttered and uncomfortable. Take time to measure and plan the layout to maximize space and ensure a smooth flow.
Common Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
Not Measuring Before Buying | Plan the layout first, then buy furniture that fits. Use an online floor planner for accurate measurements. |
Ignoring Traffic Flow | Arrange furniture to allow for easy movement—don’t block doorways or create bottlenecks. |
Pro Tip: Use an online room planner to create the perfect layout before committing to large pieces of furniture. Shop room planning tools here.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common interior design mistakes can make a huge difference in how your space looks and feels. Whether you're updating a single room or redesigning your entire home, keep these expert tips in mind to create a space that's functional, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Ready to get started? Explore our curated collection of décor pieces to elevate your design game and bring your vision to life.
Want more design tips? Follow us for expert insights, product recommendations, and exclusive offers.
