How to Avoid 5 Common Design Mistakes
Ever go somewhere (especially on vacation) and see something you like and think, “Oh! I have a perfect spot for that!” Then when you get it home it looks terrible and you think, “OMG! What was I thinking?!!”
It happens to lots of people. As a professional interior designer in Bergen County, NJ, I try to steer my clients in the right direction so they make good decisions. Understanding color, lighting, room size and scale helps to achieve a good result. (Sorry- don’t have images with bad results!!)
Here are some common pitfalls:
#1. Rooms that are overly coordinated.
It is important that your home doesn’t look like a showroom. Your personal story and personality should shine through. I like to style rooms with items you already own and that have meaning to you. I like to find small unusual pieces that bring your space to life. Coordination that is done through color, texture and contrast make for interesting spaces.
#2. Using small scale furniture in a small space.
This has to do with proportion and scale. A small item will tend to make a small room look smaller. Using one color throughout can make a room appear larger. It is most important to have a good design plan when working on a small room. Multi-purpose furnishings are quite useful. In this image above, the benches are really big filing drawers. They provide hidden storage for out-of-the-way appliances, dishes and other objects not often used.
#3. Sticking to only one style.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up and combine traditional or contemporary pieces along with antiques. It makes for a more interesting space. But you have to know when to stop. Too many objects produce clutter. No objects are quite Spartan. Curate.
#4. Hanging artwork improperly.
Art doesn’t have to line up with the top of the door frame! Each piece is different and will dictate how it looks best. Eye height is a good rule of thumb…but whose eye height? Plan it out before you use the hammer!
#5. Contemporary means cold.
This style may have a tendency to be uninviting and stark. By using the right amount of texture, accessories and color a space can be welcoming and warm.
Home design should express your authentic self. When done correctly it should bring a smile to your face!
