7 Common Interior Design Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

We’ve all been there—standing in a room, sensing something feels off but not quite sure what it is. Interior design is a balance of function, comfort, and style, and small missteps can make a space feel awkward, uninviting, or just not quite right. The good news? Most of these common design mistakes have simple fixes that can transform your home into a stylish and well-balanced haven. Let’s dive in!

1. Using Only One Light Source

Mistake: Relying on a single overhead light makes a room feel flat and uninspiring.

Fix: Layer your lighting! Use a mix of ambient (general lighting), task (focused lighting like reading lamps), and accent (mood-setting lighting like wall sconces) to create depth, warmth, and function. A well-lit room should have multiple light sources working together to enhance the space.

2. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls

Mistake: Placing every piece of furniture against the walls can make a room feel cold, empty, and disconnected.

Fix: Float your furniture! Pull sofas and chairs inward to create conversation zones and a sense of intimacy. Even in smaller spaces, a little breathing room between furniture and walls adds warmth and balance.

3. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

Mistake: Choosing furniture that’s either too big (overpowering the space) or too small (making the room feel unfinished).

Fix: Follow the rule of scale. Mix larger statement pieces with smaller accents to create harmony. For example, if you have a large sofa, balance it with a substantial coffee table and complement it with smaller side tables.

4. Overcrowding with Décor

Mistake: Overloading a space with too many decorative pieces can make it feel chaotic rather than curated.

Fix: Embrace the "less is more" approach. Curate your decor thoughtfully—keep pieces that truly add character and remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. Negative space is just as important as the objects within it.

5. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size

Mistake: Rugs that are too small can make a space feel disjointed and ungrounded.

Fix: Make sure your rug is large enough to anchor the room. Ideally, the front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug. In dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the chairs when they’re pulled out. A properly sized rug ties the room together effortlessly.

6. Neglecting Vertical Space

Mistake: Only decorating at eye level, leaving walls feeling bare and underutilized.

Fix: Use your vertical space to its full potential. Add floating shelves, oversized artwork, or floor-to-ceiling curtains to draw the eye upward and create a sense of height and dimension.

7. Following Trends Blindly

Mistake: Designing a space purely based on trends can lead to a room that feels impersonal or quickly outdated.

Fix: Mix timeless pieces with trend-driven accents. Invest in classic furniture and play with trendy colours, cushions, or artwork that can be swapped out easily. This keeps your space fresh without committing to a look that might feel outdated in a year.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common mistakes will make your home more comfortable, stylish, and functional. Good design isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels personal, welcoming, and balanced. Small adjustments can make a big impact, so don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your space over time!