Interior design has the power to completely transform how a space looks, feels, and functions. Yet even with the best intentions, small design missteps can undermine the overall result—leaving rooms feeling awkward, cluttered, or unfinished. The good news is that most interior design mistakes are common, avoidable, and often easy to fix once you know what to look for. 

Whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or starting from scratch, understanding these pitfalls can help you create a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and considered. Many homeowners turn to experienced interior designers in Melbourne to help navigate these challenges and bring clarity to their design decisions. 

Here are some of the most common interior design mistakes—and practical ways to avoid them. 

Ignoring Lighting (or Relying on Just One Source) 

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in interior design, yet it has a huge impact on mood and usability. A single ceiling light rarely provides enough flexibility or warmth for a space.

How to avoid it:

• Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting
• Use floor lamps and table lamps to soften harsh overhead lighting
• Consider dimmers to adjust lighting throughout the day 

Good lighting enhances colour, texture, and atmosphere—making every design choice look better.

Choosing Furniture That’s the Wrong Size 

Oversized furniture can overwhelm a room, while pieces that are too small can make it feel sparse and unbalanced. This mistake often happens when furniture is purchased without considering scale or layout.

How to avoid it:

• Measure your room before buying furniture
• Leave enough clearance for walkways and door openings
• Use painter’s tape to map out furniture placement before committing 

Balanced proportions help a space feel intentional rather than cramped or underwhelming. 

Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls

Many people assume furniture must sit against walls to maximise space, but this can actually make rooms feel less inviting—especially in living areas.

How to avoid it:

• Float furniture to create conversation zones
• Use rugs to anchor seating areas
• Allow negative space for breathing room and flow 

Well-planned layouts improve both comfort and functionality.

Playing It Too Safe with Colour 

While neutral interiors are timeless, an overly cautious colour palette can result in a space that feels flat or uninspired. How to avoid it:

• Introduce colour through cushions, artwork, or soft furnishings
• Use tonal variations instead of stark contrasts
• Test paint samples in different lighting conditions 

Even subtle colour layers can add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.

Hanging Artwork Incorrectly 

Artwork that’s hung too high or too small for the wall is one of the most common visual mistakes in interior design.

How to avoid it:

• Hang artwork at eye level (around 145–155cm from the floor to centre)
• Scale artwork to the wall or furniture beneath it
• Create gallery walls with consistent spacing 

Correct placement instantly elevates the overall look of a room.

Choosing the Wrong Rug Size 

A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disconnected, even if everything else is styled well. How to avoid it:

• Ensure rugs are large enough to sit under key furniture pieces
• In living rooms, front legs of sofas and chairs should sit on the rug
• Use rugs to define zones in open-plan spaces 

The right rug anchors the room and brings all elements together.
 

Overdecorating (or Underdecorating)

Too many decorative items can feel cluttered, while too few can leave a space feeling unfinished. How to avoid it:

• Edit accessories regularly and avoid overcrowding surfaces
• Group décor in odd numbers for visual balance
• Mix textures rather than filling space with more objects 

Intentional styling creates impact without excess. 

Forgetting About Storage 

A beautifully designed home still needs to function day to day. Without adequate storage, clutter can quickly undo even the best design.

How to avoid it:

• Incorporate multi-functional furniture with built-in storage
• Plan storage early in the design process
• Use concealed storage to maintain clean lines 

Smart storage supports both aesthetics and lifestyle needs.

Neglecting Flow and Function 

A room might look good, but if it’s awkward to move through or doesn’t suit how you live, it won’t feel right long term. How to avoid it:

• Design layouts based on how the space will actually be used
• Keep pathways clear and intuitive
• Balance visual appeal with everyday practicality 

Good design should feel effortless to live in.

Bringing It All Together 

Avoiding common interior design mistakes comes down to planning, proportion, and understanding how different elements work together. Thoughtful lighting, well-scaled furniture, considered layouts, and purposeful styling can dramatically improve how a space feels. 

If you’re unsure where to start—or want to avoid costly mistakes—working with professionals who understand both aesthetics and functionality can make all the difference. A well-designed interior isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a space that truly supports the way you live.