8 Interior Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home

We’ve all seen them, those homes where the styling is just slightly off. Maybe it’s the furniture chosen or the way the accessories have been placed, but something about it doesn’t look quite right. We all make mistakes, especially when it comes to interior styling. There are many ways to get it wrong, from clashing colors to mismatched furniture. Interior design is paying attention to the smallest details. A small mistake and your whole vision can be ruined. To assist you in avoiding making any aesthetic errors in your house, we’ve compiled a list of the most common interior design blunders to avoid. Keep these styling mistakes in mind when working on your home décor.

Too Much Matching

Matching is fun, but too much can create a bland space. When everything in the room matches, there is nothing that stands out. Try mixing and matching different colors, textures, and patterns to make your home more interesting. The key is to create contrast while still maintaining a cohesive look. Sometimes we match everything from area rugs and furniture to wall colors because we think it looks best. But what usually happens is that it creates a space that is too safe and boring. Be daring and mix different shades to create an interesting and unique space!

Poor Lighting

Lighting is vital in any room, but it is often overlooked. The type of lighting you use can completely change the mood of a space. For example, overhead lighting is great for task lighting, but it can cast harsh shadows and make a room feel cold. To create a comfortable and inviting space, use various types of lighting such as table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces. And don’t forget about natural light! Also, old or outdated light fixtures can make a room feel dated, so be sure to update them.

Furniture Size

Scale is essential when it comes to furniture. You want to make sure that the pieces you choose are in proportion to the size of the room. Furniture that is too big will make a space feel cramped and cluttered, while too small furniture will look out of place and be swallowed up by the room. Also, using too much or too little furniture can make a room feel unbalanced. Likewise, be careful not to overcrowd a room with too much furniture. And never go for furniture sets. They rarely work in real life. Instead, mix and match different furniture pieces to create a more personal and individualized space.

The Wrong Rug

Rugs pull the entire look of a room together but picking the wrong size or style of rug can make or break the space. A too-small rug will look out of place and lost in a large room, while a too-large rug will dwarf the furniture and make the space feel smaller. The best way to select the right size rug is to measure the room’s dimensions and subtract two feet from each side. It will give you the size of rug you should look for. For example, the rugs for living room should be at least six feet by nine feet. Another common mistake is picking a style of rug that doesn’t compliment the furniture or overall look of the room. A busily patterned rug can make a small space feel even smaller and cluttered. As for style, it’s important to choose a rug that complements the overall design aesthetic of the room. A shaggy rug in a contemporary space will look out of place but might work well in a bohemian or eclectic space.

Ignoring the Walls

Your walls are a blank canvas that can be used to make a statement and add visual interest to your space. Yet, many people forget about them when styling their homes. Don’t make this mistake! There are many incredible ideas to decorate your walls, from hanging artwork to installing shelving. The possibilities are endless! You may paint the wall in ombre or go for splashy wallpaper. Or you can simply hang a few pictures and call it a day. Hanging oversized art on the wall is also a great way to add drama to your space. In the same way, don’t forget about your ceiling! It’s another blank canvas that can be used to add interest to your home.

Not Incorporating Texture

The texture is an important element in any space and can be used to add visual interest and depth. Yet, many people forget to incorporate it into their home décor. You can add texture to your space, from using textured wallpaper to adding a fur throw blanket to your sofa. You can add texture through your fabrics, furniture, artwork, and even flooring. Some paints also come with a textured finish that can add depth to your walls. Or you can create your texture by using stencils and sponging on paint. The focus is to create a layered look that feels warm and inviting. On the contrary, If you’re not sure how to incorporate texture into your space, start adding a few throw blankets to your furniture. It is easy to add color, pattern, and texture to your room without making permanent changes.

Ignoring the Five Basic Elements of Design

When it comes to interior styling, there are five basic elements that you need to consider: line, shape, form, color, and texture. These elements are the building blocks of any space and should be used in harmony to create a cohesive look. If one or more of these elements is missing, your space will feel unfinished. For a well-balanced and cohesive space, incorporate all five design elements. They go side by side and should be used together to create a beautiful space. A little bit of each goes a long way! The key is to use them in moderation and not overboard with any element.

An Interior Styling That’s Too Minimalist

A common misconception is that minimalism equates to having fewer things in your space. In actuality, minimalism is about paring down to only the essentials and removing anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or add value. A minimalist interior should be carefully curated, and every element should have a purpose. The goal is to create a tranquil and serene space free of clutter. To achieve this look, start by decluttering your space and removing unnecessary items. Then, focus on choosing a limited color palette and incorporating texture to add visual interest. Finally, select furniture and décor that is both functional and stylish.

Final Thoughts!

No one is perfect, and that goes for interior styling too. Even the pros make mistakes sometimes! But by being aware of the most common interior styling errors, you can avoid them in your own home. Have you ever made any of these design mistakes before? Share with us in the comments below. And if you’re looking for some help fixing up your space, check out RugKnots. We have a huge selection of beautiful rugs to add instant style to any room.