7 Costly Home Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Ever walked into a room and just felt that something was wrong? Perhaps it was overcrowded, the style was not right, or it simply did not fit the style you wanted. You have probably been left wondering why your space is not exactly right, but in fact, you are falling into some of the common mistakes when it comes to making up a home interior design.
Everyone would love to have a pretty, well-decorated place to rest in at the end of a tedious day. But it is not always this smooth when getting to the perfect home. Be it your attempt to completely remodel your entire house or simply remodel a single room, there are some mistakes which most individuals commit, and these mistakes can significantly alter the overall appearance and experience of your house.
This blog will take you through the 7 expensive mistakes that individuals commit when designing their houses and how they can be avoided. At the end, you will be in a better position to make your house a beautiful, functional and comfortable place.
Key Takeaways
Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly look at the main takeaways from this blog:
Don’t block your windows – Let natural light into your home for a brighter, more inviting space.
Furniture placement matters – Avoid pushing everything against the walls. Create a more inviting and connected layout.
Scale - Scale is a factor to consider when it comes to furniture size and the room.
Accent walls - It is better to have fewer than more accent walls in a room.
Avoid excessive accessories - The fewer accessories, the classier.
Lighting layers are important - The Right combination of lighting should be used to provide ambience and functionality.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance - Select easy-to-clean and maintain decor.
1: Are You Blocking Any Windows?
Let’s talk about windows for a second. Do they have furniture that hides the natural light, or are they covered with curtains? You are, then, committing one of the greatest errors in home interior design. This not only darkens and shrinks your room, but it also wastes the free sunlight.
Why It's a Mistake:
A space can do wonders with natural light. It illuminates the room, makes it less oppressive and provides a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Covering up the windows with large furniture or heavy curtains will block out such light, resulting in a dark, dingy space that is not as welcoming.
How to Fix It:
Attempt to find a way to rearrange your furniture to create a flow that incorporates the windows. Move furniture or tables off the windows in order to allow natural light to fill the room. In case you require privacy, use sheer curtains or blinds that can also allow light to pass through without absolutely blocking it. This simple change can make a huge difference!
If you’re unsure about how to arrange furniture in your space, you might want to search for an “interior decorator near me” who can provide personalised suggestions. They can help ensure you make the most out of natural light while maintaining privacy and comfort.
Stop repeating common Home Interior Design errors—get expert tips to perfect your dream home now.
2: Does Your Furniture Have Its Back to The Wall?
The second error that people commit when placing their furniture is to place it all against the walls. One might believe that this will leave more room, but the reality is that this may give your room a very disjointed and uncomfortable appearance.
Why It's a Mistake:
When one puts furniture on the wall, it tends to create a stiff and lonely effect. It isolates the natural circulation of the room and may complicate the likelihood of interacting or feeling comfortable.
How to Fix It:
To make the room look bigger, instead of pushing it to the side, place your furniture in the centre of the room. Make conversation areas by arranging chairs or sofas facing each other. This invites space, facilitates interaction and makes the space more welcoming. The floating furniture can also make the smaller rooms appear bigger and open.
In case you are having difficulty selecting the correct layout of your space, interior design services might make the difference. With the assistance of a professional designer, you can make it more practical and more appealing to the eye.
3: Have You Got The Scale All Wrong?
Have you ever bought a piece of furniture that was either way too big or too small for your space? If so, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of mismatched scales in your room. This is a classic home interior design mistake that can affect the overall feel of your space.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Furniture that doesn’t fit the scale of the room makes the space feel either cramped or empty. Too-large pieces can overwhelm a small room, while tiny furniture can make a spacious room feel sparse and unfinished.
Related Blog: 10 Stunning Wall Decor Ideas to Transform Your Living Room & Hall Interior
How to Fix It:
When choosing furniture, think about the size of your room. Larger rooms can handle bigger furniture pieces, while smaller rooms require more appropriately scaled furniture. A great tip is to use painter’s tape to mark the dimensions of your new furniture on the floor before purchasing. This will give you a good idea of how it will fit into the space.
