The most common interior design mistakes
Fortunately, there are no taste police - and tastes differ, as we all know. Nevertheless, there are universal interior design mistakes that can turn any office or living space into an aesthetic problem area. The reason is an excess of colors and styles, which in combination can create a feeling of unrest and clutter. When added to the normal everyday clutter, a sense of chaos is quickly created. The easiest colors to combine are achromatic black and white, as well as gray and natural tones. If the basic decor consists of muted colors, different styles of furniture and accessories can also work great. The color wheel according to Bauhaus teacher Johannes Itten, which also perfectly illustrates the complementary colors and the color types according to seasons, helps with the color combination.
Too much style - it's the mix that counts
Too many different styles become problematic when the Biedermeier sofa stands next to the Art Nouveau cabinet, which in turn is placed next to grandmother's 1950s chest of drawers in rustic oak - while individual antiques can very well enhance a room. In the area of material mix is currently the Industrial Style with a combination of wood and metal in vogue, which was developed by the Jean Prouvé in the 1950-ies. Treated and untreated wood do not harmonize so well with each other, while high-quality furniture made of plastic can also go well with wood. Leather and velvet add a touch of luxury to the environment, while metal and concrete add modernity.
Chasing every trend or going for classics?
If you rely on design classics for the interior, you are right away from short-term trends - the current modern color can be complemented by pillows or decoration ideas. In the office area, sideboards should be expandable at any time; for example, with the modular system from USM Haller, shelves and sideboards are still available in standardized sizes and colors even after decades. Self-critical questions about actual needs are also allowed, for example whether it is more pleasant to live comfortably instead of fancy. Wrong acquisitions may be corrected, the changes of the living conditions be taken into account. In general, the furnishings should always fit the current living situation: High gloss and white are not necessarily compatible with small children.
Ignoring the size of the room - a common mistake
Large rooms can look inhospitable and empty if all the furniture is right up against the wall. Here, the sideboard or shelf can be used as a room divider. Alternatively, a seating area can fill the void. Sometimes it also helps to put furniture at a slight angle or place the desk at a 90 degree angle. Large rooms tolerate large furniture or even an entire living landscape with XXL sofa and armchair. Small rooms look even smaller with large or massive furniture - at most one large piece of furniture should be placed here. Fall back on your folding rule rather than your memory, especially if you want to order very large furniture.
Tips around the light
Mistakes when decorating with lighting: If you want to create atmosphere or need light in the office or home office, it makes sense not to rely only on the one ceiling lamp, which possibly also spreads a cool station atmosphere. Floor and table lamps provide punctual or indirect light, structure the room and give it depth. Ceiling lights, by the way, do not have to be hung directly in the middle of the room. You can discover atmospheric lighting, also for the bedroom, in your pro office store.
A goose does not come home alone: accessories in moderation
Accessories should rather be grouped in odd numbers, unless they are two sculptures that express togetherness by their statement, such as the Vitra Eames Birds. Why the human eye prefers groups of three, five, seven, etc. is unknown. Accessories should also be considered carefully, both their statement and number. A collection of plastic geese, as they were fashionable years ago, can also cause great astonishment in other viewers - unless you deal in down feathers.
Danger of darkening
Should you leave the windows rather naked or add curtains or blinds? That's a matter of taste, a question of your corporate identity or a dust allergy. Here it is important to remember that both fabrics and blinds are unfortunately dust catchers and want to be taken care of. From experience, no one in the office feels responsible for this.
Images: Art and photos on the wall
Pictures are also often hung without reference to each other or to other furniture somewhere on the walls of the living room or office. Here, too, the place on the wall should be well thought out and also measured, so that the picture on the wall does not look like a disturbing factor. Picture frames should be "aligned" with other furnishings, that is, find a virtual line of connection, such as the door frames. Several pictures in the same format should also hang at the same height. If you have several small portraits, you can group them together to give the apartment a personal flair. The same applies to certificates or awards in offices or business premises.
What other interior design mistakes are there?
It is better to plan the furnishings before moving in or renovating, as temporary items often take root. Especially if the carpet or other flooring is involved, for which a "later" is associated with great inconvenience. After a short time, you have already become accustomed to the ugly carpet, the temporary lamp with its bright light or the wobbly plastic chairs, which cause discomfort rather than positive feelings when living or working.
The wild hallway or reception hall
Often the hallway or reception is a chaotic area, in the private home also likes to have shoes lying around or other inhospitable objects. The private hallway receives little affection, because the utility value is above the home value and you do not spend a long time there. Still, a messy hallway is not a good calling card for the house; baskets and shelves can quickly bring some order. A beautiful art print can also quickly add some expression to an unloved space. In companies, the reception should be given special attention; here, once again, the first impression counts. Therefore, the hallway should also match the corporate identity of the company.