What mistakes do we make most often in interior design?
Interior design is a process that requires not only aesthetic sense, but also a practical approach and planning. Dreams about a beautiful apartment often collide with reality: a very limited budget, ill-considered decisions and lack of experience. As a result, instead of enjoying functionality and style, interiors become a source of frustration. We will look at the most common arrangement mistakes that spoil the potential of even the most promising spaces.
No style determination
One of the fundamental mistakes that often leads to visual chaos is the lack of a clear definition of the interior style at the very beginning of the project. Instead of a coherent concept, a bunch of random inspirations, fashionable accessories and incompatible furniture are created. Mixing styles without understanding their characteristics and rules leads to a feeling of clutter and lack of harmony. To avoid this, before starting shopping, it is worth specifying whether the interior should be Scandinavian, industrial, classic or maybe modern with a hint of minimalism. The style should not only be an expression of the owner’s taste, but also reflect his way of life and needs.
Mismatch between the arrangement design and the budget
Admiration for photos from interior design magazines or inspirations from Instagram often leads to the creation of projects that have no chance of being implemented within the available financial resources. Mismatch of arrangement assumptions with the budget results in compromises that ultimately reduce the quality and functionality of the interior. Reasonable expense planning and prioritization –, for example investing in durable floors and good quality lighting, and savings on – accessories allow you to maintain a balance between dreams and reality.
No financial reserve for unforeseen expenses
Another mistake that can cost us a lot of stress and money is the lack of financial reserves for unplanned expenses. Renovations and arrangements rarely go perfectly according to the assumed budget. Unexpected installation problems, the need for additional work or an increase in material prices may significantly increase the final investment cost. The financial reserve, amounting to at least 10–15% of the total budget, is a security that gives greater peace of mind and flexibility in operation.
Using the cheapest products
The temptation to save may lead to the purchase of the cheapest materials and equipment, which in the long run turns out to be unprofitable. Cheap panels, adhesives, paints or furniture often do not meet quality standards, which means they wear out faster, lose their aesthetics or even pose a threat to users. It is worth remembering that interior design is a – investment in comfort, safety and durability. It is better to choose fewer elements, but of better quality, than to supplement the space with cheap substitutes.
Buying materials from different batches
It is often a downplayed but important mistake to buy – finishing materials such as panels, tiles or – wallpapers from different production batches. While these products may have the same name and catalog number, minor variations in shade or texture are common and can be very visible after installation. That is why it is so important to check the batch markings before purchasing and always purchase the quantity with stock from the same series.
Buying eye-to-eye equipment – no exact interior dimensions
Too hasty shopping without precise space measurements is one of the main reasons for subsequent disappointments. Sofas, tables or wardrobes ordered „per ok” often turn out to be too large or too small, disturbing the proportions of the room or blocking free movement. Before any purchase, it is necessary to carefully measure the space, and preferably also create a simple plan with dimensions that will make it easier to adjust the equipment to a specific location.
No calculations of the necessary amounts of paints, wallpapers, etc.
The lack of accurate calculations regarding the amount of finishing materials needed is an error that results in additional costs and logistics problems. Underestimating the amount of paint may require purchasing it from another batch, which – as mentioned – may lead to a heterogeneous effect on the wall. In turn, too much wallpaper or tiles is an unnecessary expense that is often non-refundable. By using calculators available online or consulting professionals, you can easily avoid such problems.
No allowance for plant alterations
Planning the arrangement of furniture and equipment without taking into account the existing electrical, water or heating installation leads to situations in which the use of the interior becomes inconvenient or even impossible. Apart from this stage, we expose ourselves to the need for expensive modifications or unsightly temporary solutions. Already at the design stage, it is worth planning the arrangement of sockets, light points or hydraulic connections in accordance with the function of the rooms.
Mismatched lighting
Introducing inappropriate lighting can completely destroy the visual effect of even the best designed interior. Too cold light in the living room deprives him of coziness, while too warm light in the kitchen may disturb the perception of colors (also in the case of food products). The lack of spot lighting above worktops, an excessive number of lamps or their uneven arrangement affect the comfort of using the space. The lighting should be adapted to the functions of a given room and consist of several layers of main, point and decorative –.
Too many accessories and decorations
Although accessories are the soul of the interior, their excess causes chaos and overwhelms space. The apartment then turns into a cluttered gallery of trinkets, instead of a harmonious asylum. Too many pillows, frames, figures and paintings distract attention from the main arrangement elements and visually reduce the space. It is worth following the principle of „less is more” and choosing decorations carefully, remembering to maintain balance and stylistic consistency.
Collision furniture arrangement
Poorly planned furniture arrangement is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a practical one. When the doors cannot open freely, the chairs rub against the walls, and the passages between the zones are too narrow, the comfort of life in the interior decreases significantly. Each piece of furniture should be provided with appropriate space around it, which will enable comfortable use and communication in the room.
Not very safe solutions in the child’s room
When arranging a children’s room, the most important thing is safety and functionality. Unfortunately, too often we allow ourselves to be carried away by aesthetic values, forgetting about rounded edges, furniture stability and the availability of dangerous items. It is worth choosing materials that are easy to clean, durable and resistant to damage, and taking care of appropriate security measures, such as drawer locks, socket caps or bed barriers.