Avoiding common interior design mistakes in a new apartment

5 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid in Your New Apartment

  • Prestige Design Team
  • 1 April 2025

Moving into a new apartment is more than just picking furniture—it’s about creating a space that feels like home. But in the excitement of settling in, it’s easy to make design decisions that don’t quite work in the long run. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or simply upgrading your space, here are five interior design mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead.

1. ❌ Ignoring a Cohesive Design Plan
✅ What to Do: Start with a clear vision and mood board.

Many people begin decorating without any visual or conceptual direction. The result? A space that feels disjointed, inconsistent, or incomplete. You might love that boho rug, the industrial light fixture, and the Scandinavian coffee table—but without tying elements together, your space can quickly feel chaotic rather than curated.

Solution: Choose a central theme or aesthetic for your apartment—like modern luxury, coastal minimalism, or rustic chic. Create a visual board using apps like Pinterest or Canva. Stick to a consistent color palette and texture family across rooms. If you're unsure where to start, consulting with a designer can save time and costly mistakes.

2. ❌ Choosing the Wrong Furniture Size
✅ What to Do: Know your measurements before you shop.

One of the most common mistakes is buying furniture that's too large or too small for your space. An oversized sectional in a small living room can make the area feel cramped, while tiny side tables in a large space can look lost and ineffective.

Solution: Always measure your floor space, ceiling height, doorways, and even elevator dimensions (for high-rises). Consider how each furniture piece will affect movement and flow. Choose sleek, space-saving furniture for compact spaces, and opt for pieces that serve multiple functions—like a storage bed or a dining table that extends. Scale and proportion are key to a balanced interior.

3. ❌ Neglecting Lighting Layers
✅ What to Do: Create ambiance with multiple light sources.

Lighting is often an afterthought, yet it's one of the most powerful tools in shaping the atmosphere of a room. Relying only on harsh ceiling lights makes the space feel flat and impersonal. The right lighting strategy brings warmth, enhances mood, and elevates the entire design.

Solution: Use a layered lighting approach. Combine ambient (ceiling lights), task (desk lamps, pendant lights), and accent lighting (wall sconces, LED strips, or candles). Natural light is also crucial—don’t block windows with bulky furniture or dark curtains. Choose light fixtures that double as design elements and help define zones in open layouts.

4. ❌ Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls
✅ What to Do: Float furniture to improve layout and connection.

Many people assume pushing furniture to the perimeter will make a room look bigger. But this often results in an awkward "empty center" and disrupts the room’s functionality and visual balance. It can also make social interaction harder, especially in living or family rooms.

Solution: Float your furniture inward and create cozy conversation areas. A central area rug can anchor your layout, and accent chairs or coffee tables can define space and add symmetry. Even in small apartments, floating a sofa a few inches off the wall can create a sense of depth and dimension.

5. ❌ Over-Decorating or Under-Decorating Walls
✅ What to Do: Aim for visual balance and curated wall decor.

Blank walls can feel cold, but filling them with too many items can make your space look cluttered and chaotic. The key is to strike a balance between negative space and intentional décor. Wall art, shelves, and mirrors should enhance—not overwhelm—the overall design.

Solution: Start by choosing one or two focal areas for wall décor. A large canvas, a gallery wall, or a statement mirror can work beautifully as an anchor. Consider symmetry, spacing, and how the wall connects with nearby furniture. Leave some walls intentionally bare to give the eye a place to rest. Less is often more when it comes to elegant interior styling.

"A thoughtfully designed space doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels like home."
― Prestige Design Studio

🛋️ Final Thoughts

Your new apartment should be more than just “furnished”—it should reflect your lifestyle, taste, and the way you want to live. Avoiding these common interior design mistakes will save you money, maximize your space, and help create a home you truly love. Whether you're designing it yourself or working with professionals, a thoughtful approach makes all the difference.

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