Ever tried your hand at interior design only to wind up with a room that looks like a hodge-podge of mismatched furniture and accessories? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Designing a stylish and cohesive space is more challenging than all those home makeover shows make it seem. But before you throw in the towel and hire an expensive designer, check out this list of common mistakes people make when designing a room and how to avoid them. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn that hot mess of a room into a welcoming space you’ll want to show off. The secret is focusing on a theme, choosing a cohesive color palette, picking multi-purpose furniture, using lighting effectively, and not overcrowding the room. Follow the insight provided by DeCasa Collections in this article, and you’ll be channeling your inner Joanna Gaines in no time.
Not Having a Plan for the Room
Not having a plan for the room you want to design is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Figure out how you want to use the space
Do you need a home office, guest room, kid’s playroom, or all-purpose family room? Think about how you currently use the space and how you ideally want to use it. Write down your needs and priorities for the room to determine the best layout and furnishings.
Set a budget
Know how much you can spend on the project to choose furnishings and decor that fit your budget. Account for oversized items like furniture, accessories, lighting, rugs, and anything else you need to complete the space.
Choose a theme or style
Do you want a modern, bohemian, rustic, or minimalist look? Selecting a cohesive theme will help guide your choices for colors, fabrics, and accents. Look through interior design photos or create a mood board for inspiration.
Measure the room and create a floor plan
Know the room’s dimensions, window, and door placements before moving things around. Use a tape measure and floor planner tool to map out different furniture arrangements to find one that functionally maximizes your space. Leave enough room for pathways and ensure all pieces fit comfortably.
Buy multifunctional furniture
For smaller spaces, opt for furniture for multiple purposes, such as storage ottomans, fold-out tables, and Murphy beds. This helps keep the room from feeling cluttered while providing flexible space for different activities.
Following these tips will help set you up for success when designing any room in your home. With some planning and patience, you’ll have a stylish space tailored to your needs. Now roll up your sleeves and get started!
Choosing the Wrong Paint Colors
Choosing the wrong paint colors is one of people’s biggest mistakes when designing a room. The colors you pick can make or break the overall look and feel of the space.
Do your research
First, figure out what colors you’re naturally drawn to and the mood you want to set. Check out inspiration from decorating sites, magazines, or Pinterest. See what colors are trending or complement your existing furnishings.
Once you have an idea of the direction you want to go, get color swatches from the paint store to see how they look in your actual room. The lighting in your space can change how a color appears on a small swatch or screen. Hold the swatches to your walls and major furnishings to ensure the shades you’re considering work together.
Consider the room’s use
Think about how the room will be used. A color perfect for a cozy living room may be jarring in a bright kitchen or distracting in an office space. For bedrooms, pick a palette that makes you feel calm and relaxed. High-energy hues are better suited to recreational rooms.
Test and re-test
When you settle on some favorites, buy small sample pots or do larger swatches on your walls. Live with them for a few days to ensure you don’t get sick of the color quickly. Check how they look at different times of day in different lighting. It’s much easier to re-test a color now than to re-paint an entire room later.
Leave space for accents
Choose a versatile primary color for walls, then add accents in complementary shades. Use accent walls, trim, accessories, art, rugs, pillows, and other decor to incorporate accent colors in a balanced way. This allows you to create an interesting space with dimension, and you can easily change the look just by switching out the accent pieces.
With some planning and testing, you’ll land on paint colors you’ll love and avoid the common mistake of choosing ones you’ll soon regret. Your perfectly designed room will be a source of pride and enjoyment for years.
Buying Furniture That Doesn’t Fit the Space
Buying furniture that’s too large or small for your space is one of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a room. Measure carefully and choose pieces that fit correctly.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Before shopping, measure your room and any furniture you plan to keep. Note the dimensions of doorways and any architectural details that could impact what will fit. Measure available wall space to determine the maximum size for any new pieces. It’s better to buy smaller pieces that work well rather than oversized furniture that makes the room feel cramped.
When you find a piece you like, check that it will fit through any doors and walkways needed to place it in your room. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a sofa or dresser only to realize there’s no way to get it into your home! Consider the traffic flow in the room and how people will move around and interact with the new furniture. Leave adequate space between pieces and avoid blocking windows or heat vents.
Scale and Proportion Matter
The scale and proportion of your furniture should suit the size of your room. An overstuffed sectional may overwhelm a small living room, while a single chair could get lost in a large den. Choose a focal point for the room, like a fireplace or window, and select furniture that compliments it properly in size and style. Group smaller pieces together to create intimate conversation areas in open spaces.
In a bedroom, the bed is the focal point. Ensure any new furniture leaves enough room to easily walk around the bed. Nightstands should be proportional to the bed size. A king bed may need larger nightstands than a queen or double bed. Dressers and chests should also suit the room scale. An armoire or wardrobe takes up a lot of space, so measure carefully to ensure it will fit and still allow the door to open fully.
- Leave adequate space between furniture for traffic flow and comfort.
- Consider the room’s architectural details and how furniture will interact with them.
- Group smaller pieces together in open spaces to create intimate areas.
- Make sure any new piece will fit through doorways and walkways into the room.
- Choose a focal point for the room and select furniture that compliments it in size and style.
By carefully measuring your space and choosing furniture scaled to suit it, you’ll avoid buying pieces that just don’t fit. Take your time and think through how each new addition will work in the room for a cohesive, comfortable design.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, five of the most common mistakes people make when designing a room in their home. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a stylish space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Remember, think about how you really live and what makes you comfortable. Don’t just copy what you see in magazines. Choose colors and furnishings that reflect your unique personality. Keep an open mind and be willing to take risks. If you do make a mistake, you can always re-design. The most important thing is creating a room you love coming home to each and every day. You’ve got this! Now, get out there and start designing your dream room.
