1. Choosing the Wrong Color
Painting mistakes are among the most common interior design faux pas out there. And, it’s one of the worst ones too. The reason lies in its overwhelming influence on the rest of the space. It impacts the ambiance, mood, and look of the room. Consider color psychology and test swabs in your preferred room before committing paint to the wall.
The Fix: Test or Go Neutral
2. Not Balancing the Layout
A bad layout is one of the most common interior design mistakes that’s vital to avoid. Often, ill-planned interiors lack a positive visual and practical flow. They neglect the movement of foot traffic as well as aesthetic elements.
The Fix: Plan & Measure
3. Opting for Ill-Sized Furniture
Some interior design mistakes can feel counterintuitive. For example, decorating a small room with small furniture may feel right, but it can make the space look cluttered. On the other hand, too many chairs and sofas can take away the roominess of a large room.
The Fix: Scale & Practice Restraint
4. Using Too Small Rugs
Plushness underfoot can make a room feel so cozy and complete. Yet, when a rug is the incorrect size, it’ll make the interior feel awkward. As one of the worst interior design mistakes to make, getting it right can be so beneficial. A rug is not only grounding, but it can also add depth and definition through zoning and texture.
The Fix: Go Bigger
5. Not Enough Lighting
Bad lighting is not only one of the most common bedroom interior design mistakes, but it extends to the whole house and even commercial spaces. Limited light sources result in a dimly or harshly lit room, with no in-between. It can make a room feel very unwelcoming.
The Fix: Layer Light
6. Ignoring Vertical Space
A room can have beautiful furniture yet still feel off. Not utilizing a room effectively is often the culprit. This includes neglecting walls, ceilings, and vertical space. Unfortunately, the bedroom is where these interior design mistakes run wild.
The Fix: Add Height
7. Not Adding Variety
It’s easy to get stuck on a certain look and finish, especially if a trend has caught your eye. But fixating too heavily on one aspect can make the room seem flat and unimaginative. Single-color themes or all-similar finishes can be monotonous without variety. But they are simple interior design mistakes to avoid, especially as these spaces typically feel incomplete.
The Fix: Mix it Up
8. No Focal Point
One sure way to make a space feel bland is by forgetting to create a focal point. Without a central focus, there is no place for eyes to rest and a room can feel unorganized yet empty as a result.
The Fix: Create Feature Zones
9. Forgetting About Traffic Flow
If you have to climb over or shimmy past furniture to enjoy the lounge, there are living room layout mistakes at work. Such a setup not only makes life difficult, but it also has a detrimental visual impact. As a result, a room will feel crowded when you can’t move about freely.
The Fix: Free Flow Layout
10. Holding on to Outdated or Inappropriate Furniture & Décor
Outdated furniture and décor are typical in interiors rigidly decorated in a certain style or on the whim of trends. Some aged pieces can look stunning in a design, but they need to be incorporated into a cohesive and beautiful whole. In addition, be aware of the age appropriateness of decor pieces. Once the kids have grown up or moved out, store or donate those plush animal keepsakes.
The Fix: Update & Opt for Timelessness
11. Neglecting Texture
Even if an interior has great furniture, it won’t feel right when everything has the same finish and texture. We function on a multi-sensory level. With this in mind, visual and tactile elements should enhance our experience of a room.
The Fix: Spice it Up
12. Incorrect Curtain Size & Height
And finally, the worst of all interior decorating mistakes: incorrect window dressing. This is because of how big an impact it has and how easily it can elevate an interior to a stunning level. Curtains hanging just above a window or too far from the ground are bound to cause eyesores.
The Fix: Be Generous