10 Interior Design Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them)
A well-designed home feels cohesive, comfortable, and reflective of your personality. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make common interior design mistakes that can throw off the balance of a space. Whether it’s choosing the wrong paint colour, neglecting lighting, or overcrowding a room with furniture, these missteps can make a space feel chaotic rather than inviting.
Here, we’ll walk through 10 common interior design mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them to create a polished, functional, and beautiful space.
1. Neglecting a Cohesive Design Style
The Mistake:
One of the most common mistakes made is not having a clear design vision. Mixing too many conflicting styles or randomly incorporating trends can create a disjointed space that lacks harmony.
The Fix:
Define your design style before making any major purchases. Whether you lean toward modern minimalism, cozy traditional, or industrial chic, stick to a core aesthetic. Create a mood board or Pinterest board with images that inspire you and use it as a guide when selecting furniture, colours, and decor.
2. Choosing the Wrong Paint Colour First
The Mistake:
Many people select a paint colour before choosing furniture and decor, only to realize later that it doesn’t complement their chosen pieces.
The Fix:
Always choose paint last. Start with the larger elements in the room - sofas, rugs, wood tones - then pick a colour that enhances them. Use paint samples on different walls and observe them at different times of day to ensure they look great in all lighting conditions.
3. Poor Lighting Choices
The Mistake:
Relying on a single overhead light or choosing the wrong colour temperature for bulbs can make a space feel harsh or uninviting.
The Fix:
Opt for warm white or daylight bulbs (2700K - 3000K) for a cozy, natural feel, and use layered lighting strategies by incorporating:
Ambient lighting (overhead pots or dishes)
Task lighting (desk, reading, or kitchen counter lights)
Accent lighting (lamps, sconces, or LED strips)
Opt for warm white or daylight bulbs (2700K-3500K) for a cozy, natural feel.
Pro Tip - Read my blog Lighting Explained From Colour Temperature to Bulb Types.
4. Not Considering Scale and Proportion
The Mistake:
Filling a small room with oversized furniture or using lots of smaller or individual decor pieces in a large space can throw off the balance.
The Fix:
Think about proportion - each piece should complement the size of the room and surrounding furniture. Measure before you buy, and use tools like painter’s tape to outline furniture placement before committing. In large spaces, buy duplicates - repetition of smaller items can compliment a larger scale feeling in a big space.
5. Overcrowding a Space
The Mistake:
Too much furniture or excessive decor makes a room feel cluttered and overwhelming. Think of white space and ensuring your stuff has “room to breathe”.
The Fix:
Follow the "less is more" rule. Keep only what adds function or aesthetic value. Instead of filling every inch with furniture, allow breathing room to create a sense of openness. Use multi-functional pieces like ottomans with storage or extendable dining tables to maximize space when needed.
6. Hanging Artwork Incorrectly
The Mistake:
Artwork hung too high, too low, or with awkward spacing makes a room feel visually off.
The Fix:
Hang artwork at eye level (typically 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece). For gallery walls, keep a consistent spacing of 2-4 inches between frames for a polished look.
7. Matching Everything Too Much
The Mistake:
Buying an entire furniture set from one collection makes a space look like a furniture showroom rather than a thoughtfully curated home.
The Fix:
Mix and match materials, textures, and styles. Combine old and new, sleek and rustic, light and dark elements to add interest. Use contrasting textures, such as pairing a leather sofa with a soft wool rug or metal accents with warm wood tones.
8. Forgetting About Texture and Layers
The Mistake:
A space without variation in texture can feel flat and uninspired.
The Fix:
Layer in different textures and materials - think soft throw blankets, linen curtains, woven baskets, metallic accents, and natural wood. This adds depth and dimension, making a space feel inviting and well-styled.
9. Overlooking Storage and Organization
The Mistake:
A beautifully designed room that lacks functional storage quickly becomes messy and impractical.
The Fix:
Plan for storage from the beginning. Use built-in shelves, stylish storage baskets, and multipurpose furniture to keep clutter at bay.
10. Ignoring the Importance of Rugs
The Mistake:
Choosing the wrong rug size or skipping one altogether can make a room feel incomplete.
The Fix:
A rug should anchor the space. Follow these general guidelines:
Living rooms: The front legs of all furniture should be on the rug.
Dining rooms: The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table to allow chairs to slide in and out.
Bedrooms: A rug should extend at least 18 inches from the sides and foot of the bed for a cozy feel.
Pro Tip - read more here about How to Choose the Right Size Rug for Your Space.
Creating a Balanced and Stylish Home
Avoiding these common interior design mistakes will help you create a space that feels well-planned, stylish, and functional. Take time to plan, measure, and experiment before committing to big design choices. Small tweaks - like adjusting lighting, adding texture, and ensuring proper furniture scale - can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your home.
Key Takeaways:
Establish a cohesive design style before purchasing.
Layer lighting for a balanced, inviting atmosphere.
Measure furniture to ensure the right scale and proportion.
Declutter and prioritize functionality in every space.
Use texture and layering to create visual interest.
By keeping these principles in mind, you can elevate your home’s design and create a space that is both beautiful and practical.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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