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Here's how you can avoid and bounce back from common mistakes in interior design.

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1

Color Woes

2

Scale Slip-ups

3

Lighting Lapses

4

Accessory Excess

5

Textile Troubles

6

Art Awry

7

Here’s what else to consider

Embarking on an interior design project can be both exciting and daunting. You have the opportunity to transform a space into a reflection of your personal style, but with this comes the risk of making mistakes. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a novice decorator, errors can happen to anyone. The key is not to fear these missteps but to learn how to prevent and recover from them gracefully. This article will guide you through common interior design pitfalls and provide practical tips for bouncing back should they occur. With a bit of knowledge and confidence, you can turn any design faux pas into a chance for creative growth and improvement.

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Selected by the community from 21 contributions. Learn more
  • Member profile image
    Rahul Naik
    Sr. Interior Designer
    1
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    Azhar Siddique
    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into…
    1
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    Ar. Ramya Singh Rajput
    Founder & Principal Architect | Artist
    1

1 Color Woes

Choosing the right color palette is crucial in interior design, as it sets the mood for your space. A common mistake is selecting colors that are too bold or trendy, which can quickly become outdated or overwhelming. To avoid this, opt for timeless hues and consider how different shades will interact with natural light throughout the day. If you've already gone too bold, don't panic. You can balance it out with neutral furnishings or accents, or by painting one statement wall instead of the entire room.

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    Rahul Naik

    Sr. Interior Designer

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    To get the color palate that suits the theme of the design and observe how paint colors and fabrics look under various lighting conditions, like natural daylight and artificial lighting. Colors can appear different depending on the light source and time of day. This ensures you choose shades that will look great in all settings.

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    Azhar Siddique

    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into Client-Approved Designs | Design Visionary with 11 Years of Expertise

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    Color choices can make or break a space. Avoid using too many bold colors; they can overwhelm. Stick to a balanced palette with complementary tones. Ensure colors suit the room's purpose: calming hues for bedrooms, energizing shades for workspaces. Test samples in different lighting before finalizing. If a color scheme feels off, don’t panic—integrate neutral accessories or subtle patterns to harmonize the space. Remember, paint is easily changeable, so stay flexible and willing to experiment until you find the perfect balance. Mistakes are part of the process, and learning from them leads to stunning results.

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    Zulma Rojas

    Arquitecto de interiores

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    The colour palette is one of the main elements in the design composition. A common mistake is to select colours that are too bold or modern, which can quickly become outdated or overwhelming. If you have strong colours on the walls or furniture, consider adding neutral textures through rugs, cushions or curtains. This can help soften the impact of bold colours. Plants can bring a touch of freshness and naturalness to any space, and can help balance a very neutral tone. If you have a space with a lot of colour, consider adding some black and white art pieces. This can provide a nice contrast and help balance the space.

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    Ar. Ramya Singh Rajput

    Founder & Principal Architect | Artist

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    In interior design, color can be a powerful tool for expressing personality and style. While some may caution against bold or trendy color choices, embracing vibrant hues can create striking, memorable spaces. Rather than avoiding bold colors, consider how they can enhance the overall design. Use a bold color as the focal point of a room, and build the rest of the palette around it with complementary shades. To ensure balance, pair bold colors with neutral elements that allow them to shine without overwhelming the space. If you find the color scheme isn't working, accessories like rugs, throw pillows, and artwork can help tie the bold choices together, creating a cohesive and dynamic look.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Color selection can make or break a design. Choosing the wrong colors can result in a space that feels disjointed or overwhelming. To avoid this, always test paint samples in the actual room and consider how natural and artificial lighting will affect the colors. For example, a living room with a sectional sofa might benefit from neutral walls complemented by bold accent colors in pillows and throws. If a color mistake occurs, quickly repaint or adjust decor elements to harmonize the palette.

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2 Scale Slip-ups

Maintaining the right scale and proportion is essential for a harmonious interior. Often, furniture is either too large, making a room feel cramped, or too small, making it seem sparse. To avoid this, always measure your space before purchasing furniture and consider the scale of pieces in relation to each other. If you've already bought that oversized sofa, try rearranging your layout to create more breathing room or adding appropriately scaled accessories to bring balance.

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    Ar. Ramya Singh Rajput

    Founder & Principal Architect | Artist

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    Ensuring harmony in interior design often hinges on scale and proportion, but what if you’ve already made some common mistakes? Instead of viewing these slip-ups as setbacks, consider them opportunities for creative solutions. When faced with furniture that's too large, instead of feeling confined, embrace the coziness by creating an intimate seating area, utilizing strategic lighting and mirrors to open up the space visually. Conversely, if your furniture feels too small, transform the room with layers of texture, bold artwork, and larger statement pieces that can create an illusion of grandeur and richness. Mistakes in scale can be turned into unique design statements with a bit of ingenuity and flexibility.

