There are many design rules out there such as making sure to layer your lighting, mix up textures fabrics to add depth and interest to a space but for many the phrase ‘some rules are meant to be broken’ rings true. But is that correct when it comes to design?! Knowing the rules and how to break them is key and something an interior designer is skilled at doing. There are some design rules, however, that are there for a reason and breaking them is big no no. Here are my 6 design mistakes that must be avoided at all costs.

Design mistakes to avoid #1

Short curtains - I can’t believe that people still need to be told this but short curtains are a definite no no. if you are worrying that you won’t be able to feel the heat from the rad beneath the window then invest in a roman blind or shutters. Curtains should always hit the floor and pool slightly, this gives the feeling of luxury. Short curtains look like they have been an afterthought in the design process and you panicked and picked up any old curtain in Dunelm. So many places can make curtains for you in inexpensive materials, such as Ada&Ina and with companies such as Zara Home, H&M and Ikea offering inexpensive ready made full length curtains there really is no excuse.

You can also add eyelet curtains to this list!

There are so many alternatives and ways to dress a window and the above images are great examples. If you are going for full length curtains then they must touch the floor, if you want privacy but don’t want to trap heat from the radiator you have the option of using a roller blind and curtains as alternatives. There is no excuse to ever have short curtains and it is the one mistake ALL designers notice in a space.

Design mistakes to avoid #2

Copper wire lights -. As well as copper wire light pendants, copper pipe lighting can all go into room 101. It was too much of a trend and already feels dated.

Design mistakes to avoid #3

Live laugh love wall decals -there is no reason to ever have these on your wall. If you have a space that you are keen to fill then there are plenty of places online selling inexpensive artwork that could take the place of these decals.

Design mistakes to avoid #4

Shower panels. These started life being used in caravans as a really inexpensive way to waterproof the shower area and this is where they should stay. I understand why people may go for them, no grout to get dirty, easy and quick to apply and relatively inexpensive to buy and also to fit but I have never seen them look good and they always end up looking cheap compared to tiles.

When I worked in a kitchen and bathroom showroom we had so many developers of low end houses and people doing up rentals or holiday lets buying these for all these reasons, but it doesn’t matter what design you put on them they will always look cheap and your bathroom will look like it belongs in a caravan.

If you are after floor to ceiling design with minimal grout lines then you have the option to go for large format tiles where you are minimising the amount of grout lines or tadelakt where you are doing away with grout lines altogether

Design mistakes to avoid #5

Extra large clocks - you don’t live in Paddington station, your clock doesn’t need to be that big.

If you want to make a feature of your clock there are other options such as these below. above a mantle in a size thats relative to the space and also against a bold backdrop.

Design mistakes to avoid #6

Matching your toaster, kettle and all other kitchen accessories. You don’t need everything in your kitchen to match, in fact having different textures and elements helps to create interest in your scheme