6 Common Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

At RedLine Interior Design Studio, we believe great design goes beyond appearances. Whether it's a home, office, or commercial space, design should bring harmony, comfort, and purpose to every corner.

Yet even the most beautiful spaces can be compromised by subtle mistakes — often ones we don’t even realize we’re making. The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Here are six interior design missteps that may be sabotaging your space — and exactly how to fix them:

Ignoring Scale and Proportion

The problem: A tiny rug in a large living room. An oversized armchair crammed into a small bedroom. Mismatched proportions disrupt visual balance and make a room feel awkward or cluttered.

How to fix it:

Choose furniture and decor that fit the scale of your room. Before buying, use painter’s tape to outline the size of the piece on your floor — this helps you visualize how it fits. Still unsure? Slightly larger rugs and lighting can create visual impact, but avoid over-scaling in compact spaces.

Playing It Too Safe with Color

The problem: An all-beige, monochromatic palette can make a room feel bland and uninspired.

How to fix it:

Introduce color accents — paint one wall, add bold throw pillows, display vibrant artwork, or bring in a standout chair or lamp. Even subtle tones like deep green or navy can add depth and personality. Remember, color influences mood — so choose shades that reflect the energy you want in the space.

Underestimating Lighting

The problem: Relying solely on overhead lighting leads to flat, uninviting rooms with harsh shadows.

How to fix it:

Layer your lighting. Blend ceiling fixtures with floor lamps, wall sconces, and task lights to create dimension. Use warm LED bulbs for a cozy, welcoming glow — especially in living rooms and bedrooms.

Hanging Art Too High (or Too Low).

The problem: Artwork that sits too far above eye level feels disconnected from the rest of the room.

How to fix it:

Hang art with its center roughly 145–150 cm (57–60 inches) from the floor. If placing art above furniture, use the ⅔ rule — the width of the piece should be about two-thirds of the furniture below it.

Choosing Style Over Comfort

The problem: Designing for Instagram instead of real life. That trendy oversized couch or angular chair might look cool — but if it’s not comfortable, it doesn’t work.

How to fix it:

Design for how you live. Test furniture when possible, and prioritize functionality over fleeting trends. A beautiful space should also be a space you love being in.

Cluttered Surfaces

The problem: Filling every tabletop and shelf with decorative items creates visual noise and stress.

How to fix it:

Embrace negative space. Keep surfaces clear and curate your decor intentionally. A few well-placed pieces make a stronger impression than clutter. Let key design elements stand out on their own.

Final Thoughts

Interior design is a blend of aesthetics, function, and psychology. A few thoughtful adjustments can transform your space — and how you feel in it.

Need expert guidance?

At RedLine Interior Design Studio, we craft spaces that feel as good as they look — combining creativity with strategy to reflect your lifestyle, values, and vision.

Ready to rethink your interior? Let’s talk.