10 Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Whilst there’s lots of articles about what to do, how to keep up with the design trends, how to get this look or that look, I noticed there aren’t many tips on what not to do.
Designing interiors is of course very subjective, and is very dependent on taste. However, there are certain things to avoid when creating your space in order to make sure you have a balanced design that looks good.
You can call this a “list of bad ideas” and use them as a guideline for things to watch out for, I promise it will help you achieve better results. But remember, the key is to have fun whilst designing, and to adore your home while living in it.
Here are the 10 common interior design mistakes and quick tips on how to avoid them:
Having too many small pictures hanging on the wall
Gallery walls are quite a popular and a good way to fill up your walls, and also add some character into your home to make it feel like yours. There’s multiple ways you can go about them: having it symmetrical, with pictures from the same size, or having pictures with varying sizes & shapes. The symmetrical way helps create a balanced space, you can use a symmetrical gallery wall at a corridor or above a console, even horizontally by your bedside. Remember to use relatively big frames, I’d say the smallest should be 30x40. The varied way adds lots of dynamism on the other hand, but is a little more tricky to get right. The best way to go about it is to have an off centred big frame and built around it. You can cut papers the sizes of your frame and stick them on the wall with blue tack. If it’s right for the eye, go for it!
2. Matching all seating elements
Back in the old times where furniture sets were leading the way, having everything matching as a huge set of furniture was almost a sign of prestige. So glad those days are over because it takes the FUN out of creating a space. Whilst harmony is important in a space, contrast and visual interest is also crucial. For example, try to add armchairs at a contrasting colour with your sofa. Or try to find a sofa with hidden legs and armchairs with wooden or metal legs or vice versa. Play around with adding patterns, if you’re too scared go for bolder cushions
3. Not paying attention to bedding
Bedding just gets ignored ALL the time. It’s either leftover beddings from your uni days, or something you’ve been given by others. Please, pay attention to your bedding, trust me, good bedding will increase your quality of life. Think of it this way, if you get good bedding, you won’t even need to ‘make your bed’ every single time and cover it up. I always would opt for neutrals as they are timeless, and they can be spiced up with bolder blankets and cushions. And my rule of thumb is 4 pillows with 2 square cushions.
4. Short curtains
Seeing short curtains makes me really sad. It does! It just looks unfinished, like someone delivered the curtains halfway, or the owners couldn’t afford the fabric length. It’s upsetting. Curtains are meant to go alllll the way down even if you’ve got a short window. Please pay attention to your window length, and make sure that your curtains touch the floor. If you want anything short, go for blinds!
5. Small rugs in seating area
Similar to short curtains, area rugs should be large enough to cover a substantial amount of space. Ideally the whole seating area, if not, it should be under at least the front legs of your sofa. For bedrooms, you can place a rug under the bed (can cover half of the floor under it), with the longer side parallel to the headboard. Please make sure the rug is at least 40-50 cm longer than the bed on each side, otherwise no point!
Credit: McGee & Co
6. Single lighting source
Have you ever walked into a space and felt like it just hugs you and takes you in? Check the lighting out, it’s probably in varying heights and sizes. If you fall into the trap of investing into a huge pendant and nothing else, you will notice that your room will look more like an interrogation room. Opt for 3 sources if you can, one ceiling, one table and one for specific tasks like reading or a picture light. You will notice the difference ;)
7. Too much or too little furniture
Especially when moving into a new home, we tend to think we have to make use of every inch of space, until we realise we can’t walk properly in the room because of the amount of furniture. It’s important to prioritise: do you like to host? If so, how many people? This will determine your seating choice. Do you need additional storage? The answer is usually yes, but it’s very important to reflect what exactly will need to be stored. What’s the flow in the room? Where will you enter and how will you move in the room? These are the major things I consider when determining the right amount of furniture.
8. Focal point missing
This is a more tricky one to get right. A focal point can be achieved with size, colour or placement of an item in the room. It can range from a painting with a pop of colour to a huge pendant above the dining table. This will help the flow of the eye when looking at a room. If there are too many focal points, the space can tire the eye, and if there is none the space can be uninteresting.
Credit: The Pinnacle List
9. Thinking it has to cost to look good
This is unfortunately a very common misconception. Interior design is not just for magazines or TV shows, it is for YOU to be happy in your space, and it can start NOW. I’ve been advocating for the accessibility of good design and how it can make your life better since the beginning of launching Maison F. If you want more tips, feel free to read my previous blog post on Interior Design on a Budget, or reach out to me directly here.
10. Ignoring the soul of a space
Making a space feel good is not solely achieved with great materials, furniture and accessories. It is the ‘soul’ of a space that makes you feel good. This is why I always tell my clients to add their interpretation, their belongings, memorabilia etc. into the designs I deliver. Framing an old piece of wallpaper that was in the house before, putting up that plant that’s about to give up and looking after it, displaying a childhood picture or some random stones you picked up at a beach in Bali are a few examples of how to bring soul into a space. With the right lighting and textures, these are the things that will make you feel hugged in a space. Remember, these need to make you smile every time you look at them. Now think, what can you bring out to display?
Credit: Lauren Liess & Co