Picture this: You've created a stunning design plan, your client is thrilled, and you're ready to bring their dream home to life. But then, unexpected challenges arise. Maybe a custom sofa doesn't fit through the doorway, or the lighting makes the kitchen feel dark. These issues can lead to financial setbacks, disappointed clients, and project delays.
Even experienced interior designers face these problems. This article explores common design mistakes and offers practical advice to help you avoid them. By learning from these pitfalls, you can ensure smoother, more successful projects for both you and your clients.
Many designers rush into redecorating without a clear vision for the finished room. It’s easy to get caught up in the details before establishing a solid foundation. We recommend taking a holistic approach to avoid an inconsistent look.
Mood boards are an excellent tool for planning. Create a physical or digital mood board to guide your choices for colors, materials, and style. Ensure that every item you buy aligns with your mood board.
Scale is crucial—it's not just about fitting items in the space but how they work together. For instance, a large chair next to a small desk or a tiny picture on a vast wall can disrupt the balance of the room.
While there's no strict rule for determining scale, aim for balance. Avoid extremes like a small plant on a large shelf or a super-king bed in a small room. Instead, select furniture and decor that complement each other in size and proportion.
Creating a visually appealing space requires contrast. If a room is entirely one style—whether it’s all farmhouse, classic, or mid-century modern—it can become monotonous. Contrast involves more than just mixing styles; it includes blending different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, patterns, finishes, and eras. For instance, pairing a vintage-inspired round table with a luxe hide rug and a modern geometric chandelier can create a harmonious and interesting space.
While it's tempting to blend various styles, overdoing it can make a room look chaotic. A helpful strategy is the 70/30 rule: use one style for about 70% of the space and introduce another style for the remaining 30%. For example, you can enhance a traditional room with a few contemporary elements to keep it fresh and interesting.
While Pinterest offers the latest design trends, these often lead to cookie-cutter designs where every space looks similar. As an interior designer, it's essential to move beyond merely replicating a Pinterest board. A space should reflect the client’s personality and experiences.
Encourage clients to add personal touches that make their home unique. For example, if your client loves travelling, suggest incorporating a picture board from all their memorable trips into the master bedroom. These personal items make a home meaningful and special.
Interior design is a gradual process. Advise your clients to add pieces that resonate with them over time, allowing their space to evolve and grow with their experiences.
Neutrals can create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, but if not done correctly, they can make a space feel empty and lifeless.
For a cozy and inviting look, it's important to layer neutrals with warm colors and textures. Simply using all neutral furnishings and white walls can lead to a space that feels cold and unfinished.
Advise your clients to add accessories, artwork, and a splash of color to brighten up their interiors. Consider recommending colors like Cook’s Blue for accent pieces, and encourage them to use color thoughtfully across rugs, pillows, and curtains. This will help create a vibrant, well-rounded space.
Artwork can be a stunning feature in a room, but choosing the wrong size or style can make a big difference. A piece that's too small might look out of place, while a large artwork can become a striking focal point. If you're using multiple pieces, experiment with their arrangement and scale to achieve a balanced look. As a general guideline, placing artwork at eye level often looks the most natural.
Metallic accents can add a touch of elegance, but it's easy to go overboard. For instance, having a chrome floor lamp paired with a chrome chandelier, coffee table legs, and accessories can create a cold, clinical feel. To avoid this, mix metals with natural materials like linen or jute to add warmth and soften the space. Aim for a balanced approach that complements the overall design.
A rug is a highlighting part of room décor, so getting it right is essential. Here are some guidelines to avoid costly mistakes and ensure the rug complements the space:
For Living Rooms:
For Bedrooms:
For Children's Rooms:
Using just overhead lighting can make a room feel cold and uninviting. Instead, aim to incorporate at least two to four additional lighting sources in each space. For living areas, where you will be relaxing and entertaining, consider mixing table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
A room without a clear focal point can feel aimless and uninteresting. A focal point not only enhances the room's aesthetic but also serves as a central feature around which the room’s design revolves.
A strong focal point helps to direct attention and gives the room a sense of connection. Consider using paneled walls, striking wallpapers, or a large indoor plant to create a standout feature in your design.
We all appreciate a good deal, and budget-friendly items can often look elegant and high-end when styled correctly. However, some pricier items justify their cost with exceptional quality and design. While it's possible to update most of a home affordably, especially with second-hand finds, DIY projects, and upcycled furniture, allowing for a special splurge occasionally can make a significant difference. Investing in one standout piece can elevate the overall décor and serve as a focal point, adding a touch of sophistication to the space.
A common styling mistake is neglecting to use the height well. Whether arranging a media unit, bookshelf, or simply decorating a corner, including tall elements likepedestal tables, large vases, statement plants, floor lamps, and artwork can add visual interest and prevent monotony.
One common mistake designers make is overlooking the entryway's significance. This space is the first impression guests get when they enter and the last one they take away when leaving.
To make a strong impression, add a striking art piece with good lighting. Consider placing a cozy area rug and updating any mudroom shelves and storage with stylish accents. A well-designed entryway sets the tone for the entire home.
"Form follows function" is an important principle in both architecture and interior design. This means that the appearance of an object should match its intended use.
While a design that looks straight out of a magazine might receive compliments, it’s important that it also serves its purpose effectively. Choose furniture, paint, and accessories based on how the room will be used.
Clients might bring in inspiration from Pinterest, but it's your job to guide them on what will work well and what might not fit their needs.
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to avoid making your client's home look like it’s straight out of a catalog. Instead of choosing everything from the same brand, mix and match different elements. Incorporate unique pieces—whether they’re from various brands, local finds, or personal artifacts. Adding a mix of elements like a cherished family heirloom or a vintage item from a memorable trip will make the space more interesting and personal.
Mistakes in design can be expensive, but virtual staging offers a powerful solution to help avoid these pitfalls and streamline your design process. Virtual staging involves digitally adding furniture, decor, and artwork to empty or partially furnished spaces to create a realistic view of a fully designed area.
With Styldod, you can get high-quality virtual staging at an affordable price. We offer various design styles, from modern to classic, to match your client's vision, along with unlimited revisions to perfect the design.
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