Design Vogue

Interior design mistakes run the gamut from problems like imperfectly laid flooring (hello, tripping hazards) to lesser issues like getting the wrong size living room rug. Even if you can't quite put your finger on what's feeling wrong in a certain space, it'll likely stem from the most typical faux pas.

Design is very personal, and what might be a no-go to one person will feel just right for another. That being said, we spoke with a handful of interior designers on the problems they see all the time.

To help you avoid these mistakes in your own home, here's what they always notice and how to rectify these issues or prevent them in the first place.

Choosing Bad Lighting

Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, points out that lighting is a common problem she sees when she's designing homes. Much of it has to do with the infamous "big light," and she finds many people rely solely on overhead lighting.

"Lighting affects so much and is essential when setting the mood and feel of a room," she says.

The solution? Scheck says to have warmth and individuality at the forefront of your mind. Rather than using only recessed lights or the ceiling fixture, layer lighting. A mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting can sophisticate and highlight your home, she says.

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Forgetting About Size, Scale, and Proportion

Andrea West of Andrea West Design says the number-one mistake her firm sees is buying furniture and decor that is too small for your space—and it's a problem Scheck often sees, too.

West notes scale is imperative for nailing your design. With items that are too small, your home can feel cluttered as it takes more items to fill.

"Larger is better, as it uses fewer items that fill it at the appropriate scale that make it feel dramatic and elevated," she says.

The solution is measuring and laying out how the furniture will look and spending on investments, which will prevent overspending in the long run and lead to a better-proportioned space, according to West.

Overcrowding Your Space

We get it—who doesn't want to share all of their best decor pieces and meaningful mementos? The problem with displaying it is that clutter and overcrowding become inevitable.

Instead, Scheck says that "focusing on quality over quantity gives attention to each individual piece without overwhelming the space."

To do this, she says to consider the flow of the way people move through a space, with thoughtful placement you can create physical and visual flexibility. Your favorite pieces will be visible, but you won't feel cramped.

Lacking a Cohesive Color Scheme

Color choices are deeply personal. Whether you want bubblegum pink walls or all beige, the key part in getting it right is cohesion.

Bree Steele, an interior designer and trade accounts manager at RJ Living, says she often sees color schemes that don't jive.

"If you want the colors to look more coordinated, you should start with a neutral base and build the color scheme around it," she says. "This will work best if you’re working with complementary colors otherwise the room will look overwhelming visually."

Leaving Out Your Personality

Another problem that's vital to great home design but almost too easy to forget is infusing your personal tastes.

"One thing I see often is when people try to recreate looks they see online," Steele says. She notes this is okay in theory, but sometimes it means that a room doesn’t have the homeowner's style.

You might be fearful that your preferences don't align with trends or best design practices, but it's better that personal design feels intuitive. In doing so, Steele notes that it will make your home feel like home for you and your guests.

Getting the Wrong Rug Size

Rugs are a tricky thing to get just right, which is why Olma Fuentes, the principal and founder of Deni + Dove Interiors, says it's one of the most common mistakes she sees.

"If the rug is too small, then the furniture ends up being placed too closely together, which restricts movement and results in a squished appearance," she says. If it's too big, it can engulf the space.

If you want to prevent a design fiasco, there are helpful guides on how to choose a rug for your living room so you can learn how to measure and place it without a hitch.

Incorrect Spacing and Height for Wall Decor

Nothing brightens a room and it makes it feel like you quite like wall art and photos. Fuentes notes that although it enhances a space, proper spacing and height ranges are essential for making it feel cohesive.

"So many people tend to eyeball where artwork should be hung," she says. "This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money after you have to re-hang the art piece and then patch up any paintwork or holes made."

The best guideline to follow is aiming for eye level, according to Fuentes, which is around 57–60 inches from the ground.