When decorating your first home or refreshing a space that no longer feels quite right, knowing what not to do can be just as valuable as the inspiration you draw from social media.
If your space isn’t working as well as it should, Steven Dempsey, Style Consultant at Shutterly Fabulous, shares the six interior mistakes he sees people make most often, and how to stop them from ruining your home.
- Using high-saturation colours to go bold
“Choosing a colour palette is one of the most important decisions you will make when decorating, and it’s easy to get it wrong. Steer clear of primary colours, especially for paint. Basic reds, blues, and yellows lack depth and can instantly make a room feel juvenile, while jewel tones can look cheap if not styled carefully.
“Instead, opt for a more grounded palette with muted blues and pinks, and olive and rust tones, or deep burgundy. These earthy, dusty shades pair beautifully with most neutrals and wood finishes, creating a timeless palette that feels warm and inviting.”
- Treating the ceiling like an afterthought
“Painting the ceiling white is often the default choice, but in bold or colourful rooms it can end up looking forgotten. Rather than leaving it brilliant white, take the wall colour onto the ceiling. This simple trick creates the illusion of higher ceilings and makes large rooms feel cosier.
“Alternatively, choose a darker or bolder complementary shade above the picture rail to create a striking focal point. If you’re feeling adventurous, wallpapering the ceiling adds drama and intrigue to a room, especially those with period features such as coving.”
- Hanging curtains too low
“Window treatments can make or break a room. They frame the space, but many people hang curtains without much consideration. One of the most common mistakes is installing the pole too low, which makes the room appear shorter.
“Hang curtains as close to the ceiling as possible to create the illusion of higher ceilings and a larger room overall. Similarly, always allow curtains to drape to the floor instead of cutting off at the windowsill, which can make the room feel smaller and shorter.”
- Matching furniture and fabrics
“Buying matching furniture sets feels like the easiest way to fill your space and feel cohesive. However, overly coordinated interiors can flatten the personality of a room. The same applies to soft furnishings, where matching every fabric removes depth and interest.
“To create a curated and personal space, choose pieces that complement each other without being identical. Mix wood tones, textures, and silhouettes to create a truly unique space. When selecting fabrics, combine patterns and materials that work seamlessly but add contrast and character.”
- Choosing furniture that’s too small
“Another common mistake people make is buying furniture that’s undersized for the room, especially coffee tables, bedside cabinets, and rugs.
“Always measure before you buy, and consider proportions as well as dimensions, so each piece feels balanced with the space. In a living room, the front legs of your sofa should sit on the rug. Anything smaller will make the room feel off scale. Choose bedside cabinets that are roughly the same height as your bed and fill the space on either side, while ensuring they are still functional.”
- Picking the wrong finishes
“Finishes can make a home feel elevated or instantly cheap, whether that’s hardware, wood tones, or paint types. To avoid costly mistakes, first consider how each room is used and choose finishes that suit its purpose.
“In kitchens and bathrooms, satin and gloss paints are best as they minimise watermarks and are easy to clean. Avoid matte black hardware as it shows fingerprints easily. Chrome and brass are more forgiving, and if you prefer gold, opt for antique brass. It offers a timeless look rather than builder-grade gold, which can fade fast and appear dated.
“For furniture, natural wood is a safe choice that works with most interior styles. Avoid white or black flat-pack pieces, which can appear cold and lack personality. Instead, mix hardwoods such as teak, oak, walnut, and mango wood for warmth and texture.”
Photo by Jonathan Borba: https://www.pexels.com/photo/spacious-living-room-with-modern-design-5570230/