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    Azhar Siddique

    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into Client-Approved Designs | Design Visionary with 11 Years of Expertise

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    In interior design, common mistakes often arise from incorrect scaling. Avoid overcrowding small spaces with oversized furniture or under-furnishing large areas. Use a mix of sizes and shapes to create balance. When mistakes happen, take a step back and reassess the layout. Swap out or reposition pieces to better fit the space. Learning from each project enhances your design intuition. Always measure carefully and visualize the space with mock-ups or digital tools before committing. Embrace errors as learning opportunities, refining your approach with each experience to create harmonious, well-proportioned spaces.

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    Zulma Rojas

    Arquitecto de interiores

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    The secret in the composition of the design is the balance in the proportion. Sometimes, the mistake at the moment of distributing the furniture is that they are too big or too small. To avoid this mismatch, the right thing to do is to measure the space and use the relevant measurements to purchase the furniture. If you already have the furniture, try to organise your design around it and add accessories in the right scale. For example, in a living room, a large sofa can be the central element, while side tables and chairs provide balance. Tailor the scale to the specific functions of each area. For example, in the living room the scale can be more relaxed and prioritise visual and physical comfort.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Incorrectly scaling furniture to the room size can disrupt the flow and functionality of a space. To prevent this, always measure the room and the furniture accurately. For instance, ensure that a sofa set fits comfortably within a living room, allowing enough space for movement and other furniture pieces. If a scale slip-up happens, rearrange or replace furniture to better suit the space's dimensions, maintaining balance and proportion.

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3 Lighting Lapses

Lighting can make or break a room's ambiance, yet it's frequently overlooked. Overhead lighting alone can cause harsh shadows and an uninviting atmosphere. To avoid this, incorporate layers of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to create depth and warmth. If you find your lighting is inadequate, introduce floor lamps and table lamps to soften the space, and consider dimmer switches to control the intensity and mood.

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    Azhar Siddique

    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into Client-Approved Designs | Design Visionary with 11 Years of Expertise

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    Avoiding lighting lapses in interior design is crucial for creating inviting spaces. Start by ensuring layers of light: ambient, task, and accent. Avoid over-relying on one light source, which can make rooms appear flat. Be mindful of natural light and complement it with adjustable artificial lighting. Don’t forget dimmers for flexibility and control. Avoid harsh, cool lighting in cozy spaces; opt for warmer tones. To bounce back from mistakes, reassess your space's needs, experiment with different fixtures, and seek feedback. Good lighting transforms spaces, enhancing both function and mood.

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    Zulma Rojas

    Arquitecto de interiores

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    Good lighting is crucial. The common mistake when NOT guided by a designer is to generalise light. In this sense, "layered light" is the best solution to add a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. General Lighting Provides most of the light in the room. Combines different light sources, such as ceiling lamps and wall lights. Spot or mood lighting. Highlights specific points, such as table lamps next to sofas or bedside tables. Decorative lighting such as pendant, recessed or LED strip lighting to highlight specific areas. . By sizing the space and available natural light when planning lighting, a balanced design can be achieved.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Inadequate or improper lighting can diminish the overall impact of your design. Plan for a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit, inviting space. For example, combine ceiling lights, table lamps, and floor lamps in a bedroom to ensure sufficient lighting for different activities. If lighting lapses occur, add or adjust lighting fixtures to enhance visibility and ambiance, ensuring every corner of the room is well-lit and functional.

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4 Accessory Excess

Accessorizing is the finishing touch to any room, but too many accessories can lead to clutter. The key is moderation; choose a few statement pieces that reflect your style and add character without overwhelming the space. If you've gone overboard, curate your collection by keeping only what you love or what has functional value. Rotate accessories seasonally to keep the decor fresh without adding more items.

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    Clinton Mokaya

    Fashion and Interior designer. Entrepreneur and investor. co-owner at Brucke Construction Limited.

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    Avoiding clutter when working out a project is very essential in the interior design field. It is very easy easy to have a cluttered project since a designer may have used more than enough statement pieces. If he/she has a statement wall, a sculpture, wall paintings, accent furniture, a potted plant he/she might not realize that they have many statement pieces. It is therefore advisable to have a third party who can give their honest opinion on the design as it progresses. They should also stick to their original concept and avoid adding features to their project that were inspired along the designing process.

