Interior design can get tricky. At first glance, it might seem like you’re simply matching some pieces and colours together along a common theme, but it’s about much more than that. There are some clear and specific rules about interior design that you have to follow, and if you end up transgressing them, you will pay the price. The space might not feel cohesive, or you might not get that “professional” look you were looking for. However, this often boils down to simple errors that can easily be avoided. Let’s take a look at some interior design mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

Not Having a Real Focal Point

This is one of the most basic principles in interior decoration, and yet so many people are completely oblivious of it. Simply put, the focal point should be the star of the room, and the first element that gets your attention. There should be only one focal point per room, and this focal point should be accentuated with lighting. It could even be the lighting fixture itself.

Some examples of a great focal point can be found at Moleta Munro. They have a wide selection of contemporary lighting options that would make for a perfect feature in any room. We strongly suggest you check their George Nelson and Patera selection if you’re looking for some inspiration.

Not Knowing How to Decorate Small Spaces

They often say that space is the ultimate luxury, but that doesn’t mean that a small space can’t feel luxurious. However, you don’t want to use dark furniture, especially big, bulky dark furniture. This is because it will instantly make any room feel even tinier and cumbersome. Instead, you want to accentuate with light colours and use lighter fabrics as well, like linen and cotton. You also want to go with reflective colours.

 

Not Picking the Right Rug

The rug you pick will also make a big difference. A nice rug can serve as an interesting focal point and bring a whole room together. The worst thing you could do, however, is pick a rug that’s too small. Your rug should ground every seating element around it and tell people this is where the party’s at. When the rug is too small, it ends up feeling disjointed and the whole look of the room becomes cheapened.

So, if this is for a living room, forget those small 4 by 6 rugs. Look towards those 8 by 10s and up instead. Small rugs work best in entrance ways, kitchens, or next to your bed.

Not Positioning Art Properly

Finding a nice piece of art is just one part. You have to do the painting justice by hanging it properly. Unfortunately, tons of people make the mistake of hanging the frame too high. Another mistake is installing it in a way that is too obvious.

We know you’re proud of your find, but it doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t look great in the hallway over a sideboard with a few books and a lamp around it. As far as height goes, start at eye level, and if you’re going to adjust it, going on the lower side is usually a better option. You can also use detachable hooks to test the proper height.

Having Only One Light Source

Lighting should play an essential role in any room, and when you only use one source of light, it can become very harsh, especially if it’s directly overhead. A better option would be to have a combination of lighting for different occasions. Also, make sure that you maximise the use of natural light. One of the simple ways to do that is to choose your colours wisely. For a bedroom, cool tones like eggshell blue, cream, and grey are all great choices as they will reflect light better and let you enjoy more of it.

Buying a Massive Dining Table

This is another very common mistake you see everywhere. People tend to put a lot of emphasis on their kitchen table for some reason when, in many cases, it’s the least interesting part of the room. You also have people who make purchases based on lifestyle and imagine themselves giving lavish banquet-like affairs on every Sunday. If you’re going to be buying that 6 to 8 seat table, be sure that you’re going to use it because every inch counts, especially if you’re living in a cramped flat. A huge table will just take away from the room, and will also limit your options.

These are just some of the common mistakes people often commit when decorating their interiors. If you manage to stay away from these, and at least get some advice before you start, you should be satisfied with the final results.