🏡 8 Interior Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Cheap — And How to Avoid Them

Designing your dream home is more than just putting up walls and picking furniture — it’s about creating a space that feels like you. A place that not only functions well but also reflects luxury, comfort, and smart planning. But one common mistake many homeowners make is overlooking the small details that truly bring a design together.

 Many homeowners, often unknowingly, make small interior mistakes that take away from the overall beauty and harmony of their space. And unfortunately, these mistakes can make even a well-built house look cheap.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 8 common interior design mistakes that you should avoid if you want your home to look well-designed, elegant, and timeless. ✨

1. 🎨Interior design mistake: Mixing Wrong Color Tones

Color tones can make or break a room.
Choosing random wall and floor shades without understanding undertones is a big no-no.

❌ Mistake:

Mixing warm tones (like beige or terracotta) with cool tones (like grey or blue) in the same room — for example, beige floors with grey walls.

✅ What To Do:

Stick to one tone family (warm, cool, or neutral) for walls and flooring. Add variety within the same tone to keep things interesting and harmonious.

🧠 Pro Tip: Keep contrast for furniture and decor, not walls and floors.

2. 🖼️ Interior design mistake:

Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a game-changer… or a disaster.

❌ Mistake:

• Using busy, small floral or pattern-heavy designs.

• Installing cheap, thin wallpaper that tears easily and peels at the edges.

✅ What To Do:

• Choose bold, large-scale patterns or subtle textures that resemble paint.

• Ask for Korean paper wallpaper – it’s thick, elegant, and long-lasting. 💪

💡 Remember: Good wallpaper adds depth, bad wallpaper adds mess.

3. 🚪Interior design mistake:

Short Wardrobes That Stop Mid-Wall

Old-school wardrobes that don’t touch the ceiling create gaps and give an unfinished look.

❌ Mistake:

Installing small wardrobes that leave 1–2 feet of space at the top.

✅ What To Do:

Go for full-height wardrobes that stretch from floor to ceiling for a sleek, custom look. You can divide it into sections (loft + doors), but never leave awkward space above.

🧱 Result: More storage, better visuals, and a more polished design.

4. 🪟Interior design mistake:

Using Short Curtains

Curtains can elevate a space — if used right.

❌ Mistake:

Hanging curtains only from the top of the window, leaving a gap above and below.

✅ What To Do:

• Use ceiling-to-floor curtains (just 1 inch short from each end).

• If your window placement is tricky, go with blinds for a modern look.

🏨 Want proof? Visit any 5-star hotel — you’ll always find full-length curtains.

5. 💡Interior design mistake:

Wrong Lighting Tone

Lighting affects more than brightness — it affects ambience.

❌ Mistake:

Using cool white lights (blue-ish tone) in living spaces. These are meant for offices and libraries — not homes.

✅ What To Do:

Use:

• Warm white (recommended) for a cozy, luxurious feel. 🌅

• Natural white if you prefer a neutral setting.

🛋️ Warm lighting enhances colors, relaxes the mind, and boosts comfort.

6. 🧱Interior design mistake:

Overusing Shelves & Small Photo Frames

Less is more — especially on your walls.

❌ Mistake:

• Too many shelves packed with random décor.

• Dozens of tiny photo frames scattered across the wall.

✅ What To Do:

• Use 1–2 large frames for photos or artwork.

• Keep wall shelves minimal and well-planned.

• Focus on clean, open wall space for a more premium look.

🖼️ Remember: It’s a home, not a showroom.

7. 📐Interior design mistake:

Poor Space Planning

Even the most expensive furniture can’t save a poorly planned space.

❌ Mistake:

Cramming rooms with excess furniture, leaving little walking space.

✅ What To Do:

Use the 50-50 rule for bedrooms and 60-40 rule for living rooms:

• 50–60% of the floor should be visible and open.

• Use wall-mounted furniture to save floor space.

• Choose compact, multi-functional pieces over heavy, space-eating designs.

🪑 Open space = Open mind = Luxurious feel ✨

8. 🚫Interior design mistake:

Outdated Wooden Window Frames

Thick wooden window frames might be strong, but they scream old-fashioned.

❌ Mistake:

Using chunky wooden window frames that reduce natural light and make rooms look bulky.

✅ What To Do:

Go for:

• Aluminium slim frames – modern, sleek, and luxurious.

• uPVC frames – affordable and still stylish.

🌤️ Thin frames = more glass = more light = premium vibes.

✅ In Conclusion: Thoughtful Design = Beautiful Home

Building or renovating your home is an emotional and financial commitment. And while you want to make every penny count, overlooking small interior design details can drastically affect the overall impression of your home.

By avoiding the 8 mistakes mentioned above, you can ensure your home:

• Looks well-planned 🧠

• Feels more luxurious 🛋️

• Functions better for everyday life ⚙️

🧑‍🎨 Need Professional Interior Design Help?

We specialize in designing homes that reflect your taste, personality, and lifestyle — without the usual design errors that reduce value and beauty.

📞 Contact us on 91homes.in today for a personal consultation
🎯 Let’s build a space that feels premium, polished, and truly yours.