{"id":50496,"date":"2022-05-02T16:23:05","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T20:23:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.decorilla.com\/online-decorating\/?p=50496"},"modified":"2025-10-29T10:51:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T14:51:52","slug":"common-interior-design-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.decorilla.com\/online-decorating\/common-interior-design-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Common Interior Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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For every great design, there are a few pretty terrible ones. They all succumb to one or more of the worst interior design mistakes – and it shows. Fortunately, you can avoid the same fate by knowing what <\/span>not<\/span><\/em> to do. Read on as we explore common design blunders and how to fix them if you become the unfortunate victim of an interior design fail. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The 12 Worst Interior Design Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some insight or help from top <\/span>interior design apps or services<\/span><\/a> will certainly help you conquer any interior faux pas. With these tips, you can dodge pitfalls and create a breathtaking space instead. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have an interior design mistake that could use the help of a pro<\/span><\/strong>? Then, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation<\/span><\/a> to get started with a top designer today!<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Choosing the Wrong Color<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Painting mistakes are among the most common interior design faux pas out there. And, it\u2019s one of the worst ones too. The reason lies in its overwhelming influence on the rest of the space. It impacts the ambiance, mood, and look of the room. Consider color psychology<\/a> and test swabs in your preferred room before committing paint to the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Test or Go Neutral<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Painting mistakes fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Laura A.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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First, choose a base color that\u2019ll stand the test of time. This means large surfaces, like walls, ceilings, and floors, are best in a neutral or muted hue. You can then select supporting tones that work well with the main shade. Playing it safe is often an easy way to avoid interior design errors altogether. Also, if you have existing furniture you want to keep, use them as a guide for your wall colors. Experts in <\/span>designing living spaces<\/span><\/a> can also help you pick the right colors. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Not Balancing the Layout <\/span><\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A bad layout is one of the most common interior design mistakes that’s vital to avoid. Often, ill-planned interiors lack a positive visual and practical flow. They neglect the movement of foot traffic as well as aesthetic elements. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Plan & Measure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Living room layout mistakes fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Nikola P.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Consider your room size, furniture selection, and placement. Then measure and try different layouts. You can create a harmonious space by decorating around a center \u2013 like a coffee table \u2013 while ensuring all sides are equally weighted. You can also use 3D design apps online<\/a> to test your layout or draw them on paper. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>Opting for Ill-Sized Furniture<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Some interior design mistakes can feel counterintuitive. For example, decorating a small room with small furniture may feel right, but it can make the space look cluttered. On the other hand, too many chairs and sofas can take away the roominess of a large room. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Scale & Practice Restraint <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Interior design mistakes fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Theresa G.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Scale is vital in any given room. Balance small or low-profile pieces with larger or taller items and allow breathing space between objects. The last is especially true with sofas and tables. And finally, avoid clustering chairs around a coffee table.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Using Too Small Rugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Plushness underfoot can make a room feel so cozy and complete. Yet, when a rug is the incorrect size, it\u2019ll make the interior feel awkward. As one of the worst interior design mistakes to make, getting it right can be so beneficial. A rug is not only grounding, but it can also add depth and definition through zoning and texture. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Go Bigger<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Common interior design mistake fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Theresa G.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Choosing the correct rug size<\/a> is an instant fix. However, the right rug varies from one room to the next and depends on the room size, the layout, and furniture. A lounge, for instance, needs a rug big enough to fit at least all the front legs of the seating. A dining room rug must allow space for chairs to be pulled out from the table. And finally, a bedroom rug should extend at least two feet on the sides of the bed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Not Enough Lighting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bad lighting is not only one of the most common bedroom interior design mistakes, but it extends to the whole house and even commercial spaces. Limited light sources result in a dimly or harshly lit room, with no in-between. It can make a room feel very unwelcoming. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Layer Light <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Interior decorating & lighting mistakes fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Rachel H.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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If possible, avoid one of the worst interior design mistakes by integrating lighting design<\/a> into your build plans. You need three layers of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light ensures general illumination throughout a room, like downlights. Second, task lighting (like a desk lamp) makes working, reading, and cooking easier. And lastly, accents highlight special features and define an interior. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Ignoring Vertical Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A room can have beautiful furniture yet still feel off. Not utilizing a room effectively is often the culprit. This includes neglecting walls, ceilings, and vertical space. Unfortunately, the bedroom is where these interior design mistakes run wild.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix: Add Height<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Typical bedroom interior design mistake fixed by Decorilla<\/strong><\/a> designer, Nikola P.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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One way to avoid common interior design mistakes is by adding dimension. Use furniture with different heights, artwork, and (pendant or floor) lighting. Don\u2019t be afraid to try something new, like a canopy bed or floor-to-ceiling curtains.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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