New year, new blunders! Hard to believe we’re already at part six. Turns out, there’s no shortage of design mistakes to talk about!

(If you need to play catch up, check out part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five now).

As always, these sneaky oversights might not seem like a huge deal at first glance, but they have the power to totally throw off the look and function of your home.

Let’s break them down.

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Common Interior Design Mistakes

These common interior design faux pas can heavily impact the look and feel of a space. Luckily, they’re easy to avoid with a little planning upfront.

#17. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size

Rugs are one of the final pieces of the design puzzle because they tie the whole room together. But if the size is off, they can throw everything out of balance.

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a rug that’s too small. A tiny rug floating in the middle of the room makes a space feel disconnected instead of cozy and put together.

Here’s how to get rug size right:

• Living Room: At the very least, the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on the rug. If you have the space (and budget), go bigger so all legs rest on it.
• Dining Room: The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides to keep the chairs from catching on the edge when pulled out.
• Bedroom: The rug should be large enough to extend 18-24 inches beyond the sides of your bed. For a queen, that means a minimum 8’x10’ rug. For a king, go for 9’x12’.

If you’re debating between two sizes, bigger is usually better. A properly sized rug makes a room feel more intentional and balanced instead of awkward and incomplete.

#18. Not Planning Electrical in a New Build

It’s easy to get caught up in big design decisions like flooring and paint when building or renovating. But the less “in-your-face” details, like electrical planning, are just as important. And once the walls go up, fixing mistakes isn’t so simple.

The common issues we see in our client spaces include:

• Thermostats, outlets, or light switches awkwardly placed in the middle of walls.
• Not enough outlets where you actually need them (kitchen counters, nightstands, home offices, etc).
• Too many or too few pot lights that leave rooms either too dim or unnecessarily and uncomfortably bright.

Successful electrical planning means:

• Thinking about furniture placement early. Knowing where your sofa, bed, and nightstands will go helps ensure switches and outlets are in the right places.
• Considering lighting needs for every space. Bright task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms, softer lighting in bedrooms and living rooms, dimmers for flexibility—every room needs a mix.
• Adding extra outlets in high-use areas. A kitchen island with no outlets? A bathroom with just one plug? These are easy things to overlook. Plan for outlets where you’ll actually use them, like along counters, in vanities, inside cabinets for things like toothbrush chargers, and in closets for cordless vacuums.
• Thinking about smart home integration. If you’re adding security cameras or speakers, pre-wiring them now can save you from having to deal with retrofits later.
• Dimmers are your best friend. Consider adding dimmers to switches for areas that may need a softer glow (living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms).

• Pro-tip: Make sure to look at your local building codes to make sure you meet the requirements.

#19. Overlooking Window Treatments

Window treatments might not be the first thing you think about when designing a space, but skipping them (or choosing the wrong ones) can make a room feel unfinished.

Common mistakes we see frequently include:

• Curtains that are hung too low, which make ceilings feel shorter than they are.
• Curtains that are too short and stop awkwardly above the floor.
• Cheap plastic blinds that don’t match the rest of the space.
• Skipping window treatments altogether!

Aside from adding style, window treatments control light, create privacy, and improve insulation. You’ll want to:

• Mount curtains high and wide. Hang the rod at least 6 inches above the window frame (higher if you have the space) and extend it beyond the window width so curtains don’t block natural light when open.
• Go for full-length curtains. Curtains should just kiss the floor or puddle slightly for a more luxurious look.
• Layer for function and style. If you need privacy but still want natural light, combine sheer curtains with blackout panels or opt for Roman shades.
• Choose treatments that fit the room. Sleek roller shades or Roman blinds work well for a clean, modern look, while flowing drapes add softness to a space.

Learn more in our Ultimate Window Treatment Guide.

Conclusion

To recap this installment of our Home Blunder Series:

1. A rug that’s too small makes a room feel disconnected. Make sure it’s big enough to anchor your furniture.
2. Outlets, switches, and lighting placement matter more than you think. Plan ahead to avoid frustration down the road.
3. The right curtains or shades add style, function, and a finished look.

Be sure to check back for more common design pitfalls (and how to fix them)!

Need expert guidance for your next project? Contact us today!