5 Common Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Designing your home can be an exciting journey, but let’s face it—it’s easy to get tripped up along the way. We all want spaces that look stunning, feel comfortable, and function perfectly for our lifestyle, but achieving that trifecta is no small feat. Sometimes, we make choices that don’t quite hit the mark or overlook elements that could make all the difference.

The truth is, great design isn’t just about picking out beautiful decor or following trends. It’s about understanding what your space truly needs and making intentional choices that elevate the entire room. Unfortunately, some common design mistakes can leave even the most beautiful spaces feeling off-balance, cluttered, or outdated.

Whether it’s skimping on big-impact changes or getting proportions wrong, these pitfalls are often easier to make than you might think. The good news? They’re also easy to fix—with a bit of planning and the right approach.

In this post, I’ll cover five of the most common interior design mistakes I’ve seen over the years and share practical tips to help you avoid or correct them. From addressing foundational updates to choosing the right-sized rug, these insights will help you create a home that feels both cohesive and functional.

1. Focusing on Small Fixes Instead of Big Impact Changes

It’s tempting to fill your cart with throw pillows, candles, and wall art when you want to refresh your space. After all, these small purchases are quick and affordable. But here’s the catch: if your couch is dated, the walls are chipped, or the floors have seen better days, no amount of decor can truly transform your space.

Small decor updates can provide temporary satisfaction, but they often act as a band-aid solution. Over time, these smaller purchases add up, and before you know it, you’ve spent a significant amount without addressing the root of the problem. A dated couch or worn-out flooring can be distracting and diminish the impact of even the most beautifully styled decor.

The fix? Take a step back and evaluate what your space really needs. Start by identifying the biggest pain points in your home—whether it’s outdated furniture, tired paint, or worn flooring—and focus your budget on those areas first. For example, investing in a new sofa not only elevates the look of your living room but also provides long-term comfort and functionality. Similarly, repainting walls or refinishing timber floors can create a fresh, updated foundation for your space. These changes may require a larger upfront investment, but they make a lasting impact, providing a strong base for smaller decorative updates down the line

2. Choosing the Wrong Scale

Scale is one of the most common elements people get wrong in interior design. It’s an easy mistake to make, but it can have a significant impact on how your space feels. A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disconnected, while oversized furniture can overwhelm the space and make it feel cramped. On the other hand, wall art that’s too small for the wall it’s on can make a space feel unfinished or awkward.

The key to mastering scale is to think proportionally. A rug should anchor the room, ideally large enough that all the main furniture pieces sit on it, or at least their front legs do. For wall art, a general rule is to choose a piece that’s approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. For furniture, consider both the size of the room and the height of the ceiling—higher ceilings can handle taller pieces, while smaller rooms benefit from furniture with a more compact profile.

When shopping, don’t be afraid to measure your space and use painter’s tape to map out dimensions. This helps you visualise how a piece will fit and ensures you choose items that are in proportion with the rest of the room. Getting scale right creates harmony and balance, making your space feel cohesive and polished.

3. Overdecorating the Space

In the quest to make a space feel personal and inviting, it’s easy to overdo it. While decor is a wonderful way to infuse personality into your home, too much of it can lead to visual clutter. A room filled with too many knick-knacks, photos, or accessories can feel overwhelming, detracting from its overall aesthetic and functionality.

To avoid this, start with a clear vision for your space. What is the focal point? Is it a stunning piece of art, a beautiful piece of furniture, or perhaps a fireplace? Once you’ve identified this, let it take centre stage and use decor sparingly to complement it. For example, a bold artwork might only need a few neutral accessories around it to shine, whereas a minimalist room can handle a slightly busier coffee table styling.

Another key to avoiding overdecorating is editing. Regularly assess your space and remove items that no longer serve a purpose or align with your vision. Aim to leave some negative space—whether that’s blank walls or uncluttered tabletops—to create balance and let your key pieces stand out.

4. Not Testing Paint Colours

Paint can transform a space, but selecting the wrong colour—or skipping the testing phase—can lead to costly regrets. Colours change dramatically depending on lighting, and what looks beautiful in the hardware store might look entirely different in your home.

Testing is a critical step in choosing the right paint colour. Paint a large swatch on your wall (or use sample boards) and observe it at different times of the day. Consider how the colour interacts with natural light, artificial lighting, and the other finishes in your room.

It’s also important to think about the mood you want to create. Warm neutrals like beige or soft greys can make a space feel inviting, while cooler tones like blues or greens bring a sense of calm. For bolder colours, consider techniques like colour drenching, where walls, ceilings, and trims are painted in the same or complementary shades for a cohesive and immersive effect.

Another option is using bold colours on half walls, paired with panelling for added texture and interest. This approach works beautifully in living areas, bedrooms, or entryways, allowing you to introduce personality and depth without overwhelming the entire space. Both techniques make bold colours feel intentional and well-integrated—just be sure to test your colours first to ensure they work in your space.

5. Ignoring Traffic Flow

Traffic flow is often overlooked but is essential for a functional and comfortable space. Furniture placement can make or break how a room is used—too much clutter in walkways, or an awkwardly placed sofa blocking a door, can make a room feel frustrating and impractical.

Start by observing how people naturally move through the space. If you have an open-plan layout, define zones using rugs, furniture arrangements, or lighting without obstructing pathways. In smaller spaces, consider multi-functional furniture or pieces with a smaller footprint to maximise room for movement.

Arrange seating to encourage conversation, ensuring no one has to twist awkwardly to engage. Leave at least 60–90cm of clearance around major pieces of furniture to create comfortable walkways. A well-thought-out layout not only improves functionality but also makes your space more inviting and enjoyable to use.

Designing a home that feels both beautiful and functional is all about understanding what works for your space and lifestyle. By avoiding these common mistakes you’ll set yourself up for success.

Remember, great design isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a home that works for you. With thoughtful planning and a few intentional choices, you can transform your space into one that feels cohesive, inviting, and uniquely yours.

If you’re ready to take your home to the next level, I’d love to help! Whether you’re building, renovating, or styling, I can guide you through the process to create a space that’s tailored to your needs and tastes. Get in touch today, and let’s bring your dream home to life!