When it comes to your home, small interior design mistakes can lead to a space that feels disjointed or unwelcoming. We see these all the time when in homes, and we want to do a PSA so that you don’t fall victim to these in your home! We’ve also provided simple ways to remedy these common mistakes.
6 Biggest Interior Design Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)
1. Rugs That Are Not Scaled to a Room
One of the most frequent mistakes that we see is people choosing a rug that doesn’t fit the scale of the room. A rug that’s too small can make a space feel disjointed, while one that’s too large can overwhelm it.
How to Fix It: Aim for a rug that allows at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on it, creating a cohesive look and anchoring an arrangement. In dining areas, ensure the rug extends beyond the table and chairs, providing enough space for movement. A general rule is that the rug should cover at least 18-24 inches beyond the perimeter of your furniture.
The rug in this space fills most of the room and all the furniture sits on it making the room feel spacious and welcoming instead of cramped and small.
2. Vertical or Faux Wood Blinds for Windows
While vertical or faux wood blinds are often chosen for their practical and suite a budget, they can detract from the overall design of a room. They can create a boxy feel and block natural light, not to mention they get dusty and and hard to clean.
How to Fix It: Opt for softer window treatments, such as sheer drapery or Roman shades, which allow light to filter in while adding texture and warmth to your space. If you prefer blinds, consider roller shades in light fabrics that roll up neatly and maintain a clean line.
3. Drapery Rods Hung Too Low
Hanging drapery rods too low is a common oversight that can make ceilings seem lower and rooms feel cramped.
How to Fix It: Install drapery rods right at the ceiling or just below the crown molding. This draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller walls and a more spacious room. Choose drapery that hovers above the floor by ½” for a polished finish. If you purchase stock drapery that are too long and puddle on the floor, we recommend having them hemmed at a local alteration shop.
You can see how these drapers are hung at the top of the wall right next to the ceiling and give the appearance of a larger window and higher ceilings. They also touch the floor which helps great the illusion of height.
This our favorite low profile track that can be ceiling or wall-mounted! And these are our some of our favorite drapery that comes in different lengths and colors to fit so many spaces. They’re priced incredibly well too! Here are some more great options:
4. Light Switches, Thermostats or utilities in the Center of the Wall
Having light switches, thermostats, or other utilities placed in the center of a wall can be an eyesore and disrupt the flow of your decor, making it challenging to hang art or mirrors.
How to Fix It: Hire an electrician and relocate these elements to a less central position or a corner of the wall. This allows for a more visually appealing arrangement of artwork or mirrors, making your walls feel complete. You can also consider decorative switch plates that blend with your decor and add some unexpected personality!
5. Art That Is Hung Too High
Hanging art too high is a classic design faux pas that can make a room feel disconnected.
How to Fix It: Art should be hung 56-60 inches above the floor, which is generally considered “eye level.” For pieces above furniture, such as consoles, maintain a spacing of 6-10 inches above the furniture to create a balanced look. This ensures that your artwork becomes a focal point rather than an afterthought.
Art hung at the proper height makes the room feel balanced and draws your eye in. For smaller pieces, try stacking them vertically for interest and to draw your eye up.
6. Poly-Filled Throw Pillows
While plush, poly-filled throw pillows may seem inviting and budget friendly, they often lack the structure and visual interest that well-designed throw pillows can provide.
How to Fix It: Choose pillows with a structured form, such as those filled with down or a blend that allows for manipulation. Pillows should have the ability to be “chopped” for added texture and style. Mixing various sizes, shapes, and patterns can also create a more dynamic and inviting seating area. Try swapping poly inserts with these pillow inserts instead.
Avoiding these six common interior design mistakes or “icks” can significantly enhance the look and feel of your home. If you are needing help or recommendations with any of these “icks” that you may be guilty of, please reach out and let one of our designers help you and provide guidance.
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