7 Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!

Introduction

Hey friends, I hope you’re all staying warm! It’s January 21st, and as I sit in my kitchen, I can’t help but admire the beautiful white snow dusting the trees—it makes the backyard look like a snow globe.

Today, I wanted to share a few common mistakes we often see in the design industry, along with some tips and tricks to help you avoid them. My goal is for you to walk away with useful insights that will make you feel more confident when approaching your next project. So, let’s dive in!

1. Choosing furniture that doesn't fit.  

Selecting furniture that properly fits a space might seem like a simple task, but we often see people choose pieces that don't suit the scale of their room. The process involves more than just falling in love with fabric, comfort, and style (though these are undeniably important). The height, depth, and length of furniture can significantly impact how a room feels, sometimes making it appear smaller or crammed. That's why it's crucial to carefully measure the dimensions of the pieces you're considering, as well as the walls and layout of the room. Don’t forget to factor in the placement of windows and doorways. 

For smaller living rooms, avoid oversized sectionals or love seats that could overwhelm the space. Instead, prioritize furniture that keeps walkways open, making the room feel comfortable and accessible. When choosing bedside tables, it's important to select one that’s the right height—too short can make it awkward when you need to reach for a glass of water or your phone in the middle of the night. Ideally, a bedside table should be level with the top of your mattress, or about 2-4 inches higher, to ensure ease of use and a balanced look. A pro-tip for determining the right size for your layout is to check product dimensions and then lay out masking tape to see how it fits in a space.  

2. Not having a focal point  

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly been drawn to a striking piece of artwork, a beautiful staircase in the entryway, or a charming brick fireplace? If so, you've experienced the power of a focal point. Focal points help create harmony and balance within a space. Without one, a room can feel directionless, leaving visitors unsure of where to focus their attention. 

The focal point can be anything you choose—whether it's a statement piece of furniture, an eye-catching light fixture, an accent wall with bold wallpaper, or a splash of vibrant color. The possibilities are endless. Once you've selected your focal point, arrange the rest of the elements in the room to complement and enhance it, ensuring the space feels balanced and visually pleasing.  

3. Wrong Rug Sizing 

This one’s a tough one to ignore—it’s just plain awkward. Nothing feels more cringeworthy in design than a rug that’s too small, barely fitting under a sofa. It honestly hurts my heart. Rugs are meant to ground a space, and when they’re not the right size, they can make the furniture feel disconnected, create a floating effect, and throw off the balance of the room. On the other hand, an oversized rug can overwhelm the space and disrupt the flow. 

Getting the right rug size is key to anchoring the furniture and creating a sense of cohesion. In living rooms, a rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of all major pieces or at least help visually connect the furniture to the floor. In dining rooms, make sure the rug extends beyond the edges of the table to allow for chairs to move in and out easily. The right rug size can enhance the proportions of a room, adding warmth and definition, while the wrong size can leave the space feeling off-balance and uncomfortable. 

4. Bad Lighting 

Lighting is everything, yet it is one of the most overlooked details in a house. Poor lighting can have a significant negative impact on a home, affecting both the functionality and the overall atmosphere of a space. When a room is poorly lit, it can feel dark, dreary, and unwelcoming. This can create an uncomfortable, uninviting environment where people are less likely to feel relaxed or engaged. On the flip side, overly harsh lighting can be equally damaging, leading to an oppressive or sterile feeling.  

Good lighting should be layered to create warmth and balance. A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting ensures that different areas of the room are well-lit and functional while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. With the right lighting, a home can feel more open, comfortable, and visually appealing. 

5. Window Treatments  

Window treatments are an investment worth the while for every home. One of the most frequent errors that can be quite costly is opting for window treatments that are either too small or too short for the window. The key is ensuring that your curtains or blinds are scaled appropriately for the window—aiming for curtains that at least extend to the floor and cover the window frame width fully. 

Another common mistake is not considering the functionality of the room. For example, using sheer curtains in a bedroom where privacy and light control are crucial may not be the best choice. On the other hand, blackout curtains in a living room with abundant natural light can feel too heavy. It’s important to select treatments that balance both style and practicality based on the room’s purpose. 

Let us not neglect the proper installation height and placement of window treatments. Mounting curtains too low or too close to the window frame can make the room feel cramped, while high placement can create the illusion of height and space. The ideal is to hang curtains at least 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend the rod beyond the window edges to allow for more light and a wider visual appeal. 

6. Not Budgeting 

For all the people who love to budget, this one is for you! Establishing a clear and realistic budget before starting any project is one of the most crucial steps in the design process. Overspending can result in delays, disappointment, and frustration. To ensure a smooth project, share your budget with your interior designer early on. Clear communication allows them to provide detailed cost breakdowns and strategically plan purchases to stay within your budget.  

7. Not Hiring an Interior Designer  

This one’s pretty straightforward and doesn’t require much explanation. Hiring an interior designer takes the stress off your shoulders by managing the project, sourcing materials, and coordinating with contractors. We help you avoid costly mistakes and frustration by ensuring the project stays on budget and on schedule. Thoughtfully designed spaces can also increase the market value of your home, making it more appealing to future buyers. Cue the shameless plug Here at Adcor Interiors, we provide access to exclusive furniture, materials, and industry connections that will give your home a custom feel and bring your vision to life with a cohesive design that reflects your unique style. We bring the expertise, and with our full-service offerings, we can help you avoid the common mistakes mentioned earlier. Pretty cool, right? 😉 So, why not head over to our Inquiry page, and let’s schedule your consultation today? We look forward to hearing from you!