10 Interior design mistakes
Decorating a new home or redesigning a space is an exciting task, especially if what you've carefully planned and imagined is about to become a reality. However, be sure to avoid these 10 interior design mistakes on your next project.
PAINTING WITHOUT TESTING THE COLOUR
Paint will look different to paint chips or swatches once you actually get it onto your walls or into the space. Everything from natural light, faux light to the colour of your furniture can change your perception of your chosen colour. The best thing to do is buy a sample size 250ml or 500ml tub to start, and live with the colour before committing.
BUYING 'TRENDY' BIG TICKET ITEMS
Buying large pieces of expensive furniture that are too deeply rooted in current trends can prove to be a little tricky to work with in the long run. As we all know, trends aren't forever, and neither are velvet millennial pink sofas. So when splashing cash on big ticket items like armchairs, sofas, rugs or dinning tables, be sure you buy something that is versatile and transcends the trends.
RUSHING TO FILL A SPACE
Nothing looks more predictable than a space that is too matchy-matchy, or has every piece purchased from the same showroom, brand or collection. Take your time when filling or furnishing a new space, live in it first, and be sure that every item you pick represents a little bit of your own personality. Sentimental trinkets or photos can be styled into gorgeous vignettes upon coffee tables and shelves when done with a considered eye, and to do so results in a much more refined, personal scheme. You'll find that as time goes on and you live in the space, the items that will fit or are missing will soon present themselves naturally.
WHITE CARPETING
While white carpeting sounds like a suave, sophisticated and minimalist idea – it's actually a terror to maintain and absolutely cannot exist harmoniously with children and pets.
DUPLICATE FLOORING
Try to avoid layering thick rugs on top of thick carpet. It can be a trip hazard as well as being a little too much of the same thing. Instead, reserve rugs for the flooring that needs it.
MIXING FAUX AND NATURAL FINISHES
If you're going for a Scandi or Japanese inspired look utilising natural timbers, leather, textiles and rugs, try not to situate faux versions of those fabrics or finishes too close to the real thing. It can make for an uncomfortable contrast in quality.
IGNORING YOUR WINDOWS
Your windows are just as important as the rest of your home. Whether you have curtains, blinds or shutters should depend on the style and theme of your overall scheme. Window dressing can polish off a look, so be sure to investigate all the different options available to you.
TREATING EVERY ROOM SEPARATELY
Thanks to the popularity of open-pan living the best way to create a cohesive, continuous and harmonious space is to unify the interior style, colours and textiles throughout the house.
OVER-DECORATING
Not every solid surface in your home needs to be adorned with ornaments or arrangements, and not every item of furniture needs to be styled or every wall filled. A visual pause in a space is good – it's calming and uncluttered, and allows breathing room between every object within a room. Decorating with a restrained hand is always better, because you can build on things later.
FILLING A SMALL SPACE WITH SMALL THINGS
Just because a space is small doesn't mean the rugs and furniture have to be as well. While you wouldn't arrange great hulking shapes into a small space, don't be afraid to try fuller traditional shapes in your sofas and armchairs, and even a larger rug that skims the perimeter. This can trick the eye into making the space feel bigger. Play with scale, such as contrasting low line furniture with tall lamps.
