Have you ever wanted to pick the brains of professional designers and ask them what you absolutely want to avoid when tackling an interior project? Are there certain paint colors that are a no-no? Or maybe you’re wondering if you can just order in bulk from your favorite retailer and call it a day.
Most of us don’t have a best friend interior designer on speed dial, but we can help by providing the next best solution. It’s a list of 15 things interior designers swear they’ll never do. Read more. Their answers may surprise you.
Getty Images/Jose Luis Laota
Don’t buy all your furniture items from one retailer
“I wouldn’t source all the furniture for a room from a catalog or a set of furniture from a manufacturer,” says Harry Henry Sims of Harry Henry Design in Houston. “Rooms need to feel layered and collected over time. In that sense, I wouldn’t design a project that didn’t incorporate antique or vintage pieces. These pieces , which helps tell the story of the customers who live there.”
Caroline Harvey of Simply CH Lifestyle & Interiors in Richmond, Virginia, agrees. “The idea of matching furniture goes against the eclectic yet collected look that most people go for, regardless of their personal tastes,” she says. “In the South, we’re so lucky to be able to fill our homes with great antiques and unique vintage pieces. It’s great to source individual items and see how each piece works together to create a unified aesthetic. It’s so much fun.”
Never Play 100% Safe
“Never play it safe when it comes to design decisions,” says Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant in Atlanta. “If it feels exciting but good and it’s just outside your comfort zone, do it. Stay in a ‘yes’ place.”
Never use the bath towel bar
“When designing a bathroom, you never use a bath towel bar,” says Liz Goldberg of CAROLYN LEONA in Raleigh. “We find that no one has time to neatly fold towels on the bar. Life is too busy! Instead, use towel hooks to create an organized and clean space, and even throw You can also move.”
Never underestimate the power of lampshades
“The most beautiful spaces are layered, and a custom lampshade is an unmissable opportunity to inject color, pattern, texture, and personality,” says Lindsay Space of Lindsay Space Interior Design in Raleigh. Masu. “We’ve created shades for all kinds of fabrics, but for a recent project we had a local artist hand-paint shades to match our botanical wallpaper. This might be my new favorite trick. No.”
never forget the fifth wall
“You don’t have to stick to a basic white ceiling,” Space added. “I paint or paper the ceiling to draw the eyes upwards. In my moody study, I recently covered the ceiling with gold-leafed brown paper, which brightens up the room. In another project, I I painted my bedroom ceiling a subtle shell pink.In the South, of course, haint blue is a firm favorite for outdoor spaces.”
don’t forget to measure
Kate Figler of Nashville designer Kate Figler Interiors says, “I buy items without meticulously measuring them and making sure they work within the design.” There’s nothing wrong with that.” “It’s important to measure from all angles, and this applies to everything from lighting to area rugs to artwork. We create cardboard cutouts for light fixtures and create layouts for furniture and rugs. We often use blue tape to make sure it’s the right size.”
Never skimp on the size of your area rug
“Area rugs are a central component of our designs, working to soften a room and create a calming atmosphere. However, if it’s too small, it can completely disrupt the design and look of the space.” Figler says. “I would never specify a rug that is either completely unfurnished or half on, half off.”
Don’t forget to customize
“Customizing elements of a room is the best way to reflect a client’s personality,” says Isabel Rudd of Isabel Rudd Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky. “Some can be as complex as custom-made curtains and furniture, or as simple as replacing a standard white lampshade with one that is patterned or embellished with fun trims. There you have it (just pick up your glue gun).”
Never design according to trends
“One thing I never want to do as an interior designer is design based on trends,” says Teri Clar of NAFASI Interiors in Charleston. “People always ask me what inspires me and the answer is ‘clients’. Let’s be honest: there are so many styles, colors, patterns, and fabrics that it’s hard to choose from scratch or keep up with what’s trending right now. You need to know what your clients are attracted to and what makes them most comfortable. ”
Don’t forget to research fabric repeats
“For patterned fabrics, be sure to pull the fabric on the website to understand the repeat,” says Charleston designer Melissa Irvin of Melissa Irvin Interior Design. “One time, a piece of fabric showed up with an unexpected 2-inch border. Creative 101’s problem-solving features kicked in and I was able to use it as a curtain border. The repeat was not listed, so when I looked at it, I needed extra fabric.”
Never forget the last layer
“The devil is in the details,” Irvin says. “The design process starts with the big parts of the room, like upholstery, rugs, and curtains, and ends with the art, pillows, and accessories. The small details are just as important as the big ones.”
Never install blinds
“One of the design elements I swore I’d never include is blinds. Those thin, slatted plastic monstrosities drive me nuts,” says Heuer Design Collective of Atlanta. says Dawn Heuer. “Blinds can take away from the beauty of even the best-designed room, but Roman shades and curtains are great accents and complements.”
Never give up your heirlooms
“We never get rid of a client’s heirloom furniture without first thinking about how to reuse it,” says Ariene Bethea of Charlotte’s Dressing Room Interiors. “If the work is of good quality, we will consider all options. For example, if the case is good, can we use new hardware and paint or stain it a new color? Bar, writing station, potting Maybe you can turn it into a station? Or, if it’s upholstered, you can put it back, so you could replace the legs or put upholstered legs and put it in another room.”
Don’t use a single paint color for the entire house
“Using a single paint color throughout your home can create a cohesive look, but it also has some drawbacks,” says Houston designer Laura Umansky of Laura U Design Collective . “Home interior design is a form of self-expression. It’s an opportunity for individuals to show off their unique tastes, interests, and personality. By incorporating a variety of paint colors, homeowners can express their personal You can create a space that reflects your style and makes it a more inviting and authentic environment.”
Don’t design an interior with completely similar colors
“I love bright, contrasting interiors,” Umansky says. “While the tonal look is very chic and on-trend, I personally love bold designs. Even if it’s just a pop of color, make it fuchsia!”
