Interior Design Mistakes You Didn’t Know You’re Making (And Exactly How to Fix Them)
We’ve all been there. You had the best intentions: you bought the “perfect” rug, centered your art, and proudly filled every shelf. But somehow... things feel off. Not awful, just not right.
At Lark Interiors, we’ve seen it all—from too-high curtain rods to sofas that are basically beige regret.
And because we believe luxury design should still be livable, personal, and just plain good, we’re breaking down the most common interior design mistakes—plus, exactly how to fix them (with zero judgment).
So let’s get into it, shall we?
❌ Mistake #1: Floating Furniture Island Syndrome
You’ve got a giant sectional. It’s comfy. It’s soft. It’s parked directly against the wall like it’s doing time in furniture prison.
✔ Fix It:
Float that sofa. Give it room to breathe. Even pulling it just 6–12 inches off the wall creates depth and dimension. Bonus points for adding a console table or bench behind it to anchor the space.
💡 Need sofa advice that won’t leave you with buyer’s remorse? Check out our guide on how to pick a sofa—it covers the 3 F’s that matter most.
❌ Mistake #2: Rug Too Small (a Classic Offense)
Nothing makes a room feel off-scale faster than a tiny little rug.
✔ Fix It:
Your rug should be big enough for all front legs of your furniture to sit on it—in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. When in doubt, go up a size or layer rugs for a more collected look.
💡 Psst… looking for inspiration? Our portfolio is full of stylish restraint.
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Lighting Layers
One overhead fixture = not enough. Even if it’s stunning. Your space needs layers of light to feel warm and welcoming.
✔ Fix It:
Use a mix of ambient (overhead), task (reading lights, pendants), and accent (sconces, art lighting). And please—put that overhead light on a dimmer. Your eyeballs will thank you.
❌ Mistake #4: All Matching Furniture Sets
We get it. It’s tempting. It’s on sale. It feels easy. It feels safe. But matching bedroom or living room sets? It’s a fast track to a space that feels flat and generic.
✔ Fix It:
Mix materials, tones, and silhouettes. Pair a vintage dresser with a modern bed. Use a leather chair to offset a soft linen sofa. Contrast is where the magic happens.
❌ Mistake #5: Hanging Art at Giraffe Height
If your guests have to tilt their heads back like they’re admiring the Sistine Chapel, it’s too high.
✔ Fix It:
Hang art so that the center is around 57–60 inches from the floor—aka eye level. Over a sofa or console? The bottom of the art should sit 4–6 inches above the furniture. Trust us, it’s worth adjusting.
❌ Mistake #6: Choosing Style Over Performance
You fell in love with a cream velvet sofa… until the dog sat on it, your toddler spilled yogurt on it, and your husband wore dark jeans that bled onto it. And now you’re Googling “how to remove denim from despair.”
✔ Fix It:
Performance fabric. Every time. You can have beauty and durability, especially with options like Crypton, Sunbrella, or InsideOut.
💡 Here’s our full breakdown of performance fabric for upholstery—including which ones clean up like magic.
❌ Mistake #7: Treating Every Room Like It’s a Separate House
This is especially common in larger homes—each room has its own vibe, but nothing flows. It’s not eclectic. It’s just disjointed.
✔ Fix It:
Pick a consistent color palette or a few repeating elements—wood tone, metal finish, or textile—to tie it all together. The rooms don’t have to match, but they should talk to each other.
❌ Mistake #8: Not Asking for Help (Or Trying to DIY a Whole House on Pinterest Boards)
Designing your space can feel overwhelming—and while Pinterest is great, it won’t tell you if your hallway is too narrow for that console you love.
✔ Fix It:
Ask for help. Work with a designer. Or better yet—work with us. 😏
💡 At Lark Interiors, we guide you through every step—whether you’re updating a single room or building from scratch.
✨ Final Thoughts: Design with Confidence
Interior design isn’t about getting everything “right.” It’s about creating a home that feels like you, flows effortlessly, and stands the test of real life (wine spills, dog hair, and all).
So don’t worry if you’ve made a few design missteps. We’ve all been there. The good news? They’re fixable—and your dream space is closer than you think. Many of the above can be avoided when working with experienced residential architects Dallas homeowners trust. Want to avoid every one of these pitfalls? Hire the pros Dallas Fort Worth locals trust.”
LARK INTERIORS
An interior design and residential architecture firm based in Dallas, Texas and focused on liveable luxury. We believe in comfy sofas, performance fabrics, and coffee tables you can put your feet on.