8 mistakes that are often made in interior design

Sometimes we buy household items that later don't fit. Therefore, we will explain 8 mistakes in interior design that are frequently made so that you can prevent or correct them.

We all want to have a beautiful home that makes us feel comfortable and reflects our style.. Although personal taste and comfort should prevail in the decoration for each family or person, there are some basic rules that offer a guide so that spaces are harmonious and pleasant.

Sometimes making small changes is enough to make a space feel completely different.

Frequent mistakes in interior design

The house reflects our personality and tastes. It is the place where private life and intimacy pass. We want to feel comfortable in it.

However, even if we try hard, many times we do not get the house we want and we do not understand where we are failing. Take note of the following most common interior design mistakes.

2. Neglecting the lighting

Lighting is one of the primary factors in interior design, as it is one of the starting points to define how a space is going to be adapted. The most common mistake is having poor lighting.

However, it can also be over-lit, highlighting less flattering areas of the home or combining bulbs of different shades.

The lighting system is essential for spaces and for tasks that require visual activity. This is expressed in the “Practical Manual of Lighting” by Ediciones UC. In general, you should start by evaluating the general lighting of the space to determine how much is needed.

Later, more light can be provided to the spaces that want to stand out or those that require it as a work or reading area. What's more, you have to evaluate the shadows that the light sources will generate. For example, in a bathroom it is not convenient to have overhead lights, since they create shadows on the face.

Continue reading: 5 lighting mistakes in the home

3. Ignore the proportions

Not maintaining the proper scales and proportions in a space is usually a common mistake of those who are not professionals in design, because it is a subject that can be complex. Putting a lot of large items in a room will make it seem small. On the contrary, filling a space with small items will make it look cluttered and cluttered.

The key to solving this problem is to achieve a balance in the environment. For such harmony to exist there must be a mix of various sizes and shapes. If you have a large home, not everything you buy should come in a large size. The same if you have a small apartment.

Keep learning: 7 small bedroom design mistakes that take up a lot of space

4. Don't choose a center of interest

According to the "Practical guide to interior design and decoration" by Julio Madrigal, every room has a point that is more interesting. It is usual for the main activity of the room to take place there. For example, in a dining room the center of interest is given by the table with its chairs.

When this center of interest is not thought of, the largest object, such as a sofa or bed, usually draws attention. And if this object has been neglected it is counterproductive.

Therefore, it is important to choose a focal point in each room and decide what we want to intentionally draw attention. A work of art is a good option.

5. Block spaces

Placing the elements in such a way that they facilitate circulation is key to achieving a good interior design. Having furniture that hinders movement is one of the most common interior design mistakes and easier to solve.

To fix this error you can draw a plan of the space and plan different locations. Then you choose the one that facilitates circulation the most.

6. Excess furniture and accessories

In many homes, too much furniture and accessories are kept over time. Saving family heirlooms can become inconvenient when they don't know how to locate themselves and they become a meaningless accumulation.

In interior design it is essential to evaluate objects based on their contribution to space, utility or aesthetics.

Even in the decoration kitsch, characterized by an ornate style, the elements must retain a style and have a decorative intentionality. If you want to have a house with a beautiful design, do not leave anything to chance; evaluate what furniture and accessories you no longer like or do not contribute.

7. Few furniture and accessories

Although minimalism is a trend that is characterized by the use of few resources to adapt spaces, one of its principles points to objects being functional. If you do not have furniture and accessories that fulfill specific organizational functions, you may be failing.

When there are not enough furniture and accessories, uncomfortable situations occur, such as not having where to put keys and coats when you get home. These situations completely spoil the style of the home because they create disorder. It is best to apply the popular saying of "each thing in its place".

8. Follow fads without reflecting

One of the most frequent mistakes is trying to stick to the latest trends and listen to all the opinions of others without asking ourselves what we like the most. The renowned Spanish interior designer Sussana Cots has pointed out in various interviews the importance of emotional interior design, that is, the therapeutic influence of the design of the spaces.

This designer points out that there are certain types of elements in interior design that influence the mood, such as smell, color, distribution and light. Many of these aspects are linked to personality.

Therefore, you must base the decoration on your feelings and comfort. Adopt only those trends that you find enjoyable.

What can we do?

Knowing the things that we should not do is a starting point to understand what does work in interior design. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and at ease with the decoration and style of the home.

However, here are some essential points that you can take advantage of:

• Look for inspiration in social networks, internet and magazines: In our decoration section you can find the best tricks, tips and trends.
• Take advantage of natural light: Give natural light an opportunity to illuminate your home, especially those areas that are for work.
• Buy quality things: If you are thinking of investing in new elements for your home, it is better that you buy quality things.
• Donate what you do not contribute: For this, the famous Marie Kondo technique can be used, donating what does not generate emotion or does not fulfill a function.

Dare to experiment!

After learning about the most common interior design mistakes, you can start by evaluating how your own spaces are. Achieving an ideal place is often accompanied by a process of trial and error.

Try to be flexible and give yourself the opportunity to make changes. Also, if you have the opportunity to obtain professional advice, it will be a worthwhile investment.