Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid
Designing your home is an exciting opportunity to reflect your personality and create a functional, inviting space. But even with the best intentions, certain design missteps can undermine your vision. At Pheasant Hill Designs in Charlotte, NC, we’ve worked with countless clients to transform their homes, and we’ve seen firsthand how avoiding these common pitfalls can make all the difference.
Overcrowding Rooms with Too Much Furniture
We’ve all been tempted to fill a room with beautiful furniture pieces, but overcrowding can make even the largest rooms feel small and claustrophobic. A cluttered room not only disrupts the flow of movement but also diminishes the room’s functionality.
The fix? Be intentional with your furniture. Choose fewer, high-quality pieces that make a statement and serve a purpose. Leave enough space for comfortable movement, and allow your furniture choices to breathe. A cohesive layout creates a sense of calm while maximizing usability.
Neglecting Proper Lighting
Lighting often takes a backseat in design plans, but it plays a vital role in setting the mood and functionality of a room. Improper lighting can make a space feel too dim, overly harsh, or even uninviting.
Create layers of light to achieve balance:
Use ceiling lights or chandeliers for overall illumination.
Add task lighting such as table lamps or under-cabinet lighting for specific activities.
Incorporate accent lighting like wall sconces to highlight architectural details or create ambiance.
Pro tip from Pheasant Hill Designs? Don’t overlook natural light. Positioning mirrors to reflect sunlight or opting for sheer curtains can brighten a space and make it feel warmer.
Choosing the Wrong Size Rug
A rug is the anchor of a room, but choosing the wrong size can disrupt the proportions and make design elements feel out of place. A rug that’s too small can make a living room feel incomplete, while a rug that’s too large might overwhelm the space.
To get it right:
For living rooms, ensure that at least the front legs of your furniture sit on the rug.
For dining rooms, the rug should be large enough that chairs remain on it, even when pulled out.
For bedrooms, a rug should extend beyond the perimeter of your bed on at least two sides.
When in doubt, bigger is often better for anchoring the room appropriately.
Ignoring Personal Style
While following design trends can feel exciting, basing your entire home design on them can create an impersonal, cookie-cutter space. A home should feel like you—a reflection of your personality, lifestyle, and values.
Instead of focusing solely on trends, incorporate elements you genuinely love. Displaying family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, (within reason) or photos creates a unique space that tells a story. At Pheasant Hill Designs, we love blending timeless design principles with personal touches to create spaces that feel meaningful and authentic.
Mismatching Patterns and Colors
Mixing patterns and colors can enhance the depth and character of a room, but it’s easy to go overboard. Too many clashing patterns or an inconsistent color palette can lead to a chaotic, disjointed look.
When working with patterns and colors, stick to a unified scheme:
Use a maximum of three patterns in varying scales. For example, pair a bold floral print with a subtle stripe and a medium-scale geometric or a smaller scale pattern.
Choose a color palette and stick to it throughout your space. Consider the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of your room should have a dominant color (walls). 30% should feature a secondary color (furniture). 10% should showcase an accent color (decor and accessories).
Striking the right balance keeps your room cohesive and visually appealing.
Hanging Artwork at the Wrong Height
Artwork has the power to tie a room together, but improper placement can throw off the balance of a space. Hanging artwork too high or too low disrupts visual harmony and leaves the room feeling off.
The secret? Hang artwork so that the center is at eye level, typically around 57–60 inches from the floor. For pieces above furniture, leave 6–8 inches of space between the artwork and the top of the furniture for a seamless look.
When creating gallery walls, lay out your arrangement on the floor first. This allows you to adjust spacing and create a balanced design before committing to nails in the wall!
Overlooking the Room’s Functionality
One of the biggest mistakes we see is designing a room without fully considering how it will be used. A beautifully designed kitchen that lacks storage or a stunning living room without enough seating won’t meet the practical needs of your household.
Before planning your design, identify the primary activities in the room. Is this a space for entertaining, relaxing, or work? Prioritize furniture, layouts, and design elements that support the room's purpose while keeping comfort and usability in mind.
Create Your Dream Home with Pheasant Hill Designs
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re already well on your way to achieving a beautifully designed space that’s both functional and personal. But sometimes, design can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to bring a cohesive vision to life. That’s where we come in!
At Pheasant Hill Designs, we specialize in blending timeless design principles with your unique style to create spaces you’ll love for years to come. From planning the perfect layout to finding those finishing touches, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today, and turn your design dreams into reality!