Six things interior decorators would never do in their homes
If your new year includes a new home, then avoid making these interior design blunders.
Whether you're moving into a new space or looking to update your current one, decorating can be overwhelming.
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For some, interior decorating can be scary even when you have a vision and know what you want, but you're not sure how to get it.
Not to mention the intimidating amount of inspiration you can find when you start to go down a rabbit hole on the internet.
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Decorating and design are very personal things, but there are a few rules that the professionals can agree on.
Here are some of the mistakes that interior designers avoid when decorating their homes.
Mistake #1: Selecting the paint colour of a room first
Natasha Habermann, interior designer, decorator and owner of Natasha Habermann Studio, says that the one common mistake she sees is that people choose the paint colour right away.
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Her suggestion: This should actually be the last step when decorating your home.
There are thousands of colour options, so her advice is to pick the decor and accessories you truly love and find a paint colour that complements them.
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Example: even if you know you want a light green room, it’s easier to match the exact shade once you already have the bedding, rugs and other decorative items you want for the space.
“[Otherwise] you’ll just always be fighting the paint rather than getting the paint to work with everything else that you’ve already selected,” she said.
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She also recommends thinking about how you plan to use the room that you will be painting.
Think bright and upbeat colours for a room where you spend daytime hours, such as a kitchen, and a more cosy colour palette for where you spend time in the evening, like a bedroom.
It’s really about what sort of ambience you’re trying to create in the room. Think about the time of day that you’re living in the space.
Mistake #2: Overcrowding the space with furniture and extras
How do you know if there are too many things in a room? If it's difficult to move around or if it looks cluttered, that's usually a good indication.
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You don't have to become a minimalist, but avoid overdoing the aesthetic of the room by not overstuffing it.
When considering your furniture options, ask yourself if it will be functional, if people will be using it and how it will be used.
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Ron Renner, founder and president of Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.), advises, “Keep it simple with understatement in mind because too much decor, even beautiful decor, can cause stress and confusion.”
Avoid overcrowding the space with certain colours and patterns.
Renner says, for example, that too many dark colours can make you feel tired or even depressed.
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Certified interior decorator and founder of Lunn Interiors, Scheherazade Lunn, notes that mixing a lot of different patterns can create chaos.
It’s best to limit the number of patterns and find that perfect balance between solid colours and fun patterns.
Mistake #3: Ignoring lighting
Just like paint, there are many lighting options to consider, whether you are decorating indoor or outdoor areas.
Raquel Renner, a certified interior decorator and director of membership for C.I.D., said she avoids relying on traditional or standard lighting in her own home.
Unique lighting fixtures, much like a unique piece of artwork or furniture, add a pleasing aesthetic to a room’s ambience… beyond just simply providing light.
Renner loves the feel of a chandelier in a kitchen or bathroom, or a single light fixture that hangs from the ceiling over a nightstand instead of a typical lamp.
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Mistake #4: Focusing on how your space 'should' look
A common mistake, and an understandable one, is playing it safe and replicating what you've seen at friends' homes, trends or pictures you've seen online.
Especially those who are not feeling confident might think a copy-and-paste job is easier.
People try to follow supposed rules and forget that there really are no rules when designing. This approach often paralyses decision-making and leads to safe, uninspired choices.
Trust your instincts, don't overthink it and decorate in a way that is authentic to you.
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Mistake #5: Too many trends
Lunn believes in prioritising timeless pieces over trendy items.
As fashion, gadgets or any other trends, it can be fun, but it shouldn't be the focal point of the space.
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She recommends adding smaller, trendy pieces, such as throw pillows or coffee table accessories, which can be easily refreshed later.
Larger investment pieces like sofas tend to draw a significant amount of attention in a room, so it’s essential to choose furnishings that will withstand the test of time.
Combining timeless designs with trendy accents creates a space that is stylish and enduring.
Classic styles with historical significance are usually referred to as 'timeless pieces', whereas trendy items have a unique, modern feel.
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Mistake #6: Ignoring function
When considering adding a piece of furniture or other item to your home, it's equally important to think about both its aesthetic appeal and the purpose it will serve.
Margarita Bravo, interior designer, decorator and owner of her own design studio, explains her thought process when selecting a new piece.
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“For example, [for] something as simple as the living room sofa … I want to make sure that it’s comfortable, that it has the right back support [and] that it … fits the entire family,” she said. “Also, I want it to be high-performance, so it’s easy to clean and will last.”
After considering the functionality and durability, she then checks if it reflects her style and personality.
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