Top Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them

🛋️ Top Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Interior design is all about creating a space that is both beautiful and functional, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned designs can go off track. From mismatched furniture to poorly planned layouts, these common interior design mistakes can undermine the look and feel of your space. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little thoughtful planning and some expert guidance.

Here are some of the most common interior design mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.

🚫 1. Overcrowding Your Space

One of the most common mistakes in interior design is overcrowding a room with too much furniture or décor. While it might seem like a good idea to fill every corner with items, this often results in a cluttered, uncomfortable, and chaotic environment.

How to Avoid It:

• Be Selective with Furniture: Choose pieces that are functional and scale-appropriate for the room. Focus on key items like a sofa, a few chairs, and a coffee table, and avoid overcrowding with unnecessary items.

• Leave Space to Breathe: Make sure there’s room for movement. Leave enough space between furniture so that the room feels open and inviting. A general rule is to leave at least 18 inches between the edge of furniture and walls or other pieces.

🖼️ 2. Ignoring Scale & Proportion

Using furniture or décor that’s either too large or too small for a room can create an imbalanced and uncomfortable space. For example, oversized furniture in a small room can overwhelm the space, while tiny pieces in a large room can make it feel empty.

How to Avoid It:

• Consider Room Size: Measure your space before purchasing furniture. For smaller rooms, choose pieces that are appropriately scaled—think slimmer sofas, smaller tables, and low-profile furniture.

• Mix Scales Thoughtfully: In larger spaces, you can balance large furniture with statement decor, but ensure you include smaller, functional pieces to create harmony.

🎨 3. Choosing the Wrong Colors

Color has a significant impact on the mood and perception of a space. One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a color scheme that doesn’t match the purpose of the room or your personal style. For example, dark colors in a small room can make it feel cramped, while overly bright colors in a bedroom might disrupt relaxation.

How to Avoid It:

• Test Colors First: Always test your color choices in the room before committing. Paint a small section of the wall and observe how it looks at different times of the day.

• Think About the Room’s Function: Consider the mood you want to create in each room. Soft, neutral colors work well in bedrooms for a calming vibe, while bolder, vibrant colors can energize living or dining areas.

• Use Accent Colors: If you love bold hues but are afraid of overwhelming a room, use them as accents through accessories, throw pillows, rugs, or artwork.

🛁 4. Overlooking Lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. Poor lighting makes a space feel dim, dreary, and uninviting, while too much lighting can be harsh and uncomfortable. Many people focus on overhead lighting and forget to layer their lighting for different moods and functions.

How to Avoid It:

• Layer Your Lighting: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. For example, ceiling lights or recessed lighting can provide overall illumination (ambient), while table lamps and pendant lights can be used for focused tasks or to create ambiance (task and accent).

• Consider Natural Light: Maximize natural light by using light-colored fabrics, mirrors, and sheer curtains that allow sunlight to flow in.

🛋️ 5. Clashing Styles & Mismatched Furniture

Mismatched furniture and décor can make a room feel disconnected and chaotic. While mixing styles can work when done thoughtfully, pairing pieces that don’t complement each other can lead to a disjointed design.

How to Avoid It:

• Create a Cohesive Theme: Choose a design style (e.g., modern, industrial, coastal) and stick to it throughout the space. You can mix different textures or materials, but aim to maintain a consistent overall aesthetic.

• Balance the Old and New: If you’re mixing antique pieces with modern furniture, find ways to tie them together with color, pattern, or material that complements both styles.

🖼️ 6. Forgetting About Functionality

While aesthetics are important, functionality should always come first. It’s easy to get caught up in design trends and overlook how the space will actually be used.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan for Everyday Life: Think about the practical needs of your family or lifestyle. For example, if you have kids or pets, choose durable fabrics and materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

• Function Over Trend: While trends are fun, make sure the design elements you incorporate will serve a practical purpose in your home for years to come. Functionality should always take precedence over temporary trends.

🏡 7. Neglecting Storage Solutions

A beautifully designed room can quickly lose its appeal if clutter starts to accumulate. Not having adequate storage solutions can lead to a disorganized and messy space.

How to Avoid It:

• Maximize Vertical Space: Use shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted storage to keep clutter off the floor and maximize your space.

• Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture: Look for furniture that offers hidden storage, such as ottomans with storage inside, beds with built-in drawers, or side tables that double as storage units.

🌿 8. Over decorating or Under decorating

Striking the right balance in décor can be tricky. Too many accessories and knick-knacks can clutter a space, while too little can make it feel sterile and unfinished.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep It Simple: Focus on a few statement pieces or meaningful decor rather than overcrowding a room with items. Choose art, textiles, and accessories that complement your style without overwhelming the space.

• Edit Your Space: Less is often more. Take a step back and remove any décor that doesn’t add value to the room, allowing the more important pieces to shine.

✨ Create a Thoughtful, Purposeful Space

Avoiding these common interior design mistakes is about finding a balance between style, functionality, and personal preference. With careful planning and a little expert guidance, you can create a space that is not only beautiful but also practical and comfortable.

Need help designing a home that reflects your lifestyle?

Let’s work together to avoid these common mistakes and create a space you’ll love for years to come.

📩 Contact me today for a consultation!

🌐 Adnam’s Designs

📍 Serving Regina, Saskatchewan & Surrounding Areas