Whether it’s recreating the kitchen from your favourite Nancy Meyer’s film or finding the perfect balance between and French provincial, most of us have an idea of what we want out living spaces to look like—only, our visions don’t always match the reality.
When you have a space that doesn’t feel quite right, it’s not always easy to put your finger on exactly what’s not working. Is it the new lamp, the colour of your walls, or something different altogether?
For those struggling with an interior dilemma, interior designer, Shaye Ford shares the five most common interior mistakes she sees people making.
Five Common Interior Design Mistakes You Might Be Making
1. Matching Everything
If you want your living space to have more depth and interest then Shaye advises against sticking to one style or colour scheme.
“While it’s important to have a cohesive design scheme, matching every piece of furniture and décor exactly can make the space feel flat and uninspired,” Shaye explains. “Instead, mix and match different styles, colours, and textures to create visual interest.”
So, if you lean towards a more antique interior design style, bringing in a couple of modern items can be a good way to shake your space up.
2. Selecting The Wrong Sized Furniture
When it comes to selecting furniture, Shaye says that it’s important to consider the size of the room it’s going in before purchasing.
“Pay attention to the scale and proportion of furniture in relation to the size of your room. Oversized furniture can overwhelm small spaces, while too-small pieces can make large rooms feel empty. Aim for balance and harmony in scale,” Shaye says.
3. Sticking To A White Colour Scheme
Fans of neutrals, prepare yourselves, as Shaye believes we all need to use a bit more colour in our homes—especially in the kitchen.
“I see so many people opting for the safe colour option, White!” Shaye says, “whilst white is amazing, most people thrive with a little colour in their life!”
“A kitchen is a big investment, which is why a lot of people choose white, however I often see a lack of excitement once installed as white can be boring—especially in a space that you spend a lot of time in, a space you need to give back to you, a space that should make you smile!”
4. Neglecting Rugs
“Rugs can anchor a room and tie together different elements of the design,” Shaye says. “However, choosing the wrong size or style of rug, or placing it incorrectly, can detract from the overall aesthetic.”
“Make sure your rug is the right size for the space and consider its placement carefully.”
5. Not Taking The Time To Understand The Space
It’s tempting to start filling your space with items as soon as you move in but Shaye recommends people take more time getting to know their homes before filling them.
“Understanding your space can take real thought,” Shaye explains, “so I say, take a step back and really encompass the room as one.”
According to Shaye, a good way to understand a room is to reflect on the following questions.
“How do you currently use it? What does this room do for you? how does it work in your lifestyle and how do you want it to make you feel when you’re in it?”
“Take your time when selecting furniture and décor,” Shaye advises. “It’s better to wait for the right piece that perfectly fits your vision than to settle for something that doesn’t quite work. Be patient and enjoy the process of transforming your space.”
The Best Home Décor Items To Buy In 2024
Maison Balzac Margot Glass Trio
From $89.00 at
With amber, pink and clear iterations, this stylish trio of vases come guaranteed to bring a little fun into any living space.
Key features:
- Borosilicate glass
- 18cm X 4cm X 2.5cm
- Also available in Smoke/Teal/Clear
Sorento Ceramic Table Lamp in White
From $199 at
Featuring an oversized design and neutral shades, this stylish table lamp will elevate any living space.
Key features:
- 30x30x60cm dimension
- Ceramic base
- Oversized
Darren Palmer Zen Rug in White
From $640.00 at
With its gentle curves and soft wool, this classic rug achieves the perfect balance between classic and modern.
Key features:
- Hand tufted construction
- 20mm pile height
- Made in India
Miss Amara Karmen Blue and Ivory Geometric Patterned Round Rug
From $199 at
This Miss Amara rug will bring a bohemian element into almost every living space.
Key features:
- Microfibre polyester
- Woven
- Round