Interior Design Fails: 10 Fixes For Common Design Mistakes
Not sure why your home doesn't feel right? Maybe you're making one of these common decorating mistakes.
Wrong color? Cramped space? Does your room feel more like a cave rather than a relaxing oasis? Interior design mistakes can make a space feel cluttered, unappealing, and dysfunctional. But don't worry—if your room doesn't vibrate how you hoped or inspire you, it doesn't mean you're stuck with these design fails forever.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we've compiled a list of 10 common interior design mistakes and suggestions for how to fix them. By avoiding these worst interior design mistakes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can create a well-designed space that is both functional and visually appealing.
Mistake 1: Overcrowding rooms
One of the most common design mistakes is overfilling a room with too much furniture or decor. This interior design fail can make your space feel claustrophobic and challenging to navigate. Overfilling your walls and flat surfaces can also make your space look crowded and messy.
How to fix it: Start by defining the purpose of each area and arranging the furniture accordingly. Consider traffic flow, balance and focal points. For instance, in a living room, position seating to encourage conversation and create a welcoming atmosphere. If necessary, remove some items to create a more open, breathable atmosphere.
Mistake 2: Ignoring scale and proportion
Choosing furniture or decor items that are either too small or too large for the space is another common interior design mistake to avoid. Furniture and decor items that are not the correct size can make the space feel unbalanced and visually unappealing. This includes couches that are too big or carpets that are too small.
How to fix it: Take accurate measurements of your room and furniture before making purchases. Ensure that the scale and proportion of each piece harmonize with the room's dimensions. For example, opt for a round table in a small dining area to maximize space and promote better circulation.
Mistake 3: Poor lighting choices
Insufficient or harsh lighting is a frequent bad interior design choice that can create an uninviting ambiance. Relying solely on overhead lighting can create harsh shadows and an unwelcoming ambiance.
How to fix it: Incorporate a variety of lighting sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps and sconces, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use dimmers to control light intensity and set the mood. Consider utilizing natural light through well-placed windows or skylights and use different bulbs (halogen, LED, etc.) for different light fixtures.
Mistake 4: Neglecting the importance of color
Selecting clashing or overwhelming color combinations is among the worst interior design mistakes. An overwhelming color combination can create visual chaos and make you feel unwell (quite literally).
How to fix it: Develop a cohesive color palette that reflects your style and the mood you want to create in the room. Use complementary and contrasting colors, including various shades and textures. Look for inspiration from successful designers who have mastered the art of color coordination, such as Kelly Wearstler or Nate Berkus.
Mistake 5: Overusing/underusing patterns and textures
Incorporating too many patterns and textures can lead to visual chaos or a flat, uninteresting space. Likewise, overlooking the importance of incorporating texture can make your space feel inviting and bare.
How to fix it: Mix various textures to add depth and visual interest to your rooms. Combine smooth surfaces with rough textures, such as pairing a velvet sofa with a rustic wooden coffee table. Experiment with fabrics, rugs, wall coverings and decorative elements to create a tactile experience.
Mistake 6: Hanging artwork too high
Placing artwork too high or too low on the wall is a common design mistake that can make your room feel unbalanced. Hanging too much or too little can also have a negative effect, especially when the art is too big or too small for the room.
How to fix it: Select artwork that speaks to you and hang it at eye level, about 57-60 inches from the floor. This makes the art easily visible and creates a harmonious visual flow throughout the space. Try creating a gallery wall to display multiple pieces, considering their size, spacing and overall composition.
Mistake 7: Skimping on window treatments
Neglecting proper window treatments or skipping them altogether is one of the interior design fails that can result in a lack of privacy and unattractive windows. This can also make your space feel more like a dorm room than a relaxing home.
How to fix it: Choose window treatments that complement the style of your room, control light and provide privacy. Consider curtains, blinds, shades, or even a combination of these options. Consider layering treatments for added functionality and visual interest.
Mistake 8: Over-relying on trendy designs
New trends come and go, and not all of them stay around for long. Focusing solely on the latest design trends can quickly make your home feel outdated, leading to more frequent updates.
How to fix it: While incorporating trendy elements can add a fresh touch to your space, it's important to balance them with timeless, classic designs. Invest in high-quality, versatile pieces that can withstand the test of time and adapt to changing trends.
Mistake 9: Ignoring functionality
Prioritizing aesthetics over function is one of the common interior design mistakes that can result in an impractical space. Lack of functionality can make your space feel cramped and awkward and even cause injury.
How to fix it: Consider how you use the space and choose furnishings and decor that support those activities. For example, place shelving and counters within easy reach and incorporate the kitchen triangle to make prepping and cooking easier. If you often host guests, invest in comfortable seating and ample storage for entertaining essentials.
Mistake 10: Neglecting personal style
Designing a space that doesn't reflect your tastes or personality is a design fail that can make your home feel impersonal and uninviting. Failing to infuse your personality into the design will create a generic and impersonal space in which you won't enjoy spending time.
How to fix it: Incorporate elements showcasing your style, such as favorite colors, artwork, or cherished mementos. Add family photos or unique accessories that reflect your interests and experiences. Incorporate elements that tell your story, such as travel souvenirs or handmade artwork. Let your space reflect who you are.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common interior design mistakes, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment. Remember to consider functionality, scale, lighting, color, texture, and your personality when designing your space. Seek inspiration from successful designers and adapt their techniques to suit your style and preferences. With attention to detail and a thoughtful approach, you can create a beautiful and functional home that avoids the pitfalls of bad interior design.
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