5 Biggest Interior Design Mistakes That Cheapen Your Home & How To Fix Them

When designing your home, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cheapen the look of your space. From hanging generic artworks to matching everything in the room, there are common pitfalls to avoid. In a video by Reynard Lowell, you’ll learn how to fix these interior design blunders and elevate the appearance of your home. Tips include avoiding clutter, ensuring proper proportions, and shopping for affordable art and rugs to enhance your space.

By curating your decor, hiding clutter, and avoiding the urge to make everything in the room match, you can create a more cohesive and appealing living space. Mistakes such as hanging curtains improperly, choosing furniture that is too small or too generic, or leaving everything on display can detract from the overall aesthetic of your home. With the right tips and tricks, you can transform your space into a stylish and inviting environment that reflects your personal taste and individuality.

Using Generic Artworks and Quotes

When it comes to selecting artwork for your home, it’s essential to avoid generic pieces that lack personality. Hanging quotes like “live, love, laugh” or mass-produced prints can cheapen the look of a space. Instead, opt for personalized or unique artworks that resonate with you. Consider displaying your own photos, purchasing custom pieces, or browsing sites like Etsy, Society6, Desenio, or Minted for one-of-a-kind art that expresses your individuality. Personalized artworks can evoke specific emotions and make a space more compelling compared to generic prints from mass-market stores.

Tips for selecting unique and meaningful artwork:

Avoid generic and mass-produced pieces
Explore personalized or custom artwork options
Browse sites like Etsy, Society6, Desenio, and Minted for unique pieces

Proportionate Furniture and Decor

Selecting furniture and decor that are proportionate to the size of a room is crucial for creating a visually appealing and balanced space. Choosing elements that are too small can make a room feel empty and disjointed, while oversized pieces can overwhelm the space. When arranging furniture, it’s essential to consider the scale and dimensions of the room to ensure that everything fits harmoniously.

Choosing furniture that fits the size of the room:

Avoid selecting pieces that are too small or too large
Ensure that furniture is proportionate to the room’s dimensions
Create a cohesive and balanced space with appropriately sized elements

Improperly Hung Curtains

The way curtains are hung can significantly impact the perception of space in a room. Hanging curtains at the correct height and width can make windows appear larger, ceilings higher, and the room feel more spacious. Improperly hung curtains that are too short or narrow can make windows appear smaller and ceilings lower.

Guidelines for hanging curtains at the right height and width:

Hang curtain rods high to create the illusion of high ceilings
Ensure curtain rods are wide enough to frame windows properly
Consider the height of the room when determining curtain rod placement

Cluttered Spaces

Clutter can detract from the overall aesthetic of a room and make it feel crowded and chaotic. Implementing strategies for decluttering and organizing belongings is essential for maintaining a neat and tidy space. Creative storage solutions, such as hidden storage compartments and multifunctional furniture, can help keep clutter at bay.

Strategies for decluttering and organizing belongings:

Curate items on display to avoid a cluttered look
Utilize creative storage solutions to keep the space organized
Maintain a tidy and clutter-free environment for a visually appealing space

Over-Matching Decor

While creating cohesive spaces is important, over-matching decor can make a room feel predictable and lackluster. Mixing different textures, patterns, and colors can add depth and visual interest to a space. Experimenting with contrasting elements can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a more dynamic look.

Mixing different textures, patterns, and colors for a more dynamic look:

Avoid overly matching decor that can make a room look monotonous
Experiment with contrasting elements to create visual interest
Incorporate a variety of textures, patterns, and colors for a unique and personalized space

Skillshare Sponsorship

Skillshare offers a wide range of online courses related to interior design and home decor that can help improve your design skills and creativity. Whether you’re interested in photography, typography, or interior design, Skillshare provides inspiring classes curated for learning without distractions. Take advantage of Skillshare to enhance your design skills, avoid common mistakes, and explore new creative avenues.

Information on Skillshare courses related to interior design and home decor:

Explore classes on interior design, photography, typography, and more
Enhance your design skills and creativity through inspiring online courses
Benefit from a curated platform focused on learning and personal growth

Shopping for Affordable Art and Rugs

Finding budget-friendly art and rugs that elevate your space doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for online stores and platforms that offer affordable options without compromising on quality. By following tips for sourcing affordable art and rugs, you can enhance the aesthetic of your home without overspending.

Tips for finding budget-friendly art and rugs that elevate a space:

Explore online stores for affordable art and rug options
Consider quality and design when shopping on a budget
Recommendations for budget-friendly art and rug retailers

Utilizing Resource Links

Leveraging online resources, websites, and blogs can provide inspiration and guidance for your interior design projects. Accessing a variety of online sources can help troubleshoot design issues, stay informed on industry trends, and gather inspiration for your decor. By utilizing resource links and online platforms, you can expand your design knowledge and enhance your creative process.

Links to websites, blogs, and resources for interior design inspiration and guidance:

Browse online platforms for design inspiration and tips
Stay informed on industry trends and best practices
Utilize a variety of online resources for troubleshooting design issues and staying inspired

By following these tips and guidelines, you can avoid common interior design mistakes and create a space that reflects your personal style while maintaining a visually appealing and harmonious environment. Make informed decisions when selecting artwork, furniture, and decor to elevate the overall aesthetic of your home. Harness the power of online resources and educational platforms like Skillshare to enhance your design skills and bring your creative vision to life.

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare:

When you are decorating or renovating your home, check out my home design course: Practical Home Design Course.

Check Out These Tools & Templates

Furnishing (Interior Planning) Template
If you are furnishing or decorating your home but don’t know where to start, check out our complete Online Shopping Database here
Space Planning Cheat Sheet
Get our FREE ‘Design Concept Template’ that I use at the start of every project

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In this video, I’ll go through five of the biggest interior design mistakes that will cheapen the look of your home as well as tips and tricks on how to fix them.

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