After 18 years of design experience, our team knows what to do when it comes to making a house into a home…but, that also means we know what NOT to do. Sometimes we get called into a project after a client realizes they might just be in over their head. They’ve put in time, sweat, and money only to find themselves frustrated and disappointed with their DIY design. Designing a space can be hard work but it should also be a fun process filled with creativity and excitement. Working with a designer takes the guesswork and frustration out of the process, but if you’re hoping to do a little DIY design, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
1. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Picture this: You walk into a furniture store and spot the perfect piece. Not only is it beautiful but it’s got character—a dream come true! You borrow a truck, manage to get it home, and, with the help of five grown men, you shimmy it into your room only to find out…it doesn’t fit. This is design mistake #1: Forgetting to measure before making a purchase. Save yourself a return trip (or money in return shipping) by measuring the room you’re attempting to refurbish before you go shopping for that perfect piece. Figure out what size your new furniture should be and bring that measuring tape along when you shop. No more guessing and no more misfit pieces!
As designers, we carefully measure each space before drawing plans to ensure each piece of furniture fits perfectly. We also have a rule-of-thumb when it comes to executing a room, for example, 1. Keep around 18-inches between the couch and the coffee table, and 2. Leave about 30-inches around furniture for walking room. Bottom line, invest in a measuring tape and you’ll save yourself some trouble!
2. Size Should Match the Space
This next design faux-pas is along the same lines as number one—the size of your accessories and your furniture should match the size of your space. We often see this problem manifesting itself through rugs and lamps. If you have 18-foot ceilings then 18-inch table lamps aren’t going to look right. On the other hand, if you live in a cute one-bedroom apartment, a huge rug probably isn’t the best fit either. Your accessories should feel like they fit the space. This goes beyond measuring and takes the sense of a room into account.
If you’re having trouble finding what you need at regular furniture stores, then hiring a designer is truly your best bet. We have access to vendors that provide furniture and accessories for the smallest and largest of spaces, plus we can even create custom pieces so that any vision can become a reality.
3. When Paint Becomes a Pain
We understand that painting a room equates a lot of decisions—which color? Which hue of that color? Should I do satin, gloss, or egg shell? How many different samples should I buy?…Pretty soon, picking a color becomes pricey and stressful. If choosing a paint is becoming a pain, then we have to be honest—instead of buying twenty paint samples, just ask a designer. Not only have we worked with different brands but we’ve already tested hundreds of colors. We’ll tell you which brands last and which color fits the bill. No more wasted money and no more stress! Hooray! (If you’re currently looking for paint, we’ve put together some of our favorites colors HERE. Simply enter your email and our paint faves should come straight to your inbox!)
If you’re starting a home design project, keep these three common mistakes in mind and you’ll definitely save yourself time, money, and frustration. However, if you’re already in the design trenches and in need of some assistance, we’re here for you! Remember, designing your home should be fun. Thanks for reading!
