Interior design mistakes can range from serious issues like poorly laid flooring (which can be a tripping hazard) to minor ones like choosing the wrong size rug for your living room. Sometimes, you might not be able to pinpoint exactly what’s off about a space, but it often comes down to common design faux pas.
Design is very personal, and what one person dislikes, another might love. However, we consulted several interior designers to identify the problems they frequently encounter.
To help you avoid these pitfalls in your own home, here are the issues they often notice and tips on how to fix or prevent them.
Choosing Bad Lighting
Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, highlights that lighting is a common issue in home design. Many people rely too much on overhead lighting, often referred to as the “big light.”
“Lighting affects so much and is essential when setting the mood and feel of a room,” she says.
The fix? Scheck recommends focusing on warmth and individuality. Instead of just using recessed lights or ceiling fixtures, layer different types of lighting. A combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting can add sophistication and highlight your home’s best features.
Forgetting About Size, Scale, and Proportion
Andrea West of Andrea West Design notes that the most frequent mistake her firm sees is buying furniture and decor that are too small for the space, a problem Scheck also often encounters.
West emphasizes the importance of scale in achieving a balanced design. When items are too small, your home can feel cluttered because you need more of them to fill the space.
“Larger is better, as it uses fewer items that fill it at the appropriate scale and make it feel dramatic and elevated,” she says.
The solution is to measure and plan how the furniture will fit in the space and invest in key pieces, which will prevent overspending and create a better-proportioned room, according to West.
Overcrowding Your Space
It’s tempting to display all your favorite decor pieces and mementos, but this can lead to clutter and overcrowding.
Scheck suggests focusing on quality over quantity. “Focusing on quality over quantity gives attention to each individual piece without overwhelming the space,” she says.
Consider how people will move through the space and place items thoughtfully to create both physical and visual flexibility. This way, your favorite pieces will stand out without making the room feel cramped.
Lacking a Cohesive Color Scheme
Color choices are very personal. Whether you prefer bubblegum pink walls or a neutral palette, cohesion is key to making it work.
Bree Steele, an interior designer and trade accounts manager at RJ Living, often sees color schemes that clash.
“If you want the colors to look more coordinated, start with a neutral base and build the color scheme around it,” she says. “This works best if you’re using complementary colors; otherwise, the room can feel visually overwhelming.”
Leaving Out Your Personality
One of the most crucial elements of great home design, which is surprisingly easy to overlook, is incorporating your personal taste.
“One thing I see often is when people try to recreate looks they see online,” says Steele. While this can be fine in theory, it sometimes results in a room that lacks the homeowner’s unique style.
You might worry that your preferences don’t align with current trends or best design practices, but it’s more important that your design feels authentic to you. Steele emphasizes that this approach will make your home feel truly yours and more welcoming to your guests.
Getting the Wrong Rug Size
Rugs can be tricky to get right, which is why Olma Fuentes, principal and founder of Deni + Dove Interiors, cites it as one of the most common mistakes she encounters.
“If the rug is too small, the furniture ends up being placed too closely together, restricting movement and creating a cramped appearance,” she says. Conversely, if the rug is too large, it can overwhelm the space.
To avoid this design mishap, there are helpful guides on how to choose the right rug for your living room, teaching you how to measure and place it properly.
Incorrect Spacing and Height for Wall Decor
Wall art and photos can significantly enhance a room, making it feel more personal and vibrant. However, Fuentes notes that proper spacing and height are essential for creating a cohesive look.
“Many people tend to eyeball where artwork should be hung,” she says. “This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money if you have to re-hang the art piece and patch up any holes or paintwork.”
The best guideline, according to Fuentes, is to hang artwork at eye level, which is typically around 57–60 inches from the ground.
