It can feel intimidating to tackle a decorating project on your own. There are so many options and choices, and it can be hard to find good resources to guide you in the process. But we are here to tell you that you can do it! Below, we’ve identified the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when trying to tackle Interior Design Projects on their own, and how to avoid them. And always, if you are feeling overwhelmed by any of these topics, contacting an Interior Designer to help with the project can be a worthwhile investment in not only your home, but your peace of mind as well.
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Mistake #1: Choosing Furniture that’s too large or too small for the space Selecting furniture that doesn't fit the scale of your room can lead to discomfort and imbalance. How can you make sure you are not choosing furniture pieces that are too big or too small for your space? The best way to do this is to start by measuring your room and drawing out a simple floor plan. There are many tools that can help you with this. Old fashioned graph paper and pencil is the easiest, but you can search the web for free or inexpensive online room planning tools or apps, or you can work with your local furniture store or an Interior Designer to help with this process. Once your room is drawn out, you’ll want to audition different sized pieces on your plan to determine what size furniture you should be looking for when you are out shopping. Be sure to keep in mind the functionality and traffic flow in the room. Make sure to place furniture pieces in a way that allows for enough space to move around them, but not too far away from each other that they seem like they feel like they are floating in the space. You can google “Furniture Spacing Guidelines” to see some examples of proper spacing. Image Credit: Pexels |
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Mistake #2: Ignoring the importance of lighting Relying solely on overhead lighting can make a room feel flat. Incorporate various light sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lighting, to create depth and warmth. It’s also important to provide adequate task lighting for your space. Whether that means providing direct lighting over kitchen counter spaces for cooking, or proper reading lights for desks or library nooks, make sure you keep in mind what kind of activities the space will be used for. It’s also important to think about the type of bulbs you are using in your space. You will want to consider not only wattage (how bright the bulb is) but temperature as well. Dimmer, warmer lights will provide a more intimate, romantic feeling, while brighter, cooler lights will make the space feel more utilitarian and functional. Image Credit: Pexels |
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Mistake #3: Using paint colors without testing them in the space Paint colors can look very different depending on the lighting and the size of the room. The influence of other colors in the room can also affect the way you see paint colors. It's always important to test the colors before you commit. Our advice is to buy small sample pots, or a quart size of the paint you are considering and test it out on different walls in your space. It’s not uncommon for the same color to look different from one wall to the next, simply because of the placement of a window. Be sure you like the color both in the natural light of daytime, and the artificial lights at night. If you have furniture, rugs or artwork that you are considering for the space it’s best to have those nearby as well, to make sure you like the way the colors of these elements play off of each other. If you are still uncertain, many Interior Designers and Paint Stores will offer color consultations to help you make the right decisions. Image Credit: Pexels |
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Mistake #4: Overlooking the importance of cohesion between rooms Treating each room in isolation can create a disjointed feel in your home. Try to use consistent colors, materials or other design elements to link spaces together and create flow from one room to the next. This is especially important in homes with an open floor plan, where spaces often merge together. If you’d like to explore a different style or theme in one room, try to make sure you have at least one element that carries over between all of the spaces. Image credit: Pexels |
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Mistake #5: Overusing matching decor An overly coordinated space can feel monotonous. Mix different textures, colors, and styles to add depth and interest. As designers, we like to do this by using a variety of fabrics, window treatments, wallpapers and rugs. The easiest way to accomplish a cohesive space without that “matchy-matchy” feeling is to choose your “Hero Pattern” first. This favorite pattern then becomes the jumping off point for selecting all the other supporting materials. You may repeat this Hero pattern in multiple places, but always be sure to complement it by pairing it with other patterns of varying scale, color and texture. This ensures a cohesive feeling space that doesn't look as if it was just a pre-packaged collection of materials.
Shown Here: Cowtan & Tout as a "Hero Print" |
There is a lot that you, as a homeowner, can tackle on your own when starting an Interior Design Project. Keep our tips in mind, find resources to help you solve simple problems, and be thoughtful about your choices and decisions. If at anytime you become overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek the advice of a professional. Whether its the sales associate at a furniture store, a paint expert, or an Interior Designer, it's ok to admit when you need help.
If you need help with any of your design needs, whether it's with your paint colors, furniture placement or any other questions you might have, please call us! We’d love to help you on your journey.
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Collaborating with us goes beyond aesthetics; it's an investment in transforming your space into a beautifully curated and functional home that aligns with your lifestyle. Whether you're a busy professional, a new homeowner, or someone seeking a fresh perspective, choosing Patrick Street Interiors as your interior designer firm is a worthwhile decision. We’d love to meet you—stop by our showroom or call us today!
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