10 interior design mistakes to avoid and what to do instead (pt. 2)

Welcome to the second part of our article series on interior design! If you're thinking about giving your home a fresh look, it's important to know the common interior design mistakes to avoid. By staying away from these errors, you can make your living space both beautiful and balanced. In this article, we'll talk about ten more common interior design mistakes and what you can do instead. Get ready to transform your home into a cozy and inviting place that you'll love!

Mistake nr. 7 – Using the wrong size furniture

One mistake in interior design is picking furniture that doesn't fit right in your space. If the furniture is too big, it can make the room feel crowded. But if it's too small, the room might look empty.

Solution nr. 7 – Measure your room

To avoid this, measure your room and choose furniture that matches the size of the space. Think about how the furniture will work in the room. By getting furniture that fits well, you can make a comfortable space that uses your room's potential.

Mistake nr. 8 – Pushing all furniture against the wall

Another mistake in interior design is putting all your furniture against the walls. It may seem like a good idea, but it can make your space feel cold and unwelcoming. By breaking the habit of pushing everything against the wall, you can make your space more interesting and appealing.

Solution nr. 8 – Make different areas in the room

Instead, try moving your furniture away from the walls. This helps to make different areas in the room and allows for better flow and conversation. Play around with different furniture arrangements. For instance, group chairs and sofas around a focal point or make a comfy corner with a reading chair and table.

Mistake nr. 9 – Not having enough light

When your room doesn't have enough lighting, it can feel as if you're trapped in a dark and dreary cave. It takes away the natural brightness of your space and gives it a dull and unwelcoming vibe.

Solution nr. 9 – Embrace both artificial and natural lighting

To avoid this, you need to make sure your room has good lighting, whether it's artificial or natural. Use different types of lights. Try ceiling lights or hanging lamps for the whole room. Desk lamps or under-cabinet lights for specific tasks are also a good idea. Also, don't forget about natural light. Use light-colored curtains or blinds and keep your windows clean and clear. Having enough light in your room will improve the overall atmosphere.

Mistake nr. 10 – Painting before choosing furniture

Here's a biggie: painting before picking your furniture. Hold up that paintbrush for a sec! Don't rush into a fresh paint job just yet. Why? Imagine splashing your walls with a trendy blue, only to find out later that your dream furniture clashes with it like fire and ice. Ouch!

Solution nr. 10 – Choose furniture first

Hold your horses on painting until you've got your furniture game on point. When you choose your furniture first, magic happens. You get to create a perfect blend of colors and styles. Think of your furniture as the superstar and the paint as its loyal companion, making it look even better. You’ll also want to decide on a color palette that works well for both.

Mistake nr. 11 – Not decorating walls at all

Oops! When you neglect to decorate your walls, it's like staring at a blank page without any colors. Even if you prefer a simple and minimalistic style, don't assume that your walls have to be empty and boring. There's a wall decorating strategy for every taste!

Solution nr. 11 – Decide on a wall decorating strategy

Hang up artwork, photos, or mirrors that make you happy. Create a gallery wall that showcases your cherished memories and stories. Use wall shelves to proudly display adorable decorations or plants. Consider hanging up a wallpaper that reflects your unique style. And guess what? It doesn't have to be permanent! You can explore removable wallpapers, allowing you to change themes and designs as often as you please. No matter what you choose, let your creativity shine and breathe life into those plain walls!

Mistake nr. 12 – Hanging artwork at the wrong height

Not decorating your walls at all is a huge mistake. But don't assume that adding decorations will automatically fix everything. There are certain rules you should know! One of the major mistakes to avoid is hanging artwork at the wrong height. If it's too high, it can make the room feel disconnected from the furniture and other elements. On the other hand, if it's too low, it can make the space appear crowded and cramped.

Solution nr. 12 – Follow the guidelines

To avoid this mistake, follow a simple guideline: the center of the artwork should be at eye level. This means hanging it at around 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152 cm) from the floor. However, keep in mind that eye level can vary depending on the average height of people in your household.

Additionally, take into consideration the furniture arrangement and the wall space available. If you're creating a gallery wall or hanging multiple pieces together, ensure they are properly spaced and aligned. Use a level or measuring tape to achieve a straight and balanced arrangement.

Mistake nr. 13 – Not having a focal point in the room

Oh no! Here's another common mistake in interior design: forgetting to have a main focus in your space. Imagine it like the star of the show, the center of attention that gives your room a purpose. Without a focal point, your room may feel all over the place and lack direction.

Solution nr. 13 – Choose the main focus

To avoid this, choose something interesting to be the main focus. It could be a cool piece of furniture, a captivating artwork, or a beautiful window with a great view. You can also choose a bold wallpaper to grace a single wall – for instance, take a look at these floral & colorful wallpaper collections!

Once you've picked the main focus, arrange the other things in the room around it to create a nice balance. Having a focal point brings everything together and gives your room a clear purpose and style. So, don't forget to have a focal point that steals the spotlight and makes your room shine!

Mistake nr. 14 – Hanging curtains at the wrong level

Here's a misstep many make in interior design: hanging curtains at the wrong level. It's time to shed light on this curtain catastrophe and find out how to get it spot-on.

Curtain placement can make or break the look of your room, so it's essential to get it right. Hanging curtains too high or too low can throw off the balance and harmony of your space. When curtains are too high, they may make the room feel awkwardly tall. When they're too low, the space can seem cramped and suffocating.

Solution nr. 14 – Use curtain-hanging techniques

To avoid this mistake, aim to hang your curtains just above the window frame or close to the ceiling. This technique creates an illusion of height and makes your room feel more open and airy. Make sure the curtains touch the floor or slightly pool on it for an elegant and sophisticated look. Additionally, choose curtain rods that are wider than the window frame. It will allow the curtains to be fully drawn, letting in maximum light when desired.

Mistake nr. 15 – Choosing the wrong size for a rug

The size of your rug plays a vital role in the look and feel of your room. It's like finding the missing piece of a puzzle to complete the whole picture! If the rug is too small, it can make the room feel incomplete, just like wearing mismatched clothes. If it's too big, it can overpower the space, like squeezing a giant into a tiny room.

Solution nr. 15 – Find balance in rug size

To avoid this mistake, measure your space and consider the furniture arrangement. Ensure that the rug is large enough to anchor the furniture and create a cozy area. To incorporate small rugs, consider layering them on top of larger rugs to add texture and dimension. Use small rugs to accentuate specific zones in your room, such as seating areas or entryways. You can also create a visually appealing look by grouping multiple small rugs in complementary colors or patterns.

Mistake nr. 16 – Forgetting about functionality (Clutter-free space)

A functional and clutter-free space is like a breath of fresh air. It makes life easier and your home more enjoyable. However, when functionality is overlooked, chaos sneaks in.

Solution nr. 16 – Focus on storage solutions

To avoid this, focus on storage solutions and stay organized. Use hidden storage like magic tricks to keep clutter out of sight. Maximize shelves, baskets, and cabinets to create a tidy and efficient space. Let your room breathe freely, and it will bring you peace and serenity.

Conclusion

In this article, we've talked about various interior design mistakes. But here's the good news – all of them have simple solutions. Just measure your space, choose the right furniture, and add cozy areas with good lighting or compelling artwork. You can create a harmonious and functional environment easily!

As we come to the end of our series on interior design mistakes, we hope you've learned valuable tips for making your home beautiful and balanced. By avoiding these common interior design mistakes, your space will become a cozy and inviting reflection of your style and personality. Get ready to transform your home into a place you'll love!