Decorating your home can feel overwhelming, especially with so much advice out there. But don’t worry, everyone makes mistakes!
The important part is learning from them and making your space reflect your personality.
In this guide, we will explore common interior design mistakes and how to fix them with practical, creative solutions to help your home feel more stylish and inviting!
1. Buying Furniture Sets
Why It’s a Mistake
Furniture sets might seem like an easy solution. They match perfectly, right? But this “perfect match” can make a space look boring, predictable, and devoid of personality.
When everything is identical, you lose the chance to create contrast and visual interest.
How to Fix It
Instead of sticking to a set, mix and match! Pair a sleek sofa with a cozy armchair or throw in an eclectic bench for the dining table instead of identical chairs.
This variety adds layers of texture, shape, and color, giving your room a unique, dynamic vibe.
I once had a living room that screamed “furniture showroom” until I swapped out one sofa for a vintage armchair and added a funky ottoman. Suddenly, the space felt alive!
2. Using Outdated Lighting Fixtures
Why It’s a Mistake
Old-fashioned ceiling lights or bare bulbs can make a room feel dated and harsh. Lighting has a huge impact on the mood and appearance of a space, so it’s worth the upgrade.
How to Fix It
Invest in modern fixtures or stylish shades to soften the light and create an inviting glow. Start with the most visible areas, like the living room or dining space, and work your way through the house.
Even budget-friendly options can make a world of difference.
Swapping out an old pendant light in my dining room for a sleek, black metal fixture made the entire space feel instantly contemporary!
3. Displaying Generic Artwork
Why It’s a Mistake
Mass-produced art can make your space feel impersonal and uninspired. It’s tempting to pick up that popular print, but does it really say something about you?
How to Fix It
Look for unique, meaningful pieces that resonate with you. If you’re on a budget, consider making your own artwork, abstract and minimalist designs are trendy and easy to replicate.
Framing the artwork adds a polished, high-end feel.
I once painted a simple textured canvas with earthy tones for my bedroom, and it became a conversation starter. Plus, it cost less than $20!
4. Hanging Curtain Rods at Different Heights
Why It’s a Mistake
Uneven curtain rods can make a room look disorganized, even chaotic. This mistake is especially noticeable if you have multiple windows in the same room.
How to Fix It
Always align curtain rods to the same height across all windows. This creates a sense of balance and harmony, making your space feel cohesive and elegant.
If you’d like to learn more about hanging curtains, feel free to check out the blog post I shared earlier
When I first moved into my apartment, I made this mistake and couldn’t figure out why the room felt “off.” Once I raised all the rods to the same height, the transformation was incredible!
5. Overloading on Plants
Why It’s a Mistake
Plants add life and texture, but too many can make a room feel cluttered. It’s all about balance and intentional placement.
How to Fix It
Choose a few statement plants and distribute them thoughtfully. Use tall plants to emphasize vertical space and medium-sized ones to soften sharp edges.
Make sure your plants look healthy and are housed in stylish pots that complement your decor.
I went a little overboard with plants once, and my living room started feeling like a jungle. Scaling back to three key plants made the space feel organized rather than chaotic!
6. Ignoring Color Combination
Why It’s a Mistake
A mismatched color scheme can make your space feel disconnected and chaotic. Even beautiful individual pieces can clash if they don’t harmonize.
How to Fix It
Identify your dominant, secondary, and accent colors to establish a cohesive palette. Use tools like the color wheel for guidance.
Color schemes set the tone of a space. Complementary colors, like green and red, are bold and energetic. Analogous colors, like blue and green, feel calm and harmonious. Monochromatic shades create a sleek, cohesive look.
If you’d like to learn more about how to combine colors, feel free to check out the blog post I shared earlier!
7. Leaving Cables Visible
Why It’s a Mistake
Tangled or visible wires can ruin even the most stylish room. They make the space feel messy and unfinished.
How to Fix It
Use cable concealers or clips to tidy up wires, and try to route them behind furniture wherever possible. Concealers can even be painted to match your wall color for a seamless look.
Organizing cables in my TV area was a game-changer. It took an hour, and the difference was night and day!
8. Using Too Many Cushions
Why It’s a Mistake
Cushions are great for adding comfort and texture, but too many can overwhelm a sofa or bed. They’re also a hassle to manage when it’s time to sit down.
How to Fix It
Stick to 3-5 cushions with varied sizes, textures, and patterns. A mix of solids, stripes, and subtle prints will add depth without feeling cluttered.
I used to have so many cushions on my couch that even my guests felt awkward about sitting down. Lesson learned!
9. Overloading on Family Photos
Why It’s a Mistake
Too many photos can make a space feel cluttered and overly personal, especially if displayed in outdated frames.
How to Fix It
Create a designated gallery wall with a cohesive style, such as black-and-white photos in matching frames. Incorporate a mix of family portraits and landscapes for variety.
I narrowed down my collection to five favorite photos, reframed them, and arranged them on a single wall. Now they look intentional and stylish!
10. Pushing Furniture Against the Walls
Why It’s a Mistake
While it might seem like pushing furniture to the walls opens up space, it can actually make a room feel less inviting and awkward.
How to Fix It
Pull your furniture away from the walls and group it to create cozy conversation areas. Use a rug to anchor the arrangement and make the layout feel intentional.
I rearranged my living room furniture, pulling everything inward, and suddenly it felt like a place people wanted to hang out!
That`s all I can think of so far, and interior design doesn’t have to be intimidating. By avoiding these common mistakes and applying these tips, you can transform your home into a space that feels elegant, functional, and uniquely yours.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about creating a home you love.
Have you made any of these mistakes? Share your experiences or tips in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!