Common Mistakes to Avoid in Interior Design (and How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Interior Design (and How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

Let’s be honest, interior design can feel overwhelming. Between Pinterest boards, Insta inspiration, and big box stores convincing you that this rug will change your life (spoiler: it won’t if it’s too small), it’s easy to make decisions that don’t quite land the way you pictured.

As an interior designer, I’ve seen it all from squished furniture layouts to lighting that kills the vibe entirely. The good news? Most design mistakes are fixable and, better yet, avoidable when you know what to look for.

So, let’s walk through some of the most common interior design mistakes I see all the time, and how you can sidestep them with confidence. (And yes, I’ll share a few of my go-to pro tips along the way.)

1. The Rug Is Too Small

Yep. This one tops the list. You buy a rug you love, roll it out, and suddenly the whole room feels a little... off.

What’s wrong? The rug is floating in the middle of the room like a sad little island. In living rooms, at least the front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug. In dining areas, the rug should extend beyond the chairs when they’re pulled out.

Pro Tip: Bigger is better when it comes to rugs. If in doubt, size up. Can’t find a budget-friendly large rug? Layer a smaller one over a neutral, oversized jute rug for that designer-on-a-budget look.

Need help sourcing rugs that actually fit your space and style? My downloadable Room Styling Kits and virtual consults include size guides and curated product links.

2. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls

I get it—you want to make the room feel bigger. But oddly enough, lining every piece of furniture around the perimeter actually does the opposite. It makes the space feel disconnected.

Do this instead: Pull pieces inward and anchor them with a rug. Create conversation zones and leave space around items to make the layout feel intentional, not accidental.

Designer Secret: Even in a small room, floating furniture slightly away from the walls gives it breathing room and a boutique-hotel feel.

3. Ignoring Lighting Layers

Overhead lighting alone = instant atmosphere killer. Lighting should be layered with ambient (general), task (functional), and accent (mood).

Mistake I see often: One harsh ceiling light and nothing else. This makes even the most beautifully decorated space feel cold and flat.

Fix it like a pro:

• Add floor or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs (2700K).

• Use wall sconces to create interest and softness.

• Dimmer switches are your best friend.

Need help creating a lighting plan that actually flatters your space? I offer room-by-room virtual consults tailored to your furniture and layout.

4. Hanging Art Too High

This one’s subtle but major. If your art is hung too high, it loses its visual connection to the rest of the room.

Rule of thumb: The centre of your artwork should be about 145cm from the floor (aka, average eye level). And when placing art above furniture, leave about 15–20cm between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture.

Pro Tip: Use templates or tape outlines before hanging for the perfect arrangement.

Want help curating and placing your art? My Gallery Wall Styling Session includes layout guides, sourcing, and personalised placement plans.

5. Skipping the Styling Stage

A room can have beautiful furniture, great lighting, and still feel unfinished. Why? No styling.

Accessories, books, cushions, vases, and personal pieces bring the space to life.

Mistake: People often stop decorating when the “big pieces” are in. But a room without styling is like an outfit without accessories, it lacks personality.

How to fix it:

• Add cushions in varying textures and sizes.

• Style shelves in groups of 3's with height variation.

• Layer throw blankets, candles, trays, and books for a curated finish.

Need a hand? My Accessory Styling Kits and Room Refresh eBook include plug-and-play ideas to bring your space to life.

6. Poor Furniture Scale

Scale is everything. A chunky, oversized couch in a tiny room = suffocating. A too-small coffee table = awkward.

Tips to get it right:

• Coffee tables should be two-thirds the width of your sofa.

• Leave at least 30–45cm between furniture for walkways.

• Avoid tall, bulky furniture in rooms with low ceilings.

Designer Hack: Tape furniture outlines on the floor before buying. Better yet, let me map it out for you. My Room Layout Sessions take the guesswork out of dimensions and flow.

7. Forgetting Function

It’s easy to get swept up in what looks good and forget about what works. Your home should feel good to live in, not just pretty in photos.

Common mistake: No space to drop keys, shoes, bags. Now it’s cluttered, and no amount of styling can fix that.

Design smarter:

• Use stylish baskets for everyday clutter.

• Add functional furniture like entryway benches with storage.

• Use trays to create drop zones that look intentional.

Form and function can absolutely coexist. It’s what I do best.

8. Copy-Pasting Trends Without Personalising

Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Your home should reflect you, not just what’s popular on Instagram.

Mistake: Buying everything from one store or trend. Result? Your space feels like a showroom.

Fix it:

• Mix in vintage or handmade pieces.

• Add art, textiles, and accessories that tell your story.

• Blend your favourite styles instead of sticking to one label.

Not sure what your style actually is? My Find Your Style Guide helps you discover and define your personal aesthetic so you stop second-guessing every decision.

9. Cluttered or Over-Decorated Spaces

On the flip side, adding too much is a fast way to make a room feel chaotic and cramped.

Edit with intention:

• Leave breathing room on surfaces.

• Not every wall needs art.

• Let the eye rest between moments.

Try this trick: Remove 3 items from the space. Step back. Feels better already, right?

Need an edit eye? I offer virtual styling audits to help you declutter and refine what you already own.

10. Rushing the Process

Great design takes time. It’s built layer by layer, not in a single weekend.

Mistake: Trying to do it all at once. This leads to impulse buys and pieces that don’t truly work together.

My advice:

• Start with a vision.

• Make a plan.

• Layer slowly, intentionally.

If you need structure, my Room Planning Workbook walks you through how to design your space from start to finish, your style, and your pace.

Final Thoughts

Interior design doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or intimidating. With a few insider tricks (and a little support), you can avoid the most common mistakes and create a space that feels like you, elevated, functional, and beautiful.

And if you need a second set of eyes? I’ve got you. From quick layout consults to full-room styling, I’m here to help you design smarter, shop better, and love your space every step of the way.

Let’s create a home that feels as good as it looks.