Top 5 Interior Design Mistakes You Might Be Making

We’ve all been there—buying that ‘perfect’ coffee table, only to realize it doesn’t actually fit the space or your lifestyle (hello, stubbed toes). But don’t worry! I’m not here to judge, just to guide you through some of the most common interior design mistakes and how to avoid them—because nobody needs more clutter or stubbed toes in their life.

1. The Rug Conundrum: Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right?

Rugs can be the cherry on top of a well-designed space or a total design disaster if they’re not the right size. A rug that’s too small can make your room look disconnected, while one that’s too large can make it feel cramped. The key? Make sure your rug is large enough to anchor the furniture arrangement. Ideally, all the main pieces of furniture should fit comfortably on the rug, or at least the front legs of each piece.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, go bigger. A rug that’s too large is usually less problematic than one that’s too small.

2. Accessorizing Overload: Less Is More

It’s tempting to fill every surface with cute trinkets, but sometimes less is more. Over-accessorizing can make a space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Focus on a few statement pieces that reflect your personality and let them shine. Remember, your space should feel curated, not crammed.

Pro Tip: Use the “one in, one out” rule—if you add a new accessory, remove one old one. This helps keep things balanced and intentional.

3. Furniture Size Faux Pas: Scale Matters

Choosing furniture that’s too large for a room can make it feel cramped and uninviting, while pieces that are too small can make the space look empty and disjointed. Consider the scale of your furniture in relation to the room size. For instance, in my Modern Bohemian project, we had to carefully balance the furniture size and layout in a tiny open living area. As their designer, I found the perfect size furniture pieces for the space, and they were able to actually visualize the choices through our 3D walkthrough technology.

This approach ensured that when clients walked through the virtual design, it felt just right—not too crowded and perfectly suited for the tiny open living space. It’s an essential step for achieving a cohesive and inviting design that maximizes functionality and comfort.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline where your furniture will go before buying. It helps visualize how the size and layout will work in your space and can prevent costly mistakes.

Also consider our virtual design packages that can help you to find the perfect furniture size and layout for your space. This helps ensure your design feels balanced and functional, preventing it from becoming overcrowded or disjointed.

4. Neglecting Functionality for Aesthetics

While aesthetics are important, don’t sacrifice functionality for the sake of style. A beautiful piece of furniture that doesn’t actually work for your needs can end up being more frustrating than fabulous. For instance, in my Japandi Calm Oasis project, we initially considered furniture and layouts that looked stunning but weren’t practical for my client’s husband, who has disabilities. The furniture arrangement, while aesthetically pleasing, didn't support his need for ease of movement and accessibility.

After reevaluating, we adjusted both the furniture choices and layout to ensure they were functional and supportive of his daily needs, while still aligning with the desired Japandi style. This adjustment was essential because, in the end, how you function in your home day-to-day is the most important. A home that looks good but doesn’t accommodate your lifestyle can quickly become a source of frustration rather than a haven of comfort.

Pro Tip: Prioritize furniture and layouts that blend style with practicality. For example, consider pieces that offer ease of access and movement while still reflecting your aesthetic preferences.

5. Ignoring Lighting Layers: Brightness Matters

Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in a room, yet it’s often overlooked. A single overhead light might leave your space feeling flat and uninspired. Instead, layer your lighting—combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting environment.

Pro Tip: Use dimmers to adjust the lighting according to the mood and time of day. It’s an easy way to add flexibility and ambiance to your space.

Putting It All Together

Designing a space that looks great and works seamlessly for your daily life doesn’t have to be a challenge. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on both style and functionality, you can create a home that’s both beautiful and practical. Remember, your home should be a reflection of who you are and how you live—so let’s make sure it’s both fabulous and functional. If you’re ready to avoid these design pitfalls and create a space that truly works for you, Chè Studio is here to help! Reach out today to get started on transforming your home with our expert virtual design services.