12
Aug

Interior Designers: Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

1- One of the most common design mistakes we see is with scale and proportion. This element
of design applies to all aspects of a project, whether it is with scale and proportion of
furnishings, kitchen details, or even accessories. Most people are afraid of going too big, but
the old adage of ‘bigger is better’ sometimes does apply. Don’t be afraid to be bold!

2- Steer clear of plain white walls, unless the architecture demands it. 90% of the time white
walls make everything against the wall visually float. Using a mid-tone wall color or neutral
unifies all of the pieces. The only times white works is if it is a conscious design decision with a
limited palate, utilizing lots of texture or contrast.

3- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Be it with color, room use, scale, or placement of furniture
and fixtures. Even if you are comfortable with your own design sense, getting another opinion
can give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly purchases or the repainting of rooms.
Many designers work on a hourly rate and are approachable.

4- The biggest design mistake home enthusiasts make is working without having a budget, or
without a realistic idea of what it takes to create a beautiful interior. If they are hiring a
professional, it’s like working with a realtor. You have to tell him or her what you’re thinking of
investing. It’s important to educate yourself about costs, and the internet makes it easy.

5- The most common design mistake to avoid is not to carefully pre-plan any space before
making any purchased of furnishings, like sofas, armories, tables, chairs, wall units.

6- There are many common design mistakes, but one that glares out in a space is when artwork
is hung improperly, either too high or too low. The art can be exactly right, but proportion and
scale are important for the art to work well in a space.

7- Skipping the planning phase of design and succumbing to impulse buys. It’s better to have a
complete concept developed before buying something you think you love on a whim only to
realize later that it doesn’t coordinate or, in the worst-case scenario, even fit in the room. and
Painting before deciding on furniture and fabrics. It’s much easier to match paint to fabric than
vice versa!

8- Never go shopping without a plan. Knowing your layout is the beginning of all good things.
9- It is uninspiring to walk into a space where everything is so new that it lacks the warmth and
character of a room that has been thoughtfully composed with a vintage treasure or cherished
antique. Adding just one precious heirloom or an original piece of art can help a room
transcend from the ordinary into greatness. And isn’t it about how a space makes us feel that
matters most?

10- Always use a cohesive design thread through your project. Whether using color, pattern or
other design elements—this thread creates an instant sense of flow, calm and comfort.

11- When you enter a room, it should be like a city scape… a combination of different heights.
You never want everything in the room to be at the same level. Accomplish this with different
heights in your furnishings, art placement and window treatments.

12- Never assume your workroom or contractors are ‘on the same page.’ Always check twice
and keep up-to-date documents in everyone’s hands, clients included. Information is power and
the key to success.

13- A big design mistake: Not being mindful of the scale of patterns in the room. Pattern scale
should be varied to create interest.

14- Don’t live with anything you hate just because someone gave it to you or you inherited it!
Remove it from the room immediately and you will feel so much better.

15- Failure to have or address the focal point of the room. There either isn’t one or there are
too many. The space should work around a focal point.