Hiring an interior designer isn’t a feasible option for everyone; they can be unaffordable, and you may have style preferences that you prefer to develop on your own. More homeowners are opting for do-it-yourself (DIY) interior design to avoid breaking the bank or creating a living space that doesn’t suit them well. DIY interior design is a fun and creative journey, but it can be pretty easy to make some dire mistakes along the way. Research and preparation are your friends, so learning some of these mistakes can help you easily avoid making them.
Not Measuring the Space
Measurements are so important when selecting new decor and furniture for your space. A couch may appear to be the right size in a product photo or showroom, but it can quickly become oversized when placed in your living room. Measure the space you’re working with, including how much real estate you want the furniture piece to take up. If you overcrowd the space, flow and traffic will be affected, limiting comfort and convenience. Pieces that are too small will be underwhelming, adding to a disconnected look. Pay attention to the sizes of every piece you’re considering.
Opting for Mass-Produced Furniture
You may not have the biggest budget for your home design, requiring you to choose the most cost-effective furniture pieces that match your aesthetic preferences. Mass-produced “fast furniture” isn’t likely to save you money over time, however. You’ll likely need a replacement soon, as lower-quality materials are more prone to damage, wear, and tear, and can even break completely within a year or less. You’ll end up paying more in the long run if you choose the cheapest option. Instead, try to choose furniture with durable, high-quality, authentic materials, such as solid wood. They’ll be more expensive upfront, which may require you to upgrade your furniture pieces a little slower. Local furniture stores may be able to finance or give you better deals than big-box stores, too. Handmade furniture can last a lifetime. I found an Amish furniture store near me with great prices on handmade pieces. Put more thought into your next furniture upgrade, and you likely won’t regret it.
Skipping an Overall Design Plan
Many DIY designers believe they can maintain a consistent design plan in their minds and skip the formal design plan stage altogether, but this is a mistake. You’ll want to create a formal plan to not only remind yourself of the styles and aesthetics you want, but also to provide an outline for any other professionals who will help bring your dream to life. If all you have is your mind when trying to explain your goals, it’s much easier to make mistakes and add miscommunication into the mix. You may like certain colors or styles, but they may not complement your overall room when it’s time to put everything together. Bring example images, color palettes, and material swatches into a portfolio to help you make more coherent and cohesive decisions.
Forgetting the Lighting
Lighting is often an afterthought during a design or remodel, but light fixtures significantly impact a room’s theme more than most realize. If you forget to incorporate lighting into your plan, there may not be space for stylish floor lamps or layered lighting that makes a room really pop. Ensure you plan your lighting styles from the outset. Don’t forget about ambient, accent, and task lighting appropriate for each room. Spaces should have more than one light source. Factor in natural light as well.
Purchasing Before Trying
Some furniture pieces will jump out at you online or in person, inspiring you to make a quick purchase. Even if you’ve checked the measurements and style of the piece, that doesn’t mean your work is done. You can’t really use furniture that isn’t comfortable or practical for your lifestyle. If you opt for furniture that your pets will easily destroy, you’re going to have a hard time trying to get them off of it. If you can’t sit comfortably in chairs, then they don’t serve much of a purpose. Try out the furniture before making a purchase. Sit or lie in them for as long as you can to ensure they provide long-term comfort.
Neglecting the Samples
Interior design samples help you match and style the room according to your preferences. There are numerous types of wood, paint color tones, and fabrics that may not mesh well together if you don’t have a reference on hand. Grab sample swatches of paints, fabrics, materials, flooring, countertops, and any other elements you’re including in your interior design to ensure everything works well together. Paint samples can help you choose wall colors that work well at all times of day. Fabric samples help you decide what types are the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. You can add samples of your choices to your design portfolio, allowing others to help you create a more cohesive design as well.
Too Much Matching
A well-coordinated interior design plan doesn’t mean everything has to look the same. If you use the same color, fabric, or style for every element in the room, it won’t just look boring, but it can also lack personality. Don’t underestimate the power of accent pieces or colors. You want to balance the room, not make it exactly the same. Use a mix of different colors, tones, and materials. Sometimes, contrasting is the most stylish choice.
Conclusion
When you’ve finally chosen pieces, colors, and materials that create a style you enjoy, you don’t want to forget finishing touches. A rug or accent pillow can add a ton of style and flair with very little additional cost. It’s not unusual for DIY designers to forget additional flair once they’ve improved the function and flow of a room. Experiment with various finishing pieces and decorations to maximize the design’s full potential. It’s okay to make mistakes in your process, as long as you learn from them to create a design that’s comfortable, functional, and enjoyable.