When it comes to the design of your home, you have a lot of decisions to make. Should you paint or wallpaper? What should your furniture look like? Your kitchen cabinets? Nowadays, people are constantly looking for new ways to decorate their homes and with all these options out there, it can be hard to know what is best for you. That’s why we’re here! We’ve compiled six common mistakes that many homeowners make when designing their own space, so you don’t fall into the same traps.
1) Using Inferior External Materials
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is using inferior materials on the exterior of their homes. This can be anything from cheap siding to stone that doesn’t quite match the rest of your house. Not only does this look bad, but it can also end up costing you more in the long run as these materials will need to be replaced more often. For example, wooden garage doors. These tend to age incredibly quickly and warp with the weather, so it’s important to choose a good quality material that will last. When you get steel garage doors, you no longer have this issue. Your garage door will not get swollen and stuck in the wetter times of the year, and it will not rot away when it gets colder. As steel is a very hard-wearing material, it is incredibly durable, meaning you do not have to replace it as often as you would a wooden garage door.
2) Choosing the Wrong Paint
Picking the wrong colors for your home is another common mistake. Everyone has their own personal taste, of course, but there are several mistakes that are surprisingly widespread. For example, many people choose colors that are too dark for their home, thinking it will make it look more luxurious. In reality, this often just makes the space feel cramped and unwelcoming. Other people make the mistake of using too many colors in one room, which can be overwhelming and chaotic. It’s important to choose colors that will complement each other and create a harmonious space.
Color isn’t the only thing you need to consider when it comes to paint. You get different types of paint for different rooms in your house, as well as for various parts of the exterior. For example, using oil-based paint for your trim and ceiling will provide a durable finish that can stand up to moisture and condensation. Latex is the best choice for interior walls, while Exterior paints need to be tough against UV damage and severe weather such as rain and snow. You will also have different paint to use on the interior of your bathroom when compared to the rest of your interior.
3) Not Considering Your Lighting
Lighting is an often-overlooked but incredibly important part of home design. It can completely change the look and feel of a space, so it’s important to get it right. Many people make the mistake of not considering their lighting at all, or only thinking about it when they’re already well into the design process. This can lead to problems, though. For example, if you don’t consider the lighting when designing your living room or kitchen, you might find that it’s too dark to use during the day without switching the lights on.
A lack of light can make an entire room feel dark, dreary, and unwelcoming, so it’s important to choose light colors and furniture that will reflect light and make a room feel more airy. Don’t underestimate the power of a good lamp, either.
4) Focusing on Small Details First
Another mistake some homeowners make is focusing on small details before anything else. It’s important to consider all aspects of your design when renovating or decorating your home, but it’s wise to first work out a layout that works well for your space. For example, how much furniture do you really need? Can there be an area where people can sit down and chat without feeling cramped? Will you have enough storage space for all your belongings? Remember that a design doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive in order for it to be functional. For example, a simple arrangement of furniture will still allow people to sit and chat while they’re having a meal.
5) Putting too Much Focus on One Area
When designing the interior of your home, many people make the mistake of putting too much focus on one area. For example, when decorating your living room, they may choose their favorite color along with the best rug and the comfiest sofa they can afford. But this leaves little attention left for other areas in their home, such as the kitchen or bedroom. This makes it difficult to finish off any rooms in your house as everything starts to clash. It’s important to have a plan and distribute your focus equally between all the rooms in your home.
6) Not Considering Your Needs
The final mistake people often make is not considering their needs when designing their homes. This can be something as simple as not having enough storage space or not having a designated area for dining. But it can also be more complicated, such as designing a home that doesn’t suit your lifestyle. For example, if you work from home, you may need an office that’s separate from the living room, so you can get some peace and quiet. Or if you have children, you may need extra bedrooms and storage space. By taking into all of your needs, you’re more likely to create a space that will suit you and your family for years to come.
When it comes to designing your home, you will inevitably make mistakes. Whether the mistake is not considering how light affects a room or focusing on small details before anything else, there are many common pitfalls that people fall into when renovating their homes. Luckily for you, these 6 mistakes can be avoided with careful consideration of your own needs and wants in addition to what’s best for the space itself.
