• What are some common interior design pet peeves mentioned in the content?
  Some common interior design pet peeves mentioned in the content include poorly placed artwork, furniture sets, neglecting kid-friendly design, improper curtain length, insufficient lighting, and using rugs that are too small.
• How can I avoid hanging artwork improperly?
  To avoid hanging artwork improperly, ensure that the center of the artwork is at eye level. For gallery walls, there might be exceptions to this rule. Avoid overcrowding artwork, as it can make a room feel cluttered.
• Why should I avoid buying furniture sets from catalogs or retailers?
  Buying the whole set of furniture from a catalog or retailer may make a room look flat and lack visual interest. Mixing up furniture pieces, materials, and textures can add variety and make the space more appealing.
• How can I design a kid-friendly space without compromising style?
  To design a kid-friendly space without compromising style, opt for durable materials, stain-resistant fabrics, and furniture with rounded edges. You can have a comfortable, attractive, and kid-friendly space by choosing the right design elements and accessories.
• What is the importance of proper curtain length in interior design?
  Proper curtain length is crucial as curtains should be mounted as high as possible to give the room the appearance of taller ceilings. Using curtains that are the right length can enhance the visual appeal of the room and create a more spacious feel.
• How can lighting impact the overall ambiance of a space?
  Insufficient lighting or relying solely on ambient or overhead lighting can create harsh shadows and make a space feel unwelcoming. It is important to have a lighting plan that includes accent and task lighting to enhance the mood of the space.
• Why should I ensure my rug is adequately sized for the space?
  Having a rug that is appropriately sized for the space is essential as a too-small rug can throw off the balance of the room. Ensure that your rug is big enough to fit under the feet of your furniture to create a cohesive look.

Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

Interior designers, whether trained or self-taught, have a keen sense of spatial awareness and a natural eye for what works and what does not in a room. On instinct, they can step into any space and offer a quick diagnosis that more often than not can dramatically transform a space. To help you make some quick and easy upgrades to your space, we polled our roster of talented designers to share their top design pet peeves. Read on below and take notes!

Poorly Placed Artwork

Decorno interior designer Emily Johnson tells us her number-one pet peeve is “artwork hung too high over furniture, and that artwork that flies too high is not cohesive with the rest of the room. Decorno designer Sarah Sakalaukus agrees: “My biggest pet peeve is wall art mounted too low or too high,” she says. The good news? The fix takes five minutes and costs nothing, Sakalaukus says. “Typically, art should be hung so the center is at eye level, the exception being gallery walls.”

To expand on this topic, one additional pet peeve when it comes to artwork is overcrowding. Placing too many pieces of art close together can make a room feel cluttered and chaotic. It’s essential to balance the placement and spacing of artwork to create a harmonious and visually pleasing display.

Furniture Sets

We’ve got to say Hallelujah to this one. Decorno designer Kate Spiro tells us one of her pet peeves is when someone buys the whole set of furniture from a catalo or retailer. While it is a very quick and easy way to fill a room, buying the coordinating set of furniture will make a room fall flat, she says. You need to mix it up to add visual interest. If you are looking around your home, thinking, Whoops! Kate has some sage advice: Try to build in more unique pieces, different materials, and textures to create variety in your space.

In addition to mixing furniture pieces, it’s crucial to pay attention to the scale of the furniture in relation to the room size. Oversized or undersized furniture can disrupt the balance and flow of a space, so choosing pieces that are proportionate to the room is key in creating a cohesive and well-designed interior.

Catering to Kids

The next pet peeve is more of a mindset than a faux-pas. Decorno designer Jillian Scott tells us what irritates her is when clients or friends have created in their minds the ideas that they cant have nice things because they have kids. I know how hard my clients and friends work and to see them compromise on the space they come home to frustrates me, she says. And ther’es no need to compromise: There are so many durable options as far as materials these days; I truly feel like you can live in a space that is comfortable, attractive and kid-friendly.

When designing a kid-friendly space, it’s important to strike a balance between safety and style. Opt for furniture with rounded edges, stain-resistant fabrics, and easily cleanable surfaces to accommodate the little ones while maintaining a chic and welcoming environment for adults to enjoy as well.

Curtain Call

Decorno designer Sharon Copeland tells us one major no-no is curtains that are not the right length. Curtains need to be mounted as high as possible to give the room the appearance of taller ceilings, she says. There are few exceptions depending on the style of windows, but I cringe at drapery that’s not the right length.

Beyond the length of curtains, another common interior design mistakes to avoid is using curtains that are too narrow for the window. Hanging curtains wider than the window frame can create the illusion of a larger window and make the room feel more spacious and luxurious.

Insufficient Lighting

Now here’s a bright idea… how about creating a lighting plan? One thing I see a LOT of is not enough—or sometimes nonexistent—accent and task lighting, says Decorno designer Rita Schultz. When clients utilize ambient or overhead lighting only, it creates harsh shadows and can make their space appear very flat and unwelcoming. Designer Elise Payne adds, Especially in new builds, I see people rely just on the recessed lights without realizing how much lighting can make or break the entire mood of a space. Having layers when it comes to lighting (which is as simple as adding one or two floor or table lamps) allows you to transition to a more cozy, relaxed vibe in the evening when its time to watch a movie, for example.

While discussing lighting, it’s essential to highlight the significance of natural lighting. Maximizing natural light through strategically placed windows, mirrors, and light colors can enhance the ambiance of a space and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting sources.

Too Small Rugs

Cant put your finger on why your floor plan looks off? Take a note from Decorno designer Megan Moran who shares, a too-small rug makes me cringe, and make sure your rug is big enough to fit under the feet of your furniture. Not sure what rug size is right for your space? Check out our rug size guide for more information.

In addition to the size of the rug, paying attention to the rug material is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials in high-traffic areas, while choosing softer textures for areas where comfort is a priority, such as bedrooms and lounges.