Styling your home is exciting, but have you ever looked at the final product and wondered why something just doesn’t look right? Expressing yourself through the decor, lighting, and accents in your space is what makes it so unique! But it’s surprisingly easy to make interior design mistakes that throw off the look you’re going for. Here are some of the top interior design mistakes and how to fix them!
Wrong Rug Size
A too-small rug can make even the most beautiful space feel disconnected. A good rule of thumb? Your rug should anchor the furniture, not float in the middle of the floor. In living rooms, aim for a rug large enough that at least the front legs of your furniture rest on it.
Lining the Walls With Furniture
Having open space can feel cleaner, but pushing all your furniture against the walls can make a room feel awkward and cold. Try to pull your seating in toward each other to create cozy conversation zones and let the room breathe! Struggling to fill open spaces? Try adding an accent table or a floor lamp.
Bad Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room, and yet it’s one of the most overlooked design elements! Don’t let your room rely on a single overhead light. Layering your lighting with a mix of ambient (overhead), task (lamps), and accent (sconces or candles) helps to create mood and functionality.
Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Scale is about balance, so when an oversized sectional is paired with a tiny coffee table, it just doesn’t look right. Consider the size of your furniture, artwork, and lighting in relation to the room’s size and the other elements. Remember, you can go big with a statement piece, as long as it fits the scale of the space!
Hanging Art Too High
Art should feel connected to the furniture and space in which it lives. A common mistake is hanging artwork too high, which makes it feel like it’s floating by itself. Try and aim for the center of the artwork to be about 57–60 inches from the floor, which is eye level for most people.
Keeping Clutter
There’s a fine line between styled and simply stuffed. Filling every surface with knick-knacks and decor can make a space feel chaotic rather than cozy. Instead, be selective and try to display a few statement pieces or sentimental items, and leave some breathing room. Remember that sometimes less is more!
Matching Everything
Perfectly matching furniture sets and color schemes might feel like the easy route, but they can leave a room feeling flat and uninspired. The key to a visually interesting space is contrast. Mix materials like leather and linen, or combine warm woods with sleek metals. A thoughtfully collected look tells a story and gives your space character!
Designing a space that works and looks good comes down to thoughtful choices and a little attention to detail. By avoiding these common design mistakes, you’ll create a home that feels more cohesive, functional, and true to your style. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional! Keep what you love, edit what doesn’t serve the space, and let your home evolve with you.
