Design Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them!)

The Most Common Interior Design Mistakes We See People Make

Interior design is all about creating a space that reflects your style while making sure it’s functional and livable. However, even the most well-intentioned design projects can go off-track without proper guidance. As an interior design studio, we’ve seen many homeowners make a few common mistakes that can hinder the overall flow and look of their space. Let’s walk through some of the biggest design pitfalls we see and how to avoid them.

1. Not Defining the Purpose of the Space First

One of the most frequent mistakes we see is when people dive into design without first understanding how they intend to use the space. Whether it's a living room, kitchen, or bedroom, each room should serve a clear function. Before choosing furniture or decor, ask yourself: How will this space be used? Will it be a place for entertaining, working, relaxing, or cooking?

Fix: Start by defining the purpose of each room. For example, in a living room, focus on seating arrangements that encourage conversation and relaxation. In a home office, prioritize a layout that promotes productivity. Understanding the room's function will help guide your furniture choices and layout.

2. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

Another common mistake is choosing furniture and decor that’s either too big or too small for the space. Oversized furniture can overwhelm a room, while too-small pieces can feel lost and disconnected. It’s crucial to get the scale right, as this can make or break a space.

Fix: Measure your space and furniture before making any purchases. Pay attention to the size of your furniture in relation to the room. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 3 feet of walkway around seating areas to ensure easy movement. Also, consider creating zones within an open-concept space by arranging furniture to scale.

3. Overcrowding the Room

More isn’t always better when it comes to decor. We often see clients try to fill every corner with something, resulting in a cluttered, chaotic feel. While it’s tempting to add items just for the sake of filling space, too many pieces can leave the room feeling cramped.

Fix: Less is more! Select decor that enhances the room without overloading it. Incorporate statement pieces, but leave plenty of open space to allow each item to shine. A minimalist approach can help make your space feel bigger and more peaceful.

4. Lack of Proper Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in the ambiance of a room, but many people neglect it or rely too heavily on one type of lighting. Poor lighting can make even the most well-designed space feel dreary or unwelcoming.

Fix: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced atmosphere. Ceiling lights are great for general illumination, while table lamps or sconces can be used to focus light on specific areas like reading corners or artwork. Layering light sources helps to create depth and warmth in your space.

5. Ignoring Traffic Flow

Another mistake we often see is placing furniture in ways that disrupt the natural flow of the room. A poorly arranged layout can make it difficult to move around and can make spaces feel smaller or less functional.

Fix: When creating your floor plan, consider the natural pathways and traffic flow in each room. Make sure there’s enough space to walk comfortably through doorways and around furniture. A good rule is to leave at least 3 feet between large furniture pieces and avoid blocking windows or doors.

6. Prioritizing Style Over Comfort

While style is important, it should never come at the expense of comfort. we’ve seen people choose pieces that look great in photos but aren’t practical for everyday use. A gorgeous sofa is no good if it’s uncomfortable to sit on!

Fix: Balance style and comfort when making your selections. Look for pieces that match your aesthetic but also consider how they’ll feel in the space. Test out furniture for comfort, and choose fabrics and materials that are durable and functional for the space.

7. Failing to Plan for Storage

As our lives get busier, clutter tends to pile up, and a lack of storage can be a major issue in many homes. The key is to create functional spaces that also have enough storage to keep everything organized.

Fix: Think beyond traditional closets. Built-ins, multi-purpose furniture, and smart storage solutions like baskets or shelves can help keep your space tidy and functional. Integrating storage into your design plan from the beginning can prevent your space from becoming cluttered later.

8. Not Considering Scale and Proportion of Accessories

Similar to furniture, accessories can either enhance or detract from the look of a room. Too many small items can make a space feel cluttered, while oversized accessories can overwhelm the design. Additionally, we often see people making the mistake of hanging pictures too high or too low, or hanging curtains too high from the floor.

Fix: Be mindful of the size and placement of accessories. For example, if you have a large sofa, pair it with larger throw pillows or a statement coffee table. If you’re hanging artwork, center it at eye level, typically 57-60 inches from the floor. For curtains, make sure they hang close to the floor, ideally with just a slight break for an elegant look.

9. Placing Living Room Furniture Without Considering Conversation

It’s easy to get caught up in arranging furniture for aesthetics without thinking about how the space will actually be used. A common mistake in the living room is arranging furniture in a way that doesn’t encourage conversation.

Fix: When arranging seating, make sure chairs and sofas are close enough together to facilitate conversation. Avoid placing furniture with your back to the focal point of the room. A circular or square arrangement typically works best, allowing everyone to see and engage with each other.

10. TVs Positioned Too High

We often see TVs mounted too high on the wall, which can make for an uncomfortable viewing experience, especially during long periods of time. It can strain your neck and make it difficult to relax.

Fix: When mounting a TV, ensure it’s positioned at eye level when seated, which is usually about 42 inches from the floor for most people. If it's above a fireplace, try to angle it or consider a movable mount to get the most comfortable viewing angle.

11. Not Asking for Help When You Need It

The biggest mistake of all is trying to do everything yourself without asking for help when needed. Design can be overwhelming, and without a clear plan, it’s easy to make mistakes that cost time and money.

Fix: If you’re unsure where to start or feel stuck in the process, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s hiring an interior designer for full-service help or simply seeking advice for a specific aspect of your project, it can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Final Thoughts Interior design doesn’t have to be daunting, but it does require a little planning and foresight. By avoiding these common mistakes and following a few simple rules, you can create a space that truly feels like home. If you're feeling unsure about where to start, don't worry—there’s always room for professional guidance. Reach out, and let’s work together to design a space that’s not only beautiful but functional too!