It’s easy to get swept up in the fun of personalising your living room, balcony or patio. Too often, though, our best intentions can lead to design dilemmas that throw a space off-balance, create clutter, or feel just a little “off.” Whether you’re styling an apartment or breathing new life into an outdoor nook, these are five common mistakes even the savviest hosts and homebodies might make (plus how to avoid each one).
1. Over-accessorising and the art of editing
It’s tempting to show off every candle, cushion, or potted fern you own, but over-accessorising is the quickest path to visual chaos. More isn’t always more. According to interior designers featured by Vogue Living, clutter happens when you try to fill every blank spot at once, without sitting with a space and letting it “breathe.”
How to avoid it
- Edit down to your favourite pieces and give each one its own moment.
- Group accessories in odd numbers for a collected, not cluttered, look.
- Leave some negative space on tables or shelves; it helps your best features stand out.
- Outdoors, focus on statement planters or one standout outdoor rug, rather than scatterings of small objects everywhere.
2. Ignoring scale and picking the wrong proportions
Ever bought a too-large sofa that swallows a room, or squeezed a tiny table onto a sprawling veranda? Ignoring scale is a classic pitfall for indoor and outdoor spaces alike. When furnishings are out of proportion, even the most beautiful pieces lose their impact.
How to avoid it
- Measure before you buy! Outline furniture footprints with masking tape.
- Mix shapes and sizes, but aim for balance (a big lounge can pair with a slim coffee table).
- For outdoors, consider your patio’s proportions before adding a huge dining suite or oversized pots.
3. Mismatching styles and missing harmony
Contrary to what you might think, matching every item isn’t the goal—but neither is jamming rustic outdoor benches up against corporate-modern indoor chairs. The secret is to blend, not clash.
How to avoid it
- Set a “story” or theme for your whole space. Think calming coastal, breezy boho, or urban chic.
- Carry one or two material elements (like rattan, velvet, or concrete) from your indoor space to outside.
- Don’t fear mixing old and new, but make sure there’s at least one common thread, like colour or shape.
4. Poor lighting and flat vibes
Nothing kills atmosphere faster than bad lighting. Indoors, one harsh overhead bulb can make even the cosiest lounge feel sterile. Outdoors, a lack of layered light can mean the party’s over at sunset.
How to avoid it
- Layer your lighting with lamps, pendants, and candles for mood indoors.
- Add outdoor fairy lights, solar lanterns, or portable LED lamps to create a welcoming ambience as evening falls.
- Always consider natural light. Position your key seating where it benefits most from morning sun or afternoon shade.
5. Neglecting flow and forgetting how people move
A beautiful room (or patio) won’t get used if it’s hard to move around. Crowding in too many pieces, blocking doorways, or ignoring how people enter and exit makes any gathering awkward.
How to avoid it
- Leave clear walkways of at least 60cm between furniture.
- Try “walking the space” after arranging, just as your guests or family would.
- Outdoors, leave plenty of room for moving between planters, the barbecue, and seating areas.
