Written by Catherine Seagrave

Interior design is an exciting and creative process that can transform a room into a beautiful and functional space. However, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can derail your interior design project.

Obviously no one wants to get it wrong when it comes to updating their home. And yet so often we get asked ‘Why doesn’t this room work?’, ‘Why doesn’t it look how I imagined?’, ‘What’s wrong with it??!’

Maybe you’ve done some research, browsed home magazines and pinned the best of Pinterest. You feel inspired and so you start buying. You have an idea and you feel excited - but then it all arrives and somehow it just doesn’t work. It’s not the room of your dreams. But why?

It may be that you have fallen foul of some of the interior design mistakes that we often see. So today we’re going to highlight some of the pitfalls, and give you a few things to keep in mind to help you achieve only the right kind of design drama in your home!

Choosing your paint colour first

As tempting as it might be to reach for a tin of paint, don’t make it your first decision. Plan your upholstery colours, carpet and curtains first. Once you have found the perfect fabrics, then look at paint. There are many, many more paint colours available than there are fabrics and carpets. And if you struggle to find the right paint shade, you can always get a special colour mixed. Fabric on the other hand is much harder to match to a paint colour you have already committed to. And to find the sofa shape you like, in the right size and price, and in a colour that complements the paint colour - it might leave you having to make compromises that undermine the look you’re trying to achieve.

Have a chat with us and find out how we can help you. Book a discovery call with us today!

Sill length curtains - should always fall to the floor

If possible, curtains should be floor length and almost touch the floor, even if your window doesn’t. It looks much more elegant and elongates the room - think how long trousers make you look taller than cut offs - and the same rules apply! Long curtains add texture and colour to a room, making it look more inviting and stylish. They also give the illusion of height.

Forgetting to measure, measure and measure again!

One of the most critical steps in any interior design project is measuring the room dimensions accurately. Accurate measurements ensure that furniture and decor fit the space correctly, and the room has a balanced and harmonious look. Measuring the room's dimensions includes determining the height, width, and length of the room, as well as measuring the windows, doors, and any other architectural features. It is essential to measure the room dimensions accurately to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the interior design project meets your expectations. Incorrect measurements can result in costly mistakes, wasted time and money, and an awkward room layout. To ensure accurate measurements, use a tape measure, take multiple measurements, consult with professionals if needed, and factor in any architectural features. By avoiding interior design mistakes and measuring the room dimensions accurately, you can create a beautiful and functional space that meets your expectations. furniture that does not fit the space correctly can make the room look cluttered and cramped.

Don’t line all your furniture up against the wall 

Spoiler alert - it doesn’t make your room feel larger, it actually makes it feel like a waiting room! Long rectangular rooms can be particularly tricky with the temptation to put all the furniture against the long walls, but this just doesn’t work and you end up creating a corridor effect, definitely not cosy. Instead look to have some of your furniture away from the walls, even 10cm can help to give the illusion of space. If possible, have a chair that divides the room and cuts across the length, so that you have a grouping of furniture rather than a line up on one wall. 

Take a look at our blog on designing rectangular rooms for more tips!

Are you struggling with the layout in your room? Click here our Midi Living package is the perfect solution!

If you want to avoid costly design mistakes, take a look at our affordable online interior design packages to give you all the help you need, whilst avoiding the pitfalls. Whether you’re considering a full redesign or a spruce up, we can take the stress away, and give you confidence to move forward. Our packages are a flat fee and we can work to any budget large or small, saving you money along the way and ensuring you get the results you want and expect! 

You might also like