Pet Peeves of Design
A frequently asked question that I often get is what are the most common interior design faux pas that you see in someone’s home. These small mistakes are easy to miss, especially if you have been living with one for so long. By fixing them it can make your room look bigger, brighter, or just plain better. Below I have listed a few of the most popular design dilemmas and I explain how to get it right!
Design by Plank + Willow
Design by Haley Weidenbaum
Highwater Curtains: Just like the pants we wear I see this problem time and time again when curtains are raised off the floor. Your drapery should be either skimming the floor for a modern look or have a 1”-2” puddle if you want something that feels more elegant and glamorous. By following this simple rule your ceilings will look taller and your walls will not look so choppy.
*PRO tip- hang your curtain rod high and close to the ceiling. This will also help to make your ceilings look high.
Design by Park + Oak
Design by Chris Loves Julia
Postage Stamp Rugs: I see small rugs everywhere. Here are some rules of thumb to make sure you pick the right size: In living spaces, if your furniture is against the wall then you want at least the 2 front legs of every chair and sofa on the rug. If you have floating furniture then you want the entire sofa and chair to sit completely on the rug. In a dining room your rug should be large enough so that when you pull out your dining chair you are still on the rug (roughly 2’ from every edge of the dining table).
*PRO tip- If you just found out that you have a small rug but you want to keep it then you are in luck! Layering rugs is a great look. Put a larger rug underneath your existing one in the correct size. I love using a more simple rug like a sisal underneath a patterned rug to make it pop!
Design by Eye for Pretty
Design by Rosa Beltran Design
Matchy-Matchy: Have you been tempted at a warehouse sale to buy an entire bed, nightstand, and dresser collection for your bedroom? Stop right there. Nothing is more redundant looking than all matching furniture in the same finish and same style. One of the most rewarding things from my job is making a room look like things were collected over time (when really we purchased it all at the same time). We buy things from different sources with different finishes and fabrics and textures. Of course it’s important to have a common element in the space to bring it all together whether it be a wood tone or the style. Purchasing furniture pieces that are different are what give a space character and interest!
*Pro tip- Remember to mix textures. Not all furniture is wood and fabric. A few examples are rattan, metal, and glass.
The slightest change in a room can make it beautiful again. Trust your instincts and if something doesn’t feel or look right, then you are probably correct! A great resource that I use for gathering concepts for my clients is the website Houzz. They have brilliant ideas and examples of beautiful spaces. Take cues from me and other talented designers by following me here, and create a space you can be proud to come home to.