Even the most passionate amateurs can easily make mistakes that affect the harmony of a space. Fortunately, most of these mistakes are easy to correct once identified.
Discover the 10 most common mistakes in interior decoration and our tips to avoid them.
1. Neglecting space planning
This is one of the most common mistakes! By not considering the layout of the space before buying furniture, it ends up with cluttered or poorly balanced rooms.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Carefully measure your room before buying furniture.
- Use masking tape to visualize the footprint of large items like a sideboard or a sofa.
- Create a plan of the room, noting the dimensions and locations of doors and windows.
2. Insufficient or poorly placed lighting
Lighting is often overlooked, yet it plays a fundamental role in the atmosphere of a room. Indeed, poor lighting can make a room too dark or too cold, and reduce the functionality of the space.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Multiply light sources: pendant lights, fairy lights, floor lamps, table lamps… Each element should be placed in specific and strategic locations.
- Prefer dimmable LED bulbs to adjust the ambiance according to your needs.
3. Choosing paint colors without testing
Choosing a paint color simply based on a color swatch or inspiration seen online can lead to very disappointing results. Indeed, colors vary depending on exposure, lighting, and the size of the room.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Always test several shades of paint on large samples that you will hang on your wall before making a final choice.
- Observe the colors at different times of the day to see how natural and artificial light changes throughout the day.
4. Not considering the proportion of furniture
Buying furniture that is too large or too small is also a common mistake. A massive sofa in a small living room can feel overwhelming, while a table that is too small in a large dining room can seem lost. In both cases, the result will not be harmonious and will create a sense of discomfort.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Respect proportions by choosing furniture that fits the size of your room.
- If you lack space, you can opt for modular furniture. This could be an extendable table or a sofa with built-in storage.
- Ensure there is enough comfortable space to move around each piece of furniture.
5. Accumulating too many decorative objects
Time passing and procrastination make it easy to accumulate too many decorative accessories. Unfortunately, this creates a feeling of clutter and reduces our sense of well-being.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Apply the “less is more” rule by choosing a few key pieces that you really love and highlight them.
- You can also rotate your decorative objects with the seasons to refresh the look of your interior without cluttering everything at once or breaking the bank.
- Implement the rule of three for successful and harmonious decoration.
6. Buying trends without thinking
Jumping on every new decor trend can quickly make your home incoherent. It is important to find a balance between what is trendy, what is timeless, and what evokes emotions in you. Because your interior decoration should primarily please you!
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- If you must succumb to trends, limit yourself to easily replaceable accessories, such as cushion covers, throws, or small decorative objects.
- For more expensive items like large furniture or flooring, opt for timeless choices that will stand the test of time.
- Make your personal style a priority and integrate trends that complement your aesthetic without dominating your space.
- You can also hire an interior decorator to assist you with your project.
7. Forgetting comfort for the sake of aesthetics
Prioritizing only style can sometimes lead to choices that are not functional or comfortable. And for items like chairs or sofas, this can quickly become problematic. Indeed, these elements should be welcoming.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Comfort should be your priority. Always test before buying furniture such as sofas, chairs, or beds.
- Balance style and functionality by choosing ergonomic furniture without sacrificing aesthetics.
- Ensure that every space in your home is welcoming and suited to your daily needs.
8. Ignoring textures and materials
Focusing solely on colors without considering the diversity of textures and materials can make an interior dull and flat. This creates a lack of contrast that can harm the visual richness of a room.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Mix different textures: combine soft fabrics (like velvet or cotton gauze) with hard surfaces (wood, metal).
- Play with natural materials (wicker, linen, wool) to bring warmth and a graphic effect to your rooms.
- Alternate between matte and shiny surfaces to create a harmonious visual balance.
9. Not adapting decoration to the functionality of the room
Each room has a specific function. For example, a bathroom requires moisture-resistant materials, while an office should have storage to promote organization and productivity. It is therefore necessary to adapt to the needs of each room.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Choose materials suitable for the use of the room (non-slip tiles in the bathroom, ergonomic furniture in an office).
- Decorate each room according to its needs: opt for practical elements in work areas and more decorative elements in relaxation spaces.
- Think about maintenance: prioritize easy-to-clean materials in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or hallway.
10. Underestimating the importance of curtains and blinds
Curtains and blinds are often relegated to the background, yet they play a key role if you want a cocooning decoration. Poorly chosen curtains can quickly ruin the overall look of a room.
My tips to avoid this mistake:
- Choose curtains that fit the height and width of your windows. For an elegant look, I prefer curtains that fall flush with the floor.
- Vary the fabrics according to the room: thick curtains to insulate bedrooms from cold and light, and lighter sheers for living areas.
- For a classic style, try to harmonize the color and texture of the curtains with the rest of the decoration. Or opt for patterned curtains for a bolder look.
Featured image: a bedroom spotted at Alvhem.
