Interior designers identify common living room design mistakes

Interior design experts have shared common mistakes that can make living rooms appear cheap. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right furniture size and layout. A major error is using furniture that is too large or too small for the room. Jamie Gasparovic from Studio Gaspo highlighted this issue, noting that poorly scaled furniture can make a space feel cramped and uninviting. Elana Mendelson also warned that oversized pieces can block natural light and disrupt flow. Clutter is another mistake to avoid. Jamie suggests using fewer, larger accessories to create a more upscale atmosphere. Grouping smaller items can help reduce the feeling of chaos. Jeanne Barber from Camden Grace Interiors dislikes having too many mismatched picture frames scattered around. The choice of area rugs is also important. Esther Ellard noted that small rugs can make a room feel disconnected and cheap. She recommends ensuring that at least the front legs of your furniture are on the rug to create a cohesive look. The experts also disapprove of certain design trends. For instance, Bilal Rehman cautions against yellow paint in bedrooms, while Kelly Hoppen finds "Live, Laugh, Love" decorations outdated. Julie Provenzano believes that grey interiors have become too common and lack originality. Finally, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Jen Kolb explained that overhead lights are for basic illumination, while table and floor lamps provide more focused light for reading and relaxation. Accent lighting can enhance the overall ambiance and highlight features in the room.