7 Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Designing a beautiful home doesn’t have to be complicated. But there are a few common interior design mistakes that can instantly make your space feel off.
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The good news? Once you know what to look out for, they’re easy to avoid—or fix.
In this post, you’ll learn 7 beginner-friendly tips to elevate your home like a designer.
Each mistake is followed by a simple solution you can start using today. These ideas will help your space feel more cohesive, intentional, and high-end.
Whether you’re starting fresh or tweaking your existing setup, these tips work at any stage.
Ready to feel more confident in your decorating choices? Let’s dive in.
This post is all about interior design mistakes to avoid.
READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk
Mistake #1: Choosing Paint First
Why It’s a Problem
Picking a paint color before designing the room is one of the most common (and costly) decorating mistakes. Paint seems like an easy starting point, but it actually should be the last step.
How to Fix It
Designers always build a room around key elements like furniture, rugs, and fabrics, then choose a paint color that ties it all together.
Here’s how to choose paint like a pro:
- Gather swatches for your furniture, rugs, and other main finishes.
- Pick a few paint strip options and look at them in your actual space under different lighting.
- Narrow it down to 2–3 colors and buy samples (or try peel-and-stick options like Samplize).
- Paint sample boards (not the wall!) and move them around the room before making your final decision.
Mistake #2: Not Ordering Swatches
Why It’s a Problem
Shopping online without seeing materials in person can lead to expensive regrets. Colors, textures, and finishes often look very different in real life.
How to Fix It
Always order free fabric or material samples when available—many stores offer 5–12 at no cost.
Place your swatches next to your flooring, cabinetry, tile, or wall color to make sure everything works together. This one step can save you thousands of dollars by preventing mismatched or disappointing purchases.
Mistake #3: Using Pillows Without Thoughtful Pattern or Scale
Why It’s a Problem
If your space feels flat or outdated, one common reason is your pillow selection.
Many people either don’t use enough pillows or choose ones that are all the same size, fabric, or solid color.
This creates a “matchy-matchy” look that lacks depth, contrast, and designer flair.
How to Fix It
Start with pillows to update your home—it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to introduce new colors, textures, and trends.
Right now, brown is making a big comeback, and you can add it in with just a couple of pillow covers instead of investing in new furniture.
Follow this designer formula for the perfect pillow mix:
- Start with a Dominant Pattern
Pick your boldest print—something organic or abstract with 3–5 colors that connect to other elements like your rug, art, or paint. - Add a Secondary Pattern
Choose a more structured print like stripes, plaid, or checks. This should complement, not compete with, your main pattern. - Vary the Scale
Mix small, medium, and large-scale patterns. This creates contrast and keeps the eye moving around the space. - Stick to a Color Family
Your pillows don’t have to match, but they should coordinate. Repeat 1–2 colors throughout your mix for harmony. - Ground the Look with Solids
Use solid-colored pillows to break up patterns and avoid a busy look. But don’t go basic—choose rich textures like boucle, fringe, or linen. - Match the Fabric Vibe
Keep casual fabrics with casual spaces, and formal fabrics with formal rooms. This helps everything feel cohesive and will elevate your home.
Quick Tip: A foolproof mix is one solid, one large-scale pattern, and one small-scale pattern. Play with size, texture, and tone until it feels layered but balanced.
1. Large Pillow Pattern // 2. Small Leopard Pillow Pattern // 3. Solid Navy Pillow
Mistake #4: Following Every Trend
Why It’s a Problem
Trendy spaces can quickly feel dated or lack personality. If your entire room looks like a catalog, it may not reflect you.
How to Fix It
Instead of copying what’s trending, like the Tuscan Trend in the before photo above, take time to discover your personal style.
Ask yourself:
- What looks do I keep pinning or saving?
- What colors and textures make me feel at home?
Blend timeless pieces with a few trend-forward accents so your space feels fresh and authentic.
Need help finding your style? Take my free quiz below.
Mistake #5: Using Color Without a Plan
Why It’s a Problem
Using too many random colors can make a space feel chaotic. On the flip side, not using enough color might leave it feeling cold or unfinished.
How to Fix It
Follow one of these proven interior designer color rules:
- 80/20 Rule: Keep 80% of your space neutral, and use the remaining 20% for contrast and personality (like pillows or artwork).
- 60/30/10 Rule:
- 60% dominant color (walls, sofa, rug)
- 30% secondary color (chairs, curtains, bedding)
- 10% accent color (art, vases, throws)
These simple ratios help your room feel intentional and well-balanced.
Mistake #6: Skipping the Focal Point
Why It’s a Problem
Without a clear focal point, your room can feel busy or directionless. Your eye doesn’t know where to land.
On the other hand, a room can feel overwhelming with too many focal points or boring and flat with none at all.
Balance is key: every room should have one standout element that draws the eye and sets the tone.
How to Fix It
Choose one “star of the show” per room—like a dramatic chandelier, a fireplace, or a bold piece of art.
Let that element shine by giving it space and using contrast or lighting to draw attention to it. Examples:
- Living Room: Fireplace, large artwork, or unique lighting
- Bedroom: Statement headboard or a styled window seat
- Dining Room: Oversized pendant light or centerpiece
Keep it simple. Keep it intentional. Let your focal point take center stage.
Mistake #7: Poor Space Planning
Why It’s a Problem
A room that’s overfilled feels cramped, while a room that’s too empty can feel cold and unfinished.
How to Fix It
Understand the difference between positive space (furniture and decor) and negative space (open breathing room). Designers balance both intentionally.
- Use lighter pieces like glass coffee tables in small spaces.
- Choose weightier furniture to ground larger rooms.
- Always measure your space and sketch a floor plan before purchasing big items.
Need help? Download my free floor plan PDF below.
Final Thoughts
Interior design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Most decorating mistakes happen when we rush into decorating without a plan.
Take your time and start with a clear vision of how you want your space to feel. Let your larger pieces guide the direction before you commit to things like paint or color.
Remember, even small changes—like new pillows or a well-placed focal point—can make a big impact. And don’t forget to test samples in your actual space to avoid costly surprises.
When you balance function with style and leave room for your personality to shine through, magic happens. With a few thoughtful updates, your home will look and feel like a designer pulled it all together, without the designer price tag.
Want to avoid these interior design mistakes and master high-end design on a budget? Join my course, Designer Home 101!
This post is all about interior design mistakes to avoid.
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Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Nicole DelaCruz
