6 Interior design mistakes you should avoid

When it comes to interior design, there aren’t any rules, per se, but there are a few suggestions that homeowners can take into account when designing or redesigning their homes. Interestingly, when we’re online, we’re bombarded with many trends and “must-have” decor that we’re being told to try in our spaces. Yet, we’re rarely given as much intel on what design, decor and decorations to avoid in return.

Design errors can be expensive, so I’ve broken down some of the most common design mistakes I’ve seen (or heard of) in my career, and how you can avoid them in your interior designs.

ALWAYS MEASURE A ROOM

This is a cardinal rule, because it forces us not to make design decisions too spontaneously (such as buying furniture that is either too big or small for a room). Before making a purchase, I implore you to gather the dimensions of each piece first. Never rely on your eye to measure a space (it seldom works). Measure every nook and cranny in a room, and map out your area (patiently) before committing to anything.

TOO MUCH FURNITURE

Just having the space does not mean you need to fill it up with furniture. It makes a room feel cluttered, but it can be impractical, too. Filling a room with an overabundance of furniture, as well as accessories, can make the space feel much smaller and less functional.

Easy tip: Take stock of a room you use most often in your home – such as a living room – and question which pieces you use and those that don’t serve a purpose beyond aesthetic appeal. Sell or donate any pieces that seem redundant. You want the space to be comfortable and spacious, and that requires, well, space. Too much furniture has the opposite effect.

CHOOSING THE WRONG RUG SIZE

I love the transformational nature of rugs. They can create interest and beauty, and there are so many price points available that you can find the right price for you. It can be tricky knowing the right size of rug for your space. There are some general fail-safe rules I’ve followed for years, and it’s this: Living rooms almost always need a carpet that’s either eight by 10 ft. or nine by 12. Anything smaller looks awkward and out of place. A rug should be big enough to fit (at least) two chairs or couch legs on it. Alternatively, you can go smaller in functional spaces, such as a kitchen, providing it serves the right purpose. A small rug under bar stools creates a more inviting space to sit.

NEVER FORGET LIGHTING

It’s surprising how little homeowners invest in thinking about lighting, and it’s one of the essential functions in a space, providing ambiance and overall comfort. My advice? Don’t opt for a singular light in one room and think you’re done – it’s jarring when light is washed over you from overhead.
It’s unflattering and can give the feel of an interrogation room at times. Instead, try to layer your lighting. This means you decide on your central lighting – for your kitchen worktops, mirrors in your bathrooms, or light above your dining table. Then the idea is that you build around that with smaller lighting options, which sets the right vibe and creates ambiance. The possibilities are endless – table lamps, string lights, small pendants, anything that will highlight the areas in the room that may require some warmth. And never forget candles. They’re the most affordable and romantic way to set the mood.

TAKE TRENDS LESS SERIOUSLY

We’re bombarded online and via social platforms with season after season of design and decor trends such as palm prints and wicker furniture. It’s easy to get caught up in the fray, and incorporate some of those fun and unique looks into our own homes. Remember – trends are fleeting, and you don’t want to drain your budget with items that won’t stand the test of time.

Never make a design decision flippantly. I always tell people that they need to live in their space before making big purchasing decisions, whether it’s a couch, bed or dining room table. You need to exist in your space to get a sense of how you live in it, and then you can decide what pieces fit your lifestyle and design aesthetic the best. If you still feel the pull of a trend like the most recent rattan craze, try it out in home furnishings. I love a rattan lighting fixture mixed in with a more modern, minimalist design.

INVEST IN QUALITY FURNITURE

One important rule to remember – quality outweighs quantity. While it’s a challenge to live with less furniture, investing in high-quality pieces means they could potentially last a lifetime and, more significantly, they won’t go out of style. Take your time and shop with a critical eye.

Buy the highest quality you can afford, and if you can’t at that exact moment, create a budget plan that means you can for the future. It may take six months to get that beautiful, oversized velvet couch you’ve been eyeing, but it’s surely worth the wait once you have it.