Hey there, design enthusiasts, let’s dish about your digs! Ever get that nagging feeling your home could be way cooler? I’m spilling the tea on five interior design fails that are secretly cramping your style.
And no, I’m not talking about your grandma’s floral wallpaper (although, bless her heart).
I’m talking about those sneaky design faux pas that even I’ve fallen victim to. You know, the ones that make your friends raise an eyebrow and whisper, “Interesting…”
So grab your cuppa, kick off your sandals, and let’s unpack the design disasters keeping your home from reaching its full potential.
Matchy-matchy furniture
Listen, I get it. It’s tempting to waltz into a furniture store and buy a pre-packaged living room or dining room set. It’s convenient, it’s easy, and it’s… boring. A room full of matching furniture is like a song with only one note – it lacks depth, dimension, and personality.
It screams, “I played it safe and didn’t dare to venture outside my comfort zone!”
Dining room remix:
Let’s shake things up in the dining room, shall we? Instead of a cookie-cutter set, mix and match your dining room pieces. Keep the table and sideboard coordinated, but choose different chairs for the sides and ends of the table. A round table is the perfect opportunity to experiment with alternating chair styles for an eclectic look. And hey, why not consider adding a comfy dining banquette for a touch of casual elegance? This can provide extra seating without sacrificing style, and it’s perfect for those who love to entertain. Imagine a custom-built banquette upholstered in a vibrant tropical print – it’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Living room shuffle
In your living room, ditch the “furniture against the wall” mentality. This isn’t a middle school dance, people! Pull your sofas and chairs away from the walls by at least 12 inches. This simple change will instantly make your room feel larger and more inviting, and create a more intimate conversation area. Trust me, your guests will thank you.
You can even try angling your furniture to create a more dynamic and interesting layout. Think of it as a feng shui for your furniture – let the energy flow!
Mix up your materials
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and textures. Pair a leather sofa with a velvet armchair, or mix wood and metal accents. This will add visual interest and prevent your space from feeling too sterile. Imagine a sleek marble coffee table juxtaposed with a rustic wooden console – it’s the perfect balance of modern and organic.
Accessorize with abandon
Throw pillows, blankets, artwork, and other accessories are your best friends when it comes to breaking up the monotony of matching furniture. Choose pieces in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to inject some personality into your space. Think of it as adding spice to a bland dish – a little bit goes a long way.
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of furniture you have, it might be time for a decluttering session. A streamlined space can feel much more open and inviting.
Your living room furniture is against all the walls
If your living room furniture is lined up like soldiers against the wall, it’s time for a mutiny! This layout not only makes your space feel smaller and more cramped, but it also creates a stiff and uninviting atmosphere. It’s like inviting your friends over for a party and then making them sit in separate corners – not exactly a recipe for good vibes.
Float It, Baby: Pull your furniture away from the walls by at least 12 inches. This will instantly make your room feel larger and more airy, and create a more natural flow of traffic. Think of it as giving your furniture room to breathe – it deserves a little personal space too.
- Create Conversation Zones: Instead of a single, monolithic seating arrangement, create multiple conversation zones within your living room. This will encourage interaction and make your space feel more dynamic and inviting. You can achieve this by arranging your furniture in clusters or by using area rugs to define different areas.
- Anchor with a Rug: A large area rug can help ground your furniture arrangement and create a sense of cohesion. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the front feet of all your furniture, or even all the feet if possible. This will prevent your furniture from feeling like it’s floating aimlessly in space.
- Play with Angles: Don’t be afraid to angle your furniture to create a more interesting and dynamic layout. A diagonal placement can break up the monotony of straight lines and add a touch of visual interest.
- Consider Traffic Flow: When arranging your furniture, make sure to leave enough space for people to move around comfortably. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re navigating an obstacle course just to get to the snack table.
Hanging your draperies wrong
Window treatments can make or break a room. But if you’re hanging your drapes too low or too narrow, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to elevate your space. It’s like wearing a fabulous outfit with mismatched shoes – it just throws off the whole look. Speaking of elevating space, hanging drapes correctly is just one of many clever hacks you can use to elevate your home’s style and functionality. Here’s how to do it!
Hang them high
The higher you hang your drapery rod, the taller your ceilings will appear. Aim for at least 6 inches above the window frame, or even higher if your ceilings are lofty. This will draw the eye upwards and create a sense of grandeur. Think of it as giving your windows a facelift – a little lift can make a big difference.
Go wide
Your drapes should extend beyond the window frame on both sides, ideally by at least 12 inches. This will make your windows look larger and allow for more natural light to flood the room. Plus, it will give your drapes a more luxurious and full look. It’s like adding volume to your hair – a little extra width can go a long way.
Custom is key
If you really want to up your window game, consider investing in custom drapes. They’ll fit your windows perfectly and can be made from a variety of fabrics and patterns to complement your decor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors or patterns – drapes are a great way to add a pop of personality to a room. Think of them as the statement jewelry of your windows.
I have, on many occasions, used linen blend ready-made drapes and had fabulous trim added to them. This semi-custom project gives you a big WOW for a reasonable price.
Consider functionality
When choosing window treatments, think about how you use the room. If privacy is a concern, opt for heavier fabrics or blackout linings. If you want to maximize natural light, choose sheer or semi-sheer fabrics. And if you live in a hurricane-prone area like Florida, make sure your drapes can withstand strong winds and rain.
Your art is too small (and most likely too high)
A gallery wall can be a showstopper, but a collection of tiny, scattered art pieces just looks cluttered and chaotic. It’s like trying to read a book with font size 4 – it’s just too much work for your eyes.
