You must make Many little decisions before a room can be transformed into a work of art, including choosing furniture, painting the walls, and arranging artwork. And design faux pas like hanging artwork too high or painting a room with a gloss finish can unexpectedly impact the space.
Interior designers are the best people to talk to about this because they’ve seen a lot of beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) homes. To understand the most common mistakes people make while decorating their homes, we created this guide on the most common design faux pas you aren’t even aware of!
1 Not defining needs and wants
Unless you’re working with a limitless budget, you’ll have to compromise on some aspects of your home’s design. It’s possible to avoid getting overwhelmed by all the possibilities for personalizing your house by clearly defining the difference between what you desire and what you need. Unsure of your boundaries? Try making a list of five items you would need to have. Then, come up with a list of five things you’d like to have. The secret to staying within your budget and creating the perfect design is reminding yourself that it’s okay to compromise between what you need and what you want.
2 Setting the lighting wrong is one of the worst design faux pas
We’ve all seen it before: lighting getting pushed to the back burner. When considering a home makeover, lighting should be at the top of the list because it can make such a big difference. It’s a two-edged sword, though! Great lighting can change a space, but bad lighting will make your area look even worse. In order to avoid this, layering your lighting is the key. These varied light sources work together to create an attractive light scheme.
You should also make the most of natural light! Make sure you use windows, doors, or any other glass-covered surfaces you have to let in as much natural light as possible. Use mirrors to reflect light in unexpected places.
Another thing you have to think about is the layout of the room. Are there regions of the room that require more light than others? On the other hand, are there parts of the space where you want a more toned-down ambiance feeling? Ambient lighting is a great way to give your home a romantic feel while yet keeping it functional. Floor lamps for a reading nook, wall lights above a sofa, and side table lamps are all examples of this style. These give character, warmth, and decor to your room, making it feel more like home.
3 Handling artwork without a plan
When it comes to hanging art, there are no simple rules to follow. This is an area of interior design where you can really let your creative juices flow. The artwork you choose should be vital to the area and balanced with the rest of the furnishings and finishing touches. Always choose well-kept artworks, and if you need to move them, get pros to do it safely since fine art movers will handle it better. When putting together a gallery wall, a symmetrical tryptic, or a large statement painting, it’s essential to consider the height and distance between each frame. In general, placing the wall art around eye level; putting it too high or low can make it look a little off. There should be a minimum of 10cm between frames when putting up a gallery wall.
4 Not thinking about size and proportion is a huge design faux pas
One of the most common design faux pas involves ignoring the relationship between scale and proportion. This is most likely due to the fact that decorating a room with a perfect scale requires a trained eye. Some people overcrowd a room with too many small objects, making it difficult for the eye to find a resting place. However, others cram too many heavy, bulky goods into a short space. The combination of varied shapes, sizes, and heights create the perfect scale.
5 Ignoring the “flow” of the home
Interior designers and architects can sense the “flow” in a well-designed home. Room-to-room mobility is the most important factor. Although it may appear insignificant, how you use your home’s flow significantly impacts your quality of life. How would your guests feel if they were forced to trek up a flight of stairs to use the bathroom? Your main bedroom may not be as peaceful if you can hear every sound from outside your property. Thoughtful consideration is needed here.
6 Focusing on trends too much or too little
Balance is key when it comes to trends. Not every trend should be followed, especially if it is an expensive upgrade that will be “out” the next season. It is possible to transform a room from “drab and dry” to “fresh and modern” by simply integrating an accessory in a new pattern or finish. Don’t be afraid to add a chevron-patterned rug or a mixed metal mirror to your living room, both of which will make a big impression while staying in trend.
7 Not personalizing your home
Creating a home that reflects who you are is integral to interior design. Beige walls and brown furniture with a single mass-produced print on the wall are the worst things to see when you come into someone’s home. Don’t be afraid to express yourself when it comes to interior design. Your house should be a place where you can relax, as well as a place that tells a story to your guests. It should be your place, so don’t make the design faux pas of depersonalizing your home because of current aesthetics.
Final words
Interior design is, in the end, a personal preference. However, there are some typical design faux pas everyone should avoid. We hope our guide has helped you learn about these interior design sins you might not even be aware of! Good luck designing!
Author name: Mary H. Sheehan
Author bio: It’s no secret that interior design fascinates Mary H. Sheehan, an accomplished content writer. Movers Development has hired her to help prospective homeowners create their dream houses. She and her gorgeous puppy, Toby, call New York City home. Contact her at maryhsheehan@gmail.com.