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    Azhar Siddique

    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into Client-Approved Designs | Design Visionary with 11 Years of Expertise

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    Avoiding accessory excess in interior design starts with intentional selection. Choose pieces that resonate with your space's purpose and avoid impulse buys. Prioritize quality over quantity and let a few standout items create impact. Embrace negative space to give your accessories room to shine. When you make mistakes, step back and reassess. Remove a few items and see how it changes the balance. Don't be afraid to rotate accessories seasonally to keep things fresh. Remember, less can be more. If you feel overwhelmed, consult a professional for guidance and new perspectives. Keep learning and adapting.

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    Zulma Rojas

    Arquitecto de interiores

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    Accessories are necessary elements that add a finishing touch to the space. Choose pieces that not only add style but also character. You can choose artwork, stunning paintings, sculpture, antiques and use it as an focal piece. The change of seasons is a good time to rotate decorations. Fabrics can also be eye-catching. Cushions, curtains or rugs with bold patterns, vibrant colours or interesting textures add personality. Look for objects with history or craftsmanship. A restored piece of furniture, handmade pottery or an antique mirror can be treasures that enrich the design. Remember that balance is key.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Over-accessorizing can clutter a space and detract from the main design elements. To avoid this, choose accessories that complement the overall design and use them sparingly. For instance, in a living room, select a few statement pieces like a decorative vase or artwork to enhance the aesthetic without overwhelming the space. If accessory excess happens, simplify the decor by removing items until the room feels balanced and cohesive.

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5 Textile Troubles

Textiles add texture and comfort to a space, but the wrong choices can disrupt the design flow. A common mistake is using too many patterns or textures that clash. To avoid this, stick to a consistent color scheme and mix patterns with care, ensuring they complement rather than compete with each other. If you've already mixed too many textiles, simplify by removing the most jarring elements and introducing solid colors to restore balance.

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    Azhar Siddique

    Passionate Interior Designer | Project Management Expert | Software Proficient | Transforming Concepts into Client-Approved Designs | Design Visionary with 11 Years of Expertise

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    Navigating textile troubles in interior design can be challenging, but you can avoid and bounce back from common mistakes with a few key strategies. First, always test fabric samples in your space to see how they look in different lighting. Mismatched colors or patterns can ruin your design. Next, consider durability—choose fabrics that suit the room’s use, like stain-resistant materials for high-traffic areas. If you do make a mistake, don't panic. Swap out accessories like pillows and throws to quickly update the look. Remember, balance is key; mix textures and patterns thoughtfully to create a cohesive, inviting space.

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    Zulma Rojas

    Arquitecto de interiores

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    Textiles add visual and tactile texture to the space. For example a shaggy rug, velvet cushions or linen curtains add variety and warmth to the room. Textiles not only add comfort but can also serve to limit space, for example a rug can limit the visual space between the living and dining area. They also allow you to express personality, you can choose prints and materials, without falling into excess. Textiles, apart from being decorative, are fundamental to create pleasant spaces.

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    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Inappropriate textile choices can affect comfort and style. Ensure that the fabrics you choose are suitable for their intended use and match the room's decor. For example, select durable, easy-to-clean fabrics for a family room sofa set and luxurious, soft textiles for bedroom linens. If textile troubles arise, swap out unsuitable fabrics with better options that align with the design goals and practical needs of the space.

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6 Art Awry

Art personalizes a space, but hanging it incorrectly can detract from both the piece and the room. Art hung too high is a common issue. To avoid this, hang art at eye level and consider the wall size when choosing art pieces—small art on a large wall can look lost. If your art placement is off, rehang pieces at the correct height and group smaller pieces in a gallery-style arrangement for greater impact.

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    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Placing art incorrectly can disrupt the visual harmony of a room. To avoid this, hang artwork at eye level and consider the scale relative to the furniture. For instance, a large painting above a sofa should be proportionate to the sofa's size and hung at a height that draws the eye naturally. If art is awry, reposition or replace pieces to ensure they enhance rather than detract from the overall design.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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    Susan Yang

    CEO at Ihousey Furniture Co.Ltd │🌏Global Furniture Manufacturer,supplying highly professional in upholstered furniture,sofas,chairs,couches,recliners for retailers│wholesalers│distributors│importers.

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    Always prioritize functionality in your designs. A space that looks beautiful but isn't practical will not satisfy clients in the long term. Ensure that your designs accommodate the daily activities and needs of the occupants, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

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