10 mistakes to avoid when designing your space
Designing your space can be a rewarding, yet challenging process. It is a unique opportunity to express your personal style and create an environment that truly feels like home, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail to avoid some common mistakes. Whether you are creating a personal living area or a professional workspace, making informed decisions about your design can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Here are ten mistakes to avoid when designing your space to ensure that your project is as successful as it is enjoyable.
Neglecting a plan
One of the most critical mistakes is diving into the design process without a solid plan. A detailed plan serves as your roadmap, guiding every decision from colour schemes to furniture placement. At the very least, I would recommend that you create a scaled drawing or floor plan to ensure that the layout of your space is functional and that the pieces you choose are the right ones. Take the time to sketch out your vision (or use a room styling app) and consider all aspects before making any purchases or changes.
Consider the layout
Layout is the backbone of a room's design. A well-planned layout allows for smooth traffic flow and easy access to all areas of the room. It should take into account the function of the space, how many people will be using the space, the placement of windows and doors, the directionality of natural light, etc. A poorly planned space can make a room less functional and feel cramped or awkward, no matter how beautiful your finishes and furnishings are.
Ignoring scale and proportion
The scale of your furniture and fixtures can greatly affect how your space feels. It is easy to fall in love with a piece of furniture or an accessory, but if it does not fit the scale of your room, it can throw off the entire design. Too large, and your room might feel cramped. Too small, and it might feel sparse and unbalanced. Ensure that everything from the sofa to the coffee table to the rug is proportionate to the size of the space to maintain balance and harmony.
Overlooking functionality
While aesthetics are important, functionality should never be compromised. Think about how you will use the space on a day to day basis and choose designs and layouts that support those activities. For instance, storage is key for maintaining a clean, uncluttered, and organized space. Without sufficient storage, clutter can quickly accumulate, detracting from the beauty of your design. Similarly ergonomics and and traffic flow are all essential considerations.
Lighting missteps
Lighting sets the mood of your room, and can make or break a space. It can make your space feel intimate and cozy, or spacious and vibrant. Avoid relying solely on one type of lighting if you want to avoid creating a space that feels dull or unwelcoming. Layered lighting, which includes ambient, task, and accent lighting, helps create a more inviting and functional environment. It is also important to use natural light to its fullest potential so make use of mirrors and reflective surfaces to enhance natural light.
Poor colour choices
Colours can influence the perception of space and the colour scheme of a space can significantly affect its mood and atmosphere. A well-chosen palette can create harmony and cohesion, while choosing the wrong colour palette can lead to a disjointed and uncomfortable atmosphere. First consider the size of the room, the amount of natural light it receives, and the mood you want to create, then test a few colours in your space under different lighting before committing to your final choice.
Forgetting about focal points
Every room needs a focal point that draws the eye and anchors the space; this is the first thing you want someone to see. Be intentional about your focal points - it could be a piece of art, a fireplace, or a striking piece of furniture - to make the room can structured and well planned. However, avoid have too many striking elements in one space to avoid overwhelming the space and taking attention away from the intended focal point.
Disregarding cohesion
While eclectic styles can be charming, there needs to be a sense of cohesion in your design. This does not mean everything must match, and you do not even need to confine yourself to one design style. You may choose a mix of styles to create your own unique style but ensure that it is done with intention and that there are commons thread that tie the elements together, whether it is the colour palette, style, or theme.
Not personalizing the space
Your space does not have to look like a page out of a magazine to be considered beautiful. A well designed space should reflect your personality and lifestyle, and as such incorporate personal items, such as family photos, travel souvenirs, unique art pieces, or a collection of your favourite books, to bring warmth and personality to a space. These are the details that make a space truly yours.
Skipping the finishing touches
Finally, the details often make the biggest difference. Pay attention to finishing touches like trim, hardware, textiles, and accessories. If you chipped some paint while moving furniture into the space, touch it up with some more paint. Make sure that your pillows and blankets are fluffed, steam the curtains to make them look crisp. These little details that seem insignificant can make your space look polished and complete, instead of frumpy and unfinished.