- Go Big or Go Home: When choosing art for your walls, think big. A single large piece can make a powerful statement, while a well-curated gallery wall can add a touch of personality and intrigue. Don’t be afraid to fill up your walls – a large piece of art can anchor a room and create a focal point. Think of it as the main attraction at your home’s art exhibition.
- Hang It Right: The general rule of thumb is to hang artwork so that the center of the piece is at eye level. However, this can vary depending on the height of your ceilings and the size of the artwork. If you’re hanging art above a sofa or console table, make sure it’s proportionate to the furniture and leaves enough space between the frame and the furniture. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re about to be attacked by a rogue painting.
- Balance is Key: If you’re hanging multiple pieces of art, make sure they’re balanced in terms of size, color, and subject matter. A well-balanced gallery wall will create a visually pleasing focal point. You can also play with different arrangements to create a sense of movement and energy. Think of it as choreographing a dance for your walls.
- Think Outside the Frame: Art doesn’t have to be confined to traditional frames. Consider hanging tapestries, textiles, or even sculptural pieces to add dimension and texture to your walls. You can even create your own art using found objects or natural materials.
Your rug is too small
A rug that’s too small for your space is like a pair of pants that’s too short – it just looks awkward and out of place. It’s like trying to cover a king-size bed with a twin-size sheet – it’s just not going to work.
- Living Room Rug Rules: In your living room, your rug should be large enough to accommodate the front feet of all your furniture, or even all the feet if possible. This will create a cohesive and grounded feel. A rug that’s too small will make your room feel disjointed and unfinished. It’s like a puzzle with missing pieces – it just doesn’t feel complete.
- Bedroom Rug Basics: In your bedroom, leave at least 2 feet of rug on both sides and at the foot of your bed. Your nightstands should sit off the rug. This will create a soft and inviting landing spot for your feet when you get out of bed. It’s like stepping onto a cloud – pure bliss.
- Dining Room Rug Dilemma: Your dining room rug should be large enough to accommodate all your chairs, even when they’re pulled out from the table. This will prevent your chairs from getting caught on the edge of the rug and creating a tripping hazard. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 24 inches to the length and width of your dining table to determine the minimum rug size. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re playing a game of rug limbo every time they sit down to eat.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Pattern: A rug with a bold pattern or interesting texture can be a great way to add personality and visual interest to a room. Just make sure it complements your other decor choices. Think of it as the statement piece of your floor – it should be eye-catching but not overwhelming.
Your lighting isn’t layered
Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design, yet it’s often overlooked. Poor lighting can make a room feel dark, dreary, and uninviting. It’s like trying to have a romantic dinner by candlelight – it’s just not going to set the mood.
Layer it up
The key to good lighting is to layer different types of light sources. Combine ambient lighting (general overhead lighting), task lighting (focused lighting for specific tasks like reading or cooking), and accent lighting (decorative lighting that highlights specific features). This will create a well-lit and inviting space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Think of it as creating a symphony of light – each type of light plays a different role in creating the perfect ambiance.
Dimmers are your friend
Install dimmers on your overhead lights so you can adjust the brightness depending on the mood and time of day. This will give you more control over the ambiance of your space. A brightly lit room is perfect for entertaining, while a dimmer setting creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Don’t forget the natural light
Make the most of Florida’s abundant sunshine by keeping your windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light. Natural light is not only beautiful, but it’s also good for your health and well-being. It can boost your mood, improve your sleep, and even increase your productivity.
Get creative
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of light fixtures. Chandeliers, pendants, sconces, and floor lamps can all add a touch of personality and style to your space. Consider using a statement chandelier in your dining room, or a pair of elegant sconces in your living room.
Highlight architectural features
Use accent lighting to highlight interesting architectural features in your home, such as exposed beams, textured walls, or a fireplace. This will add depth and dimension to your space and make it feel more unique.
Don’t neglect the outdoors
If you have a patio, balcony, or other outdoor space, don’t forget to light it up. Outdoor lighting can extend your living space and create a magical ambiance for evening entertaining.
If you’re ready to take your home’s ambiance to the next level, I’ve curated a collection of unique lighting fixtures and decor pieces in my shop that are sure to spark your creativity.
Bonus Tip: the power of plants
While not technically a design mistake, neglecting to incorporate plants into your home decor is a missed opportunity. Plants not only add a touch of nature and vibrancy to your space, but they also have numerous health benefits. They can purify the air, reduce stress, and even boost your creativity.
- Choose the Right Plants: Not all plants are created equal. Some thrive in bright, sunny conditions, while others prefer low light. Do your research and choose plants that are well-suited to your home’s environment.
- Think Beyond the Potted Plant: Get creative with your plant placement. Hang them from the ceiling, arrange them on shelves, or even create a living wall.
- Don’t Forget the Flowers: Fresh flowers can instantly brighten up a room and add a touch of elegance. Treat yourself to a bouquet every week or two, or grow your own flowers in your garden or on your balcony.
The takeaway
By avoiding these common design mistakes and implementing these simple solutions, you can transform your Florida home into a stylish and inviting oasis that you’ll love spending time in.
Remember, interior design is all about creating a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. So don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun with it, and let your creativity shine!
And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a little extra guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalized consultation – I’m always here to help you unleash your home’s full potential.
After all, your home should be a reflection of you, not a showroom floor. So embrace your unique style, incorporate your favorite colors and patterns, and create a space that makes you feel happy, relaxed, and inspired.
