Starting your interior design journey can feel like a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For some, the process might stir up feelings of anxiety or fear. Even if you approach it without worry, lacking experience can make it tough to make quick decisions or feel fully confident in your choices.
Like many beginners, you might stumble into some common design mistakes along the way. Seeking guidance from experienced professionals helps you avoid pitfalls before they happen.
No Bathroom Cabinet Storage
If your bathroom countertop is overflowing with toiletries and your cleaning supplies are shoved into a corner, it could be a sign of a storage shortfall. A lack of proper bathroom cabinetry often makes this clutter unavoidable.
This issue typically arises when there isn’t enough cabinet space. Without adequate drawers or doors to hide your essentials, they inevitably end up cluttering counters and other surfaces. For smaller bathrooms, consider optimizing vertical space by installing wall cabinets or even a built-in linen closet.
Recessed shelving might not have been part of your initial renovation plans, but it’s worth considering. Features like a recessed shower shelf or a compact linen closet can be a game-changer, saving space while keeping everything organized and out of sight.
Under-Decorating
There’s a stage in life, like during college, where sparse furniture and blank walls might pass as “minimalism”. However, true minimalism is surprisingly tricky to get right, it’s all about creating a space that feels soothing and understated, not bare and incomplete.
To achieve this, be sure to include enough furniture to fill out the room’s layout, poufs or nesting tables can work wonders. Don’t skip the decorative elements; minimalism doesn’t mean avoiding decor. Set aside some budget for finishing touches like books, vases, flowers, candles, textiles, and other accents. A Washington, DC interior design expert can help you find the right balance between simplicity and warmth.
Inconsistent Appliance Finishes
Consistency in appliance finishes is critical to maintaining the harmonious look of your kitchen. If one appliance needs replacing and your budget doesn’t allow for a full upgrade in your desired finish, stick with the finish you already have.
While settling for another white refrigerator might not align with your vision for a sleek black or stainless steel aesthetic, it ensures a more cohesive and polished appearance. Opt for a budget-friendly option in the meantime, knowing you can upgrade later.
When the time comes to invest in a unified set of appliances, you can offset some costs by reselling the originals, or even repurpose them, perhaps in your garage as a convenient drink cooler.
Over-Decorating
It’s natural to feel the urge to hold onto every piece of furniture and decor you own, especially when dealing with smaller spaces, or to fill every corner with decorations. However, this approach can often leave a room feeling overcrowded and chaotic, lacking the essential sense of balance created by open, negative space.
A more effective strategy is to thoughtfully edit your belongings, reducing excess items and adopting a more restrained styling approach. By letting go of certain furniture or accessories, or even placing them in storage, you can transform your space into one that feels more serene, inviting, and comfortably cozy.
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When planning your next design or renovation project, aim to avoid these mistakes. While there are plenty of potential missteps in interior design, these five common issues can often stand out to professional designers when they step into a home.
