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5 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to decorating your home, there are so many decisions to make and options that come into play, like how to choose the right lighting and rug size and where to orient furniture. With all those options and possibilities, it can be hard to know when you're making the right choices and avoiding interior design mistakes. We get it!
Fortunately, you don't have to have a degree in design to create a chic space that's cozy and comfortable. All it takes is following a few simple guidelines (and avoiding major missteps). Here are five interior design mistakes that you should try to avoid—and solutions for fixing them.
1. Forgetting About Ambient Light
When you live in a home with overhead lighting (whether recessed or track) it can be easy to forget about ambient light. But having light from various sources—and at different heights and watts—can really liven the home and make it feel cozier.
Consider adding tall standing lights in a tight corner by a sofa or positioning table lights next to a reading chair in the living room. In a dining room, you can add a statement chandelier above your dining table and, if possible, some sconces on a wall nearby.
2. Arranging All Furniture Against the Wall
It's perfectly fine to put one or two pieces against a wall when designing a stylish space, but don't lay out your entire living area so there's a gaping hole right in the center of the room. Think about creating appropriate seating arrangements, like an area suitable to watch television or spaces that amplify conversation.
Also, it's best to avoid having all your seating face the same direction. For example, it is perfectly acceptable to have chairs face away from the television so you create a more welcoming place for entertaining. If you do this, you can opt for a chair with a lower back so you can easily see over it while watching television.
Finally, make sure there are tables next to various seating options (such as a central coffee table, side accent tables or cocktail tables). This can allow you to display picture frames and other curated knickknacks, and it provides a surface where your guests can rest their drinks.
3. Choosing Only Visible Storage
We all have messy moments when lack of time and a growing to-do list get in the way of organization. That's why it is important to have a mix of both open shelves and concealed storage options like buffet tables or a chest of drawers.
For example, the Saybrook Sideboard can store china and linens, but it can also be a place to keep toys or extra household and office supplies. You'll want to balance the concealed storage with some open, lighter pieces, like floating shelves for books or to display pretty artifacts and everyday items.
4. Using Rugs That Are Too Small
Rugs effectively tie together all the elements of your room, helping make the space feel cohesive and polished. So, in order to select an appropriate rug, make sure to measure the size and shape of your room before purchasing. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a foot to a foot-and-a-half of floor space between an area rug and the wall.
If you want a more layered look, you can place accent rugs on top of your area rug (or even your wall-to-wall carpet). Don't shy away from patterned rugs—like the geometric Cypress Area Rug—that give character to your space.
5. Focusing on Trends—Not on What You Love
It can be tempting to decorate your home based on current design trends and fads, but you shouldn't forget that your home is your personal space and should therefore be a reflection of your personality! For instance, if you like your space more minimal and clutter-free, opt for lighter woods and display fewer trinkets. If you're more of a "maximalist," mix wild patterns together and display all your funky treasures.
Also, emphasize practicality and functionality in your design. Your home is not a showhouse, after all, you live there; so make sure to select pieces that are comfortable, practical and suit your preferences.
