7 Interior Design Mistakes
Simple fixes that make every space feel elevated, calm, and intentional.
Creating a beautiful home doesn’t require a full renovation, it’s the small, everyday decisions that shape how your space feels. And while most people worry about colour palettes or furniture styles, the truth is that the things making your home feel “off” are often subtle design mistakes that are easy to fix.
At Cedar & Stone Co., we believe all homes can feel warm, grounded, and beautifully intentional. Here are the most common design mistakes we see (and how to fix them today).
⸻
1. Too Many Tiny Decor Pieces
Small items create visual clutter quickly.
A shelf full of trinkets, small frames, or mismatched accessories can make a room feel chaotic, even if everything is technically “pretty.”
✔ Do this instead:
• Use larger, fewer pieces
• Think: one sculptural vase, a stack of books, one candle
• Create negative space to give your eyes a rest
Big objects create calm. Tiny objects create overwhelm.
⸻
2. Rugs That Are Too Small
This is one of the most common (and most fixable) design mistakes.
A rug that floats in the middle of the room makes everything feel off-scale.
✔ The rule:
• Living room: Front legs of all major furniture on the rug
• Dining room: All chairs should stay on the rug when pulled out
• Bedroom: Rug should extend 2–3 feet around the bed
The right-sized rug instantly elevates the whole space.
⸻
3. Harsh, Bright White Lighting
Lighting can either warm your home… or make it feel like a hospital.
Cool white bulbs (4000K–5000K) create a harsh, blue-toned glow that makes rooms feel cold, cluttered, and uninviting.
I wrote a full guide on this because lighting can completely transform a room — you can read it here:
How to Light Your Home Like a Designer
✔ Use instead:
• Warm bulbs around 2700K
• Multiple lamps instead of one overhead
• Dimmers if possible
Warm lighting is the quickest way to create a cozy, high-end atmosphere.
⸻
4. Furniture Pushed Flat Against the Walls
When everything hugs the walls, the room feels stiff and uninviting.
✔ Try this:
• Float your sofa slightly forward
• Angle a chair
• Bring pieces closer to create a conversation zone
Even a small shift can make your home feel more designer-approved.
⸻
5. Ignoring Window Treatments
Bare windows make a room feel unfinished — like something is missing.
✔ The designer trick:
• Hang curtains high and wide to make ceilings feel taller
• Use soft fabrics like linen or cotton
• Avoid short curtains that hang at the window sill
Window treatments are the secret to making any room feel custom.
⸻
6. Too Many Clashing Colours
A beautiful home doesn’t need to be beige, but it does need cohesion.
✔ Keep this rule in mind:
Choose a whole-home palette of 3–5 colours and repeat them across rooms.
This instantly makes your space feel intentional and calming.
If you’re unsure where to start:
earthy neutrals, warm woods, and soft greens never fail.
⸻
7. No Clear Focal Point
Every room needs one moment that anchors the space:
• A fireplace
• A large piece of art
• A feature wall
• A styled console
• A beautiful light fixture
When nothing stands out, the room feels scattered.
When one thing stands out, everything falls into place.
⸻
Final Thoughts
Small shifts make the biggest difference.
Whether you’re refreshing your living room or giving your whole home a new feel, avoiding these common mistakes will instantly make your space more polished, welcoming, and beautifully cohesive.
And speaking of cozy, elevated spaces…
we’re sharing something very special next week to celebrate the season. 🎄✨
If you love warm design, thoughtful gifting, and beautiful home moments,
keep an eye on our Instagram, something magical is coming.
Cedar & Stone Co.