Decorating mistakes – we all make them. If you want to know what we’re talking about, just watch a re-run of 60 minute makeover. That show is full of them. Jokes aside, when it comes to home renovations, or re-decorations, it’s pretty likely that a mistake will happen. Unfortunately as well, a lot of the time these mistakes can be costly as well. But fear not! We’re here to tell you that they are preventable! In this post we’re giving you the lowdown on 10 common interior design mistakes so you can learn from them and avoid them – you can thank us later.
1. Not Measuring Skirting Boards
These pesky things can be the difference of why a piece of furniture won’t fit into your space or why your measurements are slightly out. Save the argument with the other half and get down low when you take any measurement in your space. This is especially true if you’re measuring alcoves. Believe us this is based on experience – you don’t want to end up hacking off bits of furniture so it fits snugly exactly where you envisaged it.
2. Not Checking The Returns Policy Beforehand
Maybe you’ve ordered a bespoke piece and it arrives differently to how you expected it? Or maybe you’ve ordered the wrong item! Always check the return policy – for everything – so you know exactly what process to expect if you need to return something. This is really important for investment pieces or bespoke items. Don’t be surprised by some T’s & C’s if some companies state they’ll take 30% off the total cost of the goods should you want to return them, this is quite common for bespoke makers.
3. Not Checking Access Into The Property
Excited for that nice new large dining table you’ve ordered? Or dreaming of a U shape sofa? Well then, you might want to think about whether it’s going to fit through the door first. Or round the corner…or up the stairs…or down to the basement. Yes you can be lumped with so many hidden costs and issues if you don’t check this. Ever heard of a failed delivery fee? Or a re-stocking fee? No? Let’s keep it that way – check access first!
4. Not Checking The Composition Of Your Upholstered Fabrics
Always check the fabric composition on your upholstered furniture is suitable for what you need it for. For example, that new sofa you’re putting underneath the skylight – is it prone to fading? Or that new rug you’ve got – will the pet be able to get it’s claws underneath it easily? Think about the practicality of the item you’re buying and check with the retailer if it’s suitable for what you need it for.
5. Not Using A Primer Beneath Paint
This is a crucial step a lot of homeowners fail to do because, quite honestly, it’s boring to do. But if you want to get the best paint job possible, we strongly recommend using a primer beneath your first layer of paint. In any circumstance it will be hugely beneficial for creating an even surface, promoting an easy application and providing you with the most accurate colour tone. Oh, and it even helps seal damp and cracks. Win win!
6. Buying Matching Items
We’re all up for a bit of symmetry in a space – think matching bedside tables or dining chairs, but please please err away from being too matchey-matchey when it comes to buying furniture. Just because there’s a matching media unit to your coffee table, or a 3 piece sofa and arm chair set, doesn’t mean you should buy it. In fact, it’s almost a little bit of a cop out. Get inventive, and create a more dynamic space by mix and matching the items you buy.
7. Not Measuring A Rug Carefully Before Buying
Most rugs you’ll find online are 160 x 230 cm which is a pretty decent size – but for people with large spaces, don’t even bother. Buying a rug that’s too small for a space will look only dwarf it even more. Make sure if you buy a rug its total width is wider than your sofa. For big spaces look for some thing thats approximately 200 x 300 cm.
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8. Buying Curtains That Don’t Reach The Floor
This one is subjective but personally we think that if you’re opting for the sumptuous look of curtains, you might as well go all the way. This means, having decadent curtains that extend all the way down to the floor – not too long though!
9. Sticking With One Accent Colour
When it comes to adding depth into a room, nothing works better than using pops of colour. Think soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and curtains or through your artwork and ornaments. But just because you like blush pink and want hints of it around the room, doesn’t mean that every place you can add colour in the room should be blush pink. Think about it, you’re eye should only pick up small pops of it around the room. Instead, use blush pink of course but mix it in with complementary tones like olive green or navy to add a much more interesting space.
10. Not Mixing Furniture Shapes
We’ve found that many of our clients believe that squares, circles and rectangular shapes can’t be mixed. Lord knows where this theory has come from! Just because you’ve got a rectangular coffee table doesn’t mean you can’t have a circular coffee table. Shapes are there to be played with. In fact, mixing shapes can actually break up the monotony of a space so give it a try and see what you can achieve.
