5 common interior design mistakes to avoid in your home

Designing your dream home is surely one of the most fun, exciting and inspiring experiences you can take on. However, there are a number of pitfalls that can really compromise the results and lead to disappointment. I’ve put together a list of 5 common interior design mistakes to help you achieve a home that is beautiful, functional and comfortable.

1. Ignoring Functionality: While aesthetics are important, prioritizing functionality is crucial. Ensure that your design choices enhance the usability of the space and cater to your lifestyle needs. What are you going to do in each room and how important is each action for you? You need to have a clear understanding of your own needs and lifestyle.

2. Poor Space Planning: Inadequate space planning can lead to inefficient use of space and awkward layouts. Make sure to plan the arrangement of furniture and fixtures to optimize traffic flow and usability. Imagine the frustration of living with one of the following scenarios: a door that knocks against something when you open it, having to move the laundry basket to to open the wardrobe or having to take a long route around the kitchen because the chairs are in the way.

3. Ignoring Lighting: Proper lighting can dramatically impact the ambiance of a room. Avoid relying solely on overhead lighting and instead incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Try to reduce the amount of spot lights through your home as they create a very flat light which illuminates everything equally and strips the room of any atmosphere. My first port of call for lighting is usually Pooky as they have a beautiful selection in a range of finishes, many with a heritage or vintage touch.

Bathroom And Utility Room With Blue Panelling And Botanical Wallpaper

5 Common Interior Design Mistakes

4. Neglecting Scale and Proportion: Choosing furniture and decor that are disproportionate to the size of the room can make it feel off-balance and awkward. Be mindful of scale when selecting items to ensure they complement the space. Ceiling pendants are an item that people often buy too small and they can look like a spider dangling from the ceiling. Area rugs are another item that can look very stingy if they do not cover enough of the floor. An area rug should hold a space together, for example in a standard living room layout, it would ideally reach the sofa and armchairs.

5. Disregarding Your Personal Style: While it’s great to seek inspiration from various sources such as Pinterest and Instagram, avoid simply copying trends without considering your own personal style and preferences. Your home should reflect your personality and tell the story of you and your family. A good interior designer will always try to inject the client’s style and taste into the design. Have a read of my blog post on The Art of Personalising your Home for some tips on creating a home that feels personal to you.

Taking your time with making decisions, finding inspiration and tuning into your own style will be key to your success in creating a home that you will be happy in for a long time. And of course, don’t forget to measure and then measure again!

It has been difficult to whittle my list down to 5 and I may have to do another post of another 5 common interior design mistakes to avoid next month! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and please feel free to add any other mistakes you can think of in the comments box below.

Untitled Design E1692106644806