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As an experienced interior designer, I’ve witnessed many decorating mistakes over the years, and today, I’m here to shed light on some of the most common mistakes and provide you with foolproof fixes. Let’s dive in.

Choosing the Wrong Paint Colour: The Overarching Influence

Selecting a paint color before considering your furniture is a common pitfall, especially for new homeowners eager to infuse life into their space. The wrong paint color can cast a shadow over the entire room, affecting its ambiance, mood, and overall aesthetic.

How to Avoid This: Yes or Go Neutral

Start by selecting a timeless base color. Neutral or subtle tones for larger areas like walls, ceilings, and floors can serve as a solid foundation. Allow existing furniture to guide your paint choices, creating a harmonious palette. Complement this main shade with harmonious supporting colours.

Some of my favourites from Benjamin Moore:

• Revere Pewter (HC-172)
• Ballet White (OC-9)
• Muslin (OC-12)
• Balboa Mist (OC-27)

If you want a more open, airy feel, select neutral such as white and gray that have cooler undertones like green, blue or purple.

To have a warm and cozy feel to your room, consider choosing a warm neutral paint colour with undertones of yellow, red or orange.

Bad Layout: The Visual Displeasure

A poorly arranged room can disrupt both visual harmony and practical flow. Don’t let this common interior design mistake detract from the potential beauty of your space.

How to Avoid This: Plan & Measure

Take the time to measure both the room and your furniture. Experiment with layouts on paper or utilize 3D design apps online. Aim for a balanced space, creating conversation areas and ensuring all sides of the room feel equally weighted.

Scale & Practice Control

Size matters in interior design. Maintain a balance between smaller and larger elements, especially with sofas and tables. Avoid overcrowding spaces with too many chairs around a coffee table.

Ready to get your room’s scale just right? Let’s create a balanced and spacious design together! Reach out for expert advice and make your space truly shine.

Pushing Furniture Against Walls: The Clutter Conundrum

Arranging all furniture against the walls can make a room look cluttered and messy and is a common design mistake. Opt for a more dynamic and inviting layout.

The Solution: Opt for Smaller Pieces

Choose smaller furniture and pull it away from the walls, creating a central focus. Consider a seating arrangement with chairs around a coffee table for a perfect conversation area. Ground the furniture with an area rug to tie the arrangement together.

Using Rugs That Are Too Small: The Size Matters Dilemma

Rugs play a crucial role in defining and completing a room. Using a rug that’s too small is a common mistake that can throw off the balance and feel of the entire space.

How to choose the Correct Rug Size

Consider the room’s size, layout, and furniture when selecting a rug. Ensure a sofa’s rug extends beyond the front legs, allow space for dining chairs to be pulled out, and provide ample coverage around a bed. Unify large rooms with oversized rugs, leaving a border of exposed floor. Choose round or organic-shaped rugs for smaller settings.

For the best selection of Rug selection, I use RugSource.

Bad Lighting: The Dark Room Dilemma

Insufficient lighting is a consistent mistake I see, that can leave a room feeling unwelcoming. Illuminate your space with a thoughtful approach to lighting.

The Fix: Layer Light

Create three layers of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light provides general illumination, task lighting makes specific activities easier, and accent lighting highlights unique features. Achieve a balanced and inviting atmosphere with well-planned lighting.

Avoid these common decorating mistakes, and let your space truly shine. For personalized advice and design solutions, reach out for a consultation. Together, we can transform your home into a haven of style and comfort! 🌟