If you need help selecting furniture that’s the right size for your home, hiring a home interior designer near me can guide you in making the best choices.
4: Too Many Accent Walls?
The presence of accent walls may introduce a dramatic streak of colour to a room and a sense of character, but like anything, it is important to be moderate. Excessive use of accent walls may easily create clutter and dissonance in the space.
Why It's a Mistake:
Accent walls are only supposed to be used to make an emphasis in a room, whereas excessive use may give chaos. You are competing with yourself rather than showcasing some of the features, and the room appears messy.
How to Fix It:
Stick to one accent wall per room. Select a wall on which you want attention to be called, such as that behind the sofa or the fireplace. Ensure that the colour you use goes well with the colour palette of the room in general so as to balance. If you're unsure how to use accent walls effectively, look for “an affordable interior designer near me”; they can offer valuable advice on colour choices and placement to enhance your design.
5: Is Over-Accessorising Killing It?
One can be swept up in accessories like throw pillows, vases, candles, and any type of knick-knack. However, when stacked up with too many, it might make your house look messy and disorganised.
Why It's a Mistake:
When over-accessorised, it will appear chaotic. Decorating every vacant space makes you forget what is important, and your home can seem cluttered and less welcoming.
How to Fix It:
Use a simple style of accessorising. Decide on quality rather than quantity. Choose a small number of statement items that put a little life into the room but at the same time do not clutter the room with a lot of stuff. The accessories can add up to one or two.
If you cannot find the correct balance, consider consulting the best interior design experts to create a curated space that feels both functional and beautiful.
6: Layered Lighting Lacking Punch?
Lighting is a crucial element in any interior design. If you’re not using layered lighting correctly, your room might feel flat and uninviting.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Relying on just one type of lighting—like a single ceiling light—can leave your space feeling dull. Good lighting is all about creating layers: ambient, task, and accent lighting, all working together to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
How to Fix It:
Use a mix of lighting types. Add floor lamps, table lamps, or sconces for task lighting, and use accent lighting to highlight artwork or architectural features. Dimmer switches can also help adjust the mood of a room depending on the time of day or activity.
PRO TIP: Don’t Decorate With Anything That You Can’t Maintain
It’s tempting to fill your home with beautiful, delicate décor, but if you can’t keep it clean or it doesn’t hold up well over time, it’s not a good investment.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Choosing pieces that are difficult to maintain can result in frustration. If your furniture or accessories need constant care or are prone to damage, you’ll quickly find yourself tired of dealing with them.
How to Fix It:
Focus on durable materials and items that are easy to clean and maintain. For example, choose slipcovered sofas that you can easily wash or opt for faux leather instead of real leather, which can be high maintenance. This way, you’ll save time and effort while keeping your space looking fresh.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common home interior design mistakes, you’ll be on your way to creating a space that’s not only beautiful but functional too. Whether it’s fixing your furniture arrangement, selecting the right lighting, or simply choosing pieces you can maintain, every little change counts in making your home feel just right.
If you need more personalised advice or assistance, consider consulting an interior decorator near me or seeking out professional interior design services. A well-designed home can make all the difference in how you feel in your space. Happy designing!
FAQs
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To create harmony, focus on colour coordination and balance in furniture arrangement, and maintain a consistent theme. A well-balanced space will make your home feel peaceful and put-together.
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Set a budget and prioritise key items that will make the most impact. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and add decorative pieces over time.
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Opt for natural materials like wood, stone, and metals, which are both durable and stylish. These materials give your home a timeless feel and work well with various design styles.
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Stick to one primary style or theme, and choose furniture that complements it. Mixing styles can work, but only if there’s a clear flow and balance between the pieces.
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Use multi-functional furniture, wall-mounted storage, and mirrors to create the illusion of space. Keep the layout open and avoid overcrowding the room.
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Measure your space before buying new furniture. Pay attention to the room’s proportions and choose pieces that will enhance, rather than overcrowd, the space.
