Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Interior design looks effortless when done well, but there are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Here are the most common mistakes we see — and how to avoid them.

1. Buying Furniture Before Measuring: Always measure your space and plan your layout on paper before purchasing a single piece. A sofa that looks perfect in the showroom can overwhelm a small living room.

2. Ignoring Lighting: Lighting is the most underrated element of interior design. Relying solely on a single overhead light creates a flat, uninviting atmosphere. Layer your lighting.

3. Hanging Art Too High: Artwork should be hung at eye level — approximately 145–150cm from the floor to the centre of the piece.

4. Choosing Paint First: Always select your fabrics, flooring, and furniture before choosing paint. Paint is the easiest thing to change and should complement everything else.

5. Neglecting Scale: Mixing furniture of wildly different scales creates visual chaos. Aim for a balanced mix of large, medium, and small pieces.