Interior design largely comes down to preference - in other words, there are no strict do’s and don’ts regarding how you style your home. That being said, there are several mistakes many of us make that can be easily avoided with careful planning and looking at your environment through the eyes of a professional interior designer. By no means do you need to be an expert; however, with a little thought and consideration, you can make your home look and feel as though it has been professionally designed. Here are some of the most common interior design mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Harsh Lighting

Harsh lighting can make an environment feel cold and clinical. It may also trigger headaches and cause sore eyes. While you may need adequate lighting to suitably illuminate your rooms, swap the single overhead light for multiple light sources from table, floor and wall-mounted lamps. Not only will these gentle, overlapping pools of light contribute towards a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, but you may also save money on your electricity bill. 

Small Rugs

One of the most common interior design mistakes many of us make is choosing a rug far too small for its environment - something that often makes a space feel smaller and more crowded. While a full-size rug may feel like a significant commitment, it can bring texture, warmth and coherence into a space. Arrange your large rug so there is an equal amount of floor space on all sides; however, it is advisable to refrain from placing a rug in areas that see high foot traffic. 

Short Curtains

Consider the placement of your curtain rails. Full-length curtains that stretch from ceiling to floor can provide the illusion of a taller, larger room. Since taller curtains automatically draw the eye upwards, making the ceiling of a room appear taller than it actually is, this interior design hack can instantly transform a space from basic to brilliant. Furthermore, it is worth investing in high-quality curtains made from 100% organic cotton or linen. 

Fake Plants

Fake plants may seem like a clever way to add greenery without the commitment of caring for organic matter. However, unless your artificial foliage is 100% convincing, it is a surefire way to make your interiors look cheap and tacky. While you may think you’re useless at caring for houseplants, some species are easier to manage than others. Start off with low-maintenance plants such as spider plants and English ivy for a pop of luscious indoor greenery. 

Stone-Effect Vinyl Wrap

Getting the timelessly elegant appearance of natural stone on a budget can be tricky. Genuine organic stone can look exceptionally beautiful; however, it’s not always cheap. It may be tempting to pay a fraction of the price for a roll of stone-effect vinyl wrap, but the finishing result almost always looks mediocre, particularly when it is poorly applied. If you want the durability and sleek appearance of granite, slate or marble, invest in some high-quality stone interior design. 

Matching Furniture

Matching furniture may seem like an obvious way to decorate a space. While some matching pieces make a room elegant and coherent, overly matching furniture can lack personality. Conversely, you can create dynamism and make your living space unique by mismatching furniture and decorative items. Mismatching furniture also allows you to showcase statement items, which is particularly useful if you have a penchant for unique vintage or designer gems. 

Overdecorating

While many of us are moving away from minimalist interiors in favour of personality-packed spaces, not everybody is ready for maximalism. While eclectic rooms overflowing with mismatched artwork, ornaments, and trinkets might be your style, it is always advisable to avoid overdecorating if you want to maintain a sleek, tidy space with minimal effort. Maximalism may look charming, but unless you enjoy dusting, it may not be for you. 

Too Much White

Keeping a room light and bright with plenty of white can provide the illusion of more space by maximising natural light reflection. However, too much white can make a space feel decidedly clinical. Additionally, white soft furnishings such as sofas, rugs and curtains can be a nightmare to keep clean. Integrate your white features with pops of colour to keep your rooms feeling open and airy without overdoing things.