Top 10 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 (And Expert Tips to Fix Them)

Hello there, design lovers! I’m so excited you’re here. As a professional interior designer, I’ve seen it all—from fabulous makeovers to some pretty avoidable mistakes. Whether you're redecorating one room or your whole house, the little things matter. And in 2025, design is all about smart, stylish, and sustainable choices.

Here are top 10 interior design mistakes people still make—and how to fix them like a pro. I’m also writing a few rules and guidelines, so you feel confident styling your space.

1. Ignoring the Power of Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks a room. One of the biggest mistakes I see is relying only on overhead lighting. It creates harsh shadows and doesn’t add warmth.

Fix it: Layer your lighting! Use a mix of ceiling (ambient lights), table (task, desk or reading lamps), and accent lighting (wall sconces or strip lighting) to create a balanced yet cozy vibe. Use dimmers and smart lighting systems for added control and mood setting throughout the day.

2. Choosing Paint Before Furniture and Finishes

I get it, paint seems to be the first thing that comes to mind for a refresh process, but it can actually make everything harder. It limits your fabric, rug, and furniture choices.

Fix it: Choose larger elements (like rugs and sofas) first, then pull a wall color from those tones. It’s much easier to match paint to a fabric than the other way around.

3. Hanging Art That is Too Small or Too High

Art that is too small for the space or art that floats way above eye level makes a room feel disconnected.

Fix it: Hang artwork so the center is about 57 to 60 inches from the floor—around average eye level. If it’s above furniture, keep it within 6 to 8 inches of the top.

Bonus Tip: Group smaller pieces using the 2/3 rule—art above a sofa or console should span about 2/3 the width of the furniture beneath it.

4. Using Small Rugs

Multiple tiny rugs can make a space feel busy and chopped up.

Fix it: Go big! Use one large rug to define the space. In a living room, all major furniture legs should sit on the rug or at least the front legs.

5. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls

This is one of the most common layout mistakes. It can make your room feel like a waiting area instead of a cozy living space.

Fix it: Pull furniture away from the walls and group seating to encourage conversation. Use rugs to anchor and define the area.

6. Overdecorating Every Corner

Trying to fill every inch of a room can lead to visual clutter and stress.

Fix it: Let your space breathe! Negative space is part of the design. Focus on statement pieces and keep surfaces like countertops and shelves edited and purposeful.

7. Not Thinking About Scale and Proportion

Tiny furniture in a large room—or oversized pieces in a small room—can throw off the balance.

Fix it: Measure your room before buying furniture. Use painter's tape on the floor to plan layouts. Balance large and small items for a natural flow.

8. Following Every Trend

Trends can be fun, but a home filled with fast-fashion decor can feel impersonal.

Fix it: Pick trends you genuinely love, and blend them with classic or timeless pieces. Your space should reflect your personality, not a showroom.

SEO Tip: Interior design trends 2025, timeless design ideas, how to mix trends in decor.

9. Ignoring Function for Style

This might be the biggest problem in interior design—choosing things just because they look good, without thinking about how you live.

Fix it: Think about how you use the space first. If you entertain often, create seating that’s social and comfortable. If you cook a lot, make sure your kitchen layout is practical.

This is where the three F’s of interior design come in: Function, Flow, and Feeling. Ask yourself: Is it useful? Does it make sense in the space? And how does it make me feel?

10. Forgetting the 70/30 Rule

So, what is the 70/30 rule in interior design? 70% of your room should be one dominant style, and 30% should be a contrasting or accent style.

Fix it: If your home leans modern, mix in 30% vintage or natural elements to create depth. This keeps your space from feeling too one-note.

This approach also helps with color—use 70% neutral tones, 30% accent colors for a balanced, pulled-together look.

BONUS: What is the 2/3 Rule in Interior Design?

The 2/3 rule is great for furniture and wall decor. For example, your coffee table should be about 2/3 the length of your sofa. Wall art above a piece of furniture should span roughly 2/3 of its width.

This trick helps everything feel proportional and visually pleasing.

Conclusion

There you have it—10 of the most common interior design mistakes (and how to avoid them like a pro). Designing your home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With a little planning and a few simple guidelines, you can create a space that’s both stylish and functional.

Want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home? I’d love to guide you through the process!Book your discovery call today!

Hi, I’m Ria, principal designer and owner of a Dallas-based luxury interior design studio, Interiors By Ria. I help busy professionals create beautiful, functional homes that reflect their lifestyle. Visit my new website at www.interiorsbyria.com or book a discovery call to get started!

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