Like most homeowners, you probably take great pride in your home and want it to look its best. But even if you're not a professional interior designer, that doesn't mean you can't avoid some common design mistakes. This blog post will outline the top five mistakes people make when decorating their homes and tips for fixing them. So read on to learn more!
1. Bad Color Choice
Painting mistakes are one of the most common design faux pas and are all too easy to make. It's one of the most obvious, too, as it impacts the ambiance and overall feel of a space.
The Fix:
Choose a timeless base color. Surfaces like walls, ceilings, and trim are, more often than not, best suited in a neutral or muted hue. You can then select coordinating tones that work well with the base shade. Also, always test swatches and consider how the color changes in different lighting conditions before committing.
2. Unbalanced Layout
A lousy layout is another of the most common interior design mistakes that are vital to avoid, as poorly planned interiors lack a visual and practical flow. It's essential to consider the movement of foot traffic in any space.
The Fix:
Consider your room size, furnishings, and placement. Be sure to take critical measurements, including things like door swings and window heights. To create a harmonious space, you should remember that all sides should be equally weighted. There are fantastic online tools that can help you test your layout, or you can sketch on paper.
3. Wrong-scale Furniture
Scale is vital in any room, and some design mistakes can seem counterintuitive. For example, furnishing a small room with small-scaled furniture may be correct, but sometimes, it can make the space feel cluttered. On the other hand, too many chairs and sofas can take away from the spaciousness of a large room.
The Fix:
Balance small or low-profile pieces with larger and/or taller items while allowing enough breathing room between objects- this is especially true with sofas and tables.
4. Too Small Rugs
A rug is not only grounding to a space but can also add depth and definition through zoning and texture; however, when it's the incorrect size, it will make the space appear awkward.
The Fix:
The correct rug choice depends on the room size, the layout, and the furniture. Ultimately, you want one big enough that allows at least the front furniture legs to sit on top of it.
5. Inadequate Lighting
Bad lighting is probably the biggest mistake someone can make in their homes. Limited light sources result in a room that feels unwelcoming and isn't very functional.
The Fix:
You need three layers of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light, like can lights, provides general illumination throughout a room. Task lighting, like a desk lamp or under-cabinet lighting, makes working, reading, and cooking easier. And finally, accent lights highlight unique features and define a space. For more details on lighting, check out Illuminated Interiors: A Room-by-room Lighting Guide.
Now that you know some of the most common interior design mistakes and how to fix them, you can avoid making them in your own home. By planning ahead and thinking about your design choices, you can create a beautiful, comfortable space that reflects your personal style. With these pointers in mind, go forth and design with confidence! If you would like expert guidance when it comes to designing your space, Spaces by Juliana is ready to help- connect with us today!