13 interior design mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Appartement Luxembourg, FELD Architecture FELD Architecture Quartos modernos
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Nobody's perfect, but we all want our home furnishing to be, so how can we avoid making silly interior design mistakes that will ruin the aesthetics we're working so hard for? 

Well, we decided to gather some of the most common offenders then look at how top interior designers manage to sidestep them. We're not just going to tell you what the worst mistakes are, we're also going to give you the solutions. Generous to a fault, aren't we? 

From living room sets that are too matchy-matchy to lighting that simply doesn't do the job, prepare to become an expert at avoiding design potholes!

1. Installing lighting that looks good but doesn't illuminate much

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Always combine fashion and function when it comes to your lighting solutions otherwise, why have any at all?

2. Buying a full set of matching furniture

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Step away from the catalogue!

You don't want your living room to like like countless others, do you? Then mix things up a bit and stick to a colour scheme rather than a brand.

3. Leaving the walls blank is minimalist chic

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Actually, it just makes your home look bare! Start collecting pieces you feel a connection to and hang or install them when you have time.

4. Sticking to one colour throughout a room is cohesive

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You can have too much of a good thing, so try adding in some complementary accent shades to pick out your favourite hue a little better.

5. Avoiding new trends will keep a room timeless

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Nothing could be further from the truth! By deliberately avoiding trends, your home will age very quickly. If nothing else, try adding a few small accessories.

6. Not putting too many of my eccentricities out there will look better

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Be yourself! This is your home so your opinion matters most. Get all your weird and wacky belongings on show and really own the space.

7. Statement furniture always looks good

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Only if you pick out the colour you have gone for in other areas of the room! Try to include some accessories in a similar shade to integrate an item.

8. Designer wallpaper is the only way to make walls look fancy

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Not true! A feature wall in paint or cheaper wallpaper can also have a great impact and won't blow your whole budget.

9. Matching everything is the only way to go

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We think that contrasts help to pick out clever touches, so opt for a variety of materials and complementary colours.

10. The more things you include in a room, the cosier it feels

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Don't confuse cluttered with cosy! Try to hide away some things in storage boxes and cupboards or you might feel a little claustrophobic.

11. Neutral colours everywhere will look calm

Appartement Luxembourg, FELD Architecture FELD Architecture Quartos modernos

Actually, they run the risk of looking a little dull. Try to add some variety through your textiles. Rugs, throws and curtain all add funky texture easily.

12. Windows aren't an important part of a design scheme

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You couldn't be more wrong! The key to welcoming plenty of natural light, you should try to make the most of them with simple, floaty dressings.

13. Too much storage will shrink a room

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Sleek, beautiful storage will only ever add practicality and style to a space, so don't scrimp!

For more interior design tips, take a look at this Ideabook: 25 Small Home Decorating Blunders You Should Avoid!

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