Common Interior Design Mistakes And Ways To Avoid Them

Creating a beautiful home is no easy task, and avoiding common interior design mistakes is key to achieving a space that reflects your style and works for your lifestyle. Between selecting the right furniture, experimenting with different colour schemes, and choosing the perfect artwork, there are many decisions to make. That’s why understanding interior design principles is so important—whether you’re working on your own or with an interior designer.

At House Designer, we frequently hear from clients who say, “We tried something, but it just didn’t work.” These common mistakes often arise when homeowners tackle interior design projects without expert guidance. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the top interior design mistakes and tips on how to sidestep them, so you can create a home that’s both beautiful and functional.

1. No Clear Plan or Vision

Many homeowners rush into decorating without having a clear design plan in place. This can lead to a lack of cohesion in the final result. To avoid this, create a detailed mood board or design scheme before you begin. This will help establish a consistent style and colour palette, making it easier to select furniture and decor that complement each other.

Use a design consultation service to refine your ideas and visualise the final outcome before making any purchases.

2. Poor Budgeting

Budgeting is essential to any home design project, but many people underestimate how quickly costs can add up. Failing to budget properly can lead to overspending on a few items and being unable to complete the rest of the room. Always set a clear budget and prioritise key pieces that will make the most impact.

Opt for a blend of high-end statement pieces and budget-friendly options to achieve balance without sacrificing style.

3. Wrong Scaling

One of the most common interior design mistakes is poor furniture scaling. Oversized or undersized furniture can make a space feel disjointed. Proper scaling ensures that your furniture and decor work harmoniously within the space.

 Use an online interior design service that offers 3D renderings to help visualise the scale of items in your room.

4. Mixing Too Many Styles

While it’s tempting to incorporate various design styles into your home, mixing too many can create a cluttered and unfocused look. It’s important to narrow down your inspirations and stick to a few key styles that complement each other.

If you love multiple styles, choose one as the dominant theme and use elements from other styles as accents.

5. Hanging Curtains and Artworks Incorrectly

Hanging curtains too low or placing artwork too high are easy mistakes that can affect the balance of a room. Curtains should hang closer to the ceiling and reach the floor for a more elegant look, while artwork should be positioned at eye level for optimal impact.

When in doubt, consult interior designers who can guide you on the correct proportions and placement for wall decor.

6. Placing Furniture Against the Wall

Pushing all your furniture against the walls can make a room feel smaller and more rigid. Instead, float your furniture away from the walls to create a more dynamic and open layout.

 Create walkways around your furniture to encourage better flow and make the space feel larger.

7. Choosing the Wrong Size Rug

Choosing a rug that’s too small can make a room feel unbalanced and incomplete. Rugs should be large enough to anchor your furniture, with all major pieces of furniture resting on the rug to create a cohesive space.

Use a design consultation to find the right size rug that complements the room’s layout and enhances the overall design.

8. Selecting Paint Before Furniture

Choosing paint colours before selecting furniture and fabrics is a common mistake that can make it difficult to tie a room together. It’s easier to match paint to fabrics than the other way around.

Start with your furniture and textiles, then choose a paint colour that complements your overall interior design scheme.

Avoid Costly Design Mistakes with Professional Help

Designing a beautiful and functional home requires more than just an eye for decor—it takes careful planning and expertise. Avoid common interior design mistakes by working with experienced interior designers who can guide you through the process and bring your vision to life.

👉 Book a free design consultation with House Designer and let our expert team help you create a space that reflects your personal style and suits your needs.

Avoiding these common interior design mistakes can transform the interior design process from overwhelming to enjoyable, resulting in a home that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re updating a single room or embarking on a full renovation, careful planning and professional guidance can ensure a space that is both beautiful and functional.