3rd January 2023 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn From achieving a cohesive colour scheme to investing in quality furniture, there’s a lot that goes into curating a beautiful home design. While there’s plenty of information out there giving interior design tips, tricks and advice, there’s not always as much on what not to do. Understanding the interior design mistakes to avoid can help guide you away from making an interior design error before it’s too late. Here are some common interior design mistakes you need to avoid making. Failing to establish a focal point A well-designed room starts with a focal point. The focal point provides the primary centre of attention and is usually the first thing people will notice when they walk in. While it’s not necessarily in the centre of a room, it is often a feature that’s immediately noticed based on the arrangement of space. Architectural features such as a fireplace or large window are among the most common focal points. If the space does not have any prominent features, you can establish one using furniture, stand-out sculptures, wallpaper or artwork. Thinking everything has to match While it is important to establish a plan and develop colour scheme for your home’s interior, combining different colours and textures can help create a unique and lively style. Only choosing pieces that are the exact same shade or texture will create a room that lacks character, depth or visual interest. Contrasting colours, patterns and materials throughout the design will elevate your interiors to give them a professional edge. You can then carefully select individual pieces that express your taste and individual style which tie in with your overall scheme. Over time, your home will begin to look cohesive and put together because you will have decorated it with pieces within the same style – but aren’t necessarily the same colour. Having your clutter on display Having lots of clutter displayed around your home can create a messy environment that conflicts with your desired style choice. Clearing your clutter will not only make your home look better, but it will also free up room and reduce stress in your life. Start by getting rid of the things you don’t use or need, and then find a home out of sight for what’s left. There are lots of clever storage solutions you can employ to achieve this, whilst making the most of your available space. Bringing in an interior designer too late A common interior design mistake people often make is by commissioning an interior designer too late in the design process. If you are planning on renovating your home, it is important to hire an interior designer right away before you make any significant changes. This way, they can effectively assess your home, review the layout and consider your use of the space. With this, they can help you decide on a cost-effective design plan that best suits your property, personal taste and lifestyle. The Society of British and Internation Design If you are looking for an expert interior designer to assist you with your home’s interior design, then look no further than the Society of British and International Interior Design. We have a large database of experienced interior designers who are SBID accredited. Explore our designer directory today to find an interior designer that is right for you. Contact us for more information.