Interior Design

6 Interior Design Mistakes Everyone Makes, According to Experts

Whether you’re revamping a single room or redecorating an entire…

Robin - September 4, 2025 0

Whether you’re revamping a single room or redecorating an entire home, interior design choices shape how comfortable and inviting your space feels. Yet, even those with a keen eye for style can fall into avoidable traps.

With advice from seasoned professionals, this article explores the most common design missteps and offers expert guidance for creating harmonious, functional interiors. Ready to transform your home with confidence? Let’s uncover what the pros say you should avoid. For more on expert-approved tips, visit Architectural Digest.

6 Interior Design Mistakes Everyone Makes, According to Experts — Layered lighting design combines ambient, task, and accent sources for depth, warmth, and flexibility.

Relying on just one light source—such as a single ceiling fixture—can leave rooms feeling cold, flat, or overly harsh. Experts emphasize the importance of layering lighting: combining ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative) sources to add depth and comfort.

For example, an underlit kitchen can make meal prep difficult, while a living room with only overhead lights can feel too stark. Incorporating table lamps, pendants, and wall sconces provides flexibility and visual interest. For more expert tips on creating the perfect lighting scheme, explore House Beautiful’s lighting strategies.

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It’s tempting to dive into a makeover by picking out paint, but experts warn that this approach can lead to headaches. Paint comes in thousands of shades, while furniture, rugs, and artwork offer less flexibility. Selecting a wall color before you’ve finalized key pieces often results in a frustrating search for décor that matches—and sometimes settling for less-than-ideal options.

Designers recommend choosing major furnishings first, then finding a paint color that complements them. For more professional advice on building your color palette, check out ELLE Decor’s guide to color mistakes.

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One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make is cramming too much furniture into a space, resulting in a cluttered and uncomfortable environment. Experts advise that less is often more—a few thoughtfully chosen, larger pieces can make a room feel spacious and purposeful, rather than chaotic.

Striking the right balance between function and flow is essential, whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist aesthetic. Maintaining breathing room around furniture enhances both style and usability. For professional tips on creating a well-proportioned space, visit Apartment Therapy’s furniture arrangement guidelines.

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Placing artwork either too high or too low is a common error that can throw off a room’s entire visual balance. Interior designers recommend hanging art so its center sits at eye level—generally about 57 to 60 inches from the floor—creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Proper placement ensures your art feels integrated with the furnishings and architecture, rather than floating awkwardly or getting lost. For gallery walls or above furniture, adjusting the height for context is key. Find more expert guidance on hanging art at the right height from MyDomaine’s art hanging rules.

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Overlooking scale and proportion can make even the most stylish room feel awkward or uncomfortable. When a large sectional dwarfs tiny side tables, or an undersized rug gets lost beneath a dining set, a lack of visual harmony results. Experts emphasize choosing furnishings and accessories that relate well to each other and the room’s dimensions.

For example, pairing a substantial coffee table with a robust sofa creates balance, while appropriately sized lamps can anchor a space. For more expert strategies on mastering proportion, consult House & Garden’s guide to interior design mistakes.

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Rooms that mimic catalog pages may be visually appealing, but they often lack the warmth and authenticity that make a house feel like home. Experts stress the importance of weaving in personal touches—family photos, travel mementos, heirlooms, or cherished collections—to create a truly inviting and meaningful space.

These unique elements tell your story and foster a sense of belonging. Striking the right balance between styled and personal ensures your home feels lived-in, not staged. For inspiration on making your space uniquely yours, explore MyDomaine’s guide to personalizing your home.

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By understanding and avoiding these frequent interior design mistakes—such as ignoring lighting layers, choosing paint first, overcrowding with furniture, improper art placement, neglecting scale, and forgetting personal touches—you can transform your living space into a harmonious and welcoming retreat.

Mindful decorating is about making intentional choices that reflect your style and needs. Armed with expert advice, everyone can achieve a balanced, beautiful home. For further reading on designing with confidence, visit Architectural Digest’s design tips.

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6 Interior Design Mistakes Everyone Makes, According to Experts

1. Ignoring Lighting Layers

2. Choosing Paint Color First

3. Overcrowding with Furniture

4. Hanging Art at the Wrong Height

5. Neglecting Scale and Proportion

6. Forgetting Personal Touches

Conclusion

Robin