March 25, 2025

6 Interior Design Faux Pas to Avoid

Your new home is a blank canvas awaiting your artistic touch. But before you dive into decorating, it’s important to steer clear of some common interior design mishaps. Let’s take a lighthearted journey through a few very common design faux pas and learn how to sidestep them like a pro.

1. Over-the-Top Themes

While themes can add personality, it’s crucial not to drown in them. Remember that time you fell in love with beachy decor and decided your living room needed to be a permanent vacation? Instead of sand, shells, and hammocks, think subtlety. Incorporate beachy elements through colours, textures, and a few décor pieces. A couple of nautical throw pillows and a sandy-hued rug can transport you to that coastal retreat without leaving you stranded.

2. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting

Never underestimate the impact of lighting on your space. A single, harsh ceiling light can turn your cozy nook into an interrogation room. The solution? Layer your lighting. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Imagine basking in the soft glow of a floor lamp as you curl up with a good book. Ah, much better than the stark brightness, isn’t it?

3. Furniture That’s Way Too Big or Too Small

Picture this: You found that ultra-comfy sofa that feels like a cloud, only to realize it’s devouring your living room. Or maybe you opted for dainty chairs that make your dining area look like a dollhouse. Scale matters! Make sure your furniture fits your space appropriately. Before purchasing: measure, measure, measure. Lay out some painter’s tape on the floor to visualize how the piece will fit. And don’t forget, leave a bit of breathing room between furniture. You need room to live in your living spaces after all.

4. Neglecting the Power of Colour

Colour can change your mood faster than your morning coffee. But sometimes, in the excitement of decorating, homeowners tend to overdo it. Opt for a balanced colour palette. Choose a main colour and a couple of complementary shades. Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary colour, and 10% accent colour. Voila! Your space now looks harmonious and inviting, rather than like an exploded crayon box.

5. Disregarding Functionality

You saw that stunning glass coffee table, and despite the fact that you have two

rambunctious dogs and a toddler, you thought, "Why not?" And then you found out why. Functionality is key. Your home should cater to your lifestyle. Consider your daily routines, the needs of your family members (including the four-legged ones), and how you’ll use each space. A home office might look Instagram-worthy with that chic glass desk, but if it’s constantly cluttered and you’re working on your laptop from the couch, maybe it’s time to reassess.

6. Ignoring the Walls

Walls hold so much potential beyond paint. Blank walls are practically begging for attention. But beware, don’t dive into a frenzy of art and décor without a plan. Mixing different art styles and sizes can turn your wall into a confusing mishmash. Instead, create a gallery wall with a cohesive theme or go for a single statement piece that ties your décor together. And remember, negative space is your friend. Sometimes a little breathing room on the walls can make your treasures shine even brighter.

Looking for more décor tips? Read the rest of our stories from the latest issue of Poetry Living magazine including our interview with our décor studio director. Then, check out our low- and high-rise communities to find your next home.