Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

With so many things to consider, interior design can be daunting especially when you want so badly to get it right.

To preemptively troubleshoot some of the common interior design mistakes we’ve run into over the years, here is a list of the 10 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Everything the Same Height

One of the biggest interior design mistakes people make is buying decor of the same height. While it’s easy to think of this tactic as creating more order in the space, having everything fall on the same visual plane (aka all the same height) can make a room feel rather stunted and uninteresting. 

Unbalanced Layout

When arranging the room, most people tend to push furniture up against the walls to create the illusion of more open space. In actuality, it does just the opposite. While you may free up the center of the room, your space will feel more empty, sterile, and even a bit awkward.

A poor thought-out lighting scheme

When considering a lighting scheme, remember that you are not just looking at the design of your light shade or where it is in the room – it’s important to consider how it lights up various aspects of your living space. 

Think subtle accent or practical task lighting, too, to create pools of welcoming light around the room. No room should be lit by one light source only – you need to be able to control several sources for each room to adapt the lighting levels to the atmosphere you would like to conjure up.

Hanging Art

Art can be striking and stunning. Unfortunately, also why the mistakes tend to be glaring.

The first mistake that some novice interior designers make is going for the wrong size. Don’t be intimidated by size! Bigger is almost always better. A too-small artwork can look silly, while a grand-scale art can become the room’s focal point.

If you want to put more than one piece, experiment with the placement, and scale till you find one that looks balanced.

Remember, as a general rule, eye-level looks the most natural.

Add Character

Pinterest brings the latest design trends to our fingertips. However, it also brought long the movement of cookie-cutter interiors where all spaces started to look similar and forgettable.

It may be easier to copy a Pinterest board as is, but it will not speak to you. Adding your personality to your home is what will make it truly personal and meaningful.

Buying Furniture without measuring

It’s hard to judge the scale of furniture when it’s sitting on a vast showroom floor. That’s why homeowners are sometimes shocked to find that the beautiful sectional or coffee table they saw in a showroom looks as though it eats up the entire room when it’s sitting in their living room.

Not Asking for Help

Designing a room—let alone a home—can be a daunting task and a hefty investment. While we live in the era of Pinterest and DIY, a professional interior designer lends expert insight and assistance to tangibly bring your design dreams to life.

Instead of simply picking a trend and running with it, partnering with a designer gives you a go-to guide for all things home, creating a more timeless and evergreen space that truly reflects you, your style, and your personality.

Ar-kee Design Studio will help you find the perfect pieces while sticking to a budget to design a home you’ll love for years to come.