It’s easy to get too deeply invested in decorating your home, mainly if you’ve just acquired a new one. You want to make the space feel comfortable, secure, and, most importantly, visually appealing. Unfortunately, this can spell disaster for non-interiors designers who only rely on trends and tips they Google online. So if you’re not bringing in a professional, make sure you’re not making these ten interior design mistakes.
1. Not planning
As with any aspect of life, planning ensures your venture or project will go in the right direction. Interior design requires planning because it’s expensive if you commit one slight mistake that involves changing furniture items, paint colors, and the whole shebang.
Regardless of the project size, you must always write down the entire interior design plan. This includes the color palettes, furniture layout, buying furnishings, accessories, and more.
2. Not budgeting
Not budgeting is the top second interior design mistake, next to not planning. This crucial mistake can make or break your entire project because if you mismanage your budget, you’re back on the drawing board. The first is to determine how much money you can comfortably spend. Next is to jot down the list of items and services you need, such as furnishings, accessories, professional fees, paint, etc. You might not be able to purchase everything, so it’s recommended to list the items according to priority.
3. Not measuring the area
Some homeowners eyeball the entire area and furniture pieces that go into that area, thinking their estimates are good enough. However, this can be the culprit for a whole overhaul. So instead of eyeballing, measure the space before buying the furnishings. This will allow you to paint a realistic picture of the layout and space that will make way for foot traffic.
4. Incorrect furniture size
The following interior design mistake is correlative to the previous one. When you’re not measuring your space, you’ll make the biggest mistake of buying the wrong furniture, including the wrong rug sizes. That said, it’s also advised to measure the furniture items so you know which area in the room they fit. Sometimes, homeowners may have the right furniture size but the wrong placement. So it’s also vital to ensure the item doesn’t look awkward or out of place in a particular room area.
5. No focal point
A focal point is the first thing that attracts the viewers’ eyes. It also gives the room character. Without it, the room may look drab, and viewers may lose interest. Ensure you create a focal point in any room. It can be a fireplace, an accent wall, an oversized chair, a bold decor, a floor lamp, an art wall, or a prominent accessory.
6. Not considering form and function
One of the biggest interior design mistakes is not considering form and function. Prioritizing one over the other won’t create a space you’ll enjoy for a long time because there will always be that lacking element. Make sure to choose function while giving way to form simultaneously.
7. Bad lighting
One way to make your room look brighter, livelier, and bigger is to allow natural light in. If some spaces aren’t laden with big windows to allow sunlight, installing different types of lighting is vital.
8. Matching all textures, colors, etc.
Some homeowners think that everything has to match. But where’s the fun in that? Create a space with visual interest, which means mixing and matching colors and textures. Choose a base color and see what colors and hues go with it. Moreover, mix and match textures, such as accent pillows, rugs, patterns, plants, sofa materials, artwork, and more.
9. Hanging art at the wrong level
One minute factor that can entirely change the look of your room is artwork that is hung at the wrong level. Experts suggest that a piece of art must be hung at eye level. Also, make sure to display it at an unexpected and subtle location.
10. No greenery
Plants keep your space bright, cozy, and attractive. It gives life and energy to dull spaces. That said, choose some indoor plants that require minimal maintenance. Instead of grabbing fake ones that you put in a beautiful vase, display natural plants to keep the space alive.
Conclusion
Decorating your home is easy if everything is well-thought-out. Whether it’s a minor room redesign or total house decoration, it’s essential to plan, budget, and take note of these interior design mistakes.
About the author
Rowena Zaballa
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