Overcoming 10 Common Interior Design Challenges
Embarking on an interior design journey in your own home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, there are various associated challenges, which can be overwhelming. This blog post delves into everyday difficulties, providing tips and guidance to help you confidently and smoothly operate as your own interior designer.
Fear of Commitment
Many people are hesitant to make permanent decisions in interior design, worrying about overspending, spending unwisely, or the possibility of regretting their choices and the resulting feeling of wasting time, money and effort. To overcome this fear:
Remember that interior design is an ongoing process that can be adjusted and improved over time.
Begin with minor decisions and progress to more significant commitments as your confidence grows.
Embrace risks and trust your instincts, knowing that you can always make changes later if needed.
Lack of vision or inspiration
Envisioning the end result of your design efforts can be challenging, leading to a sense of overwhelm. To overcome this obstacle, gather inspiration from various sources, such as magazines, blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Create a mood board to compile your favourite ideas and use tools such as online visualisers, PowerPoint or pen and paper to help visualise your space. Sharing your vision with friends or family can provide valuable feedback and fresh perspectives, but keep in mind that if they are not going to be living with you, their opinion should not outweigh yours.
Analysis paralysis
With endless design options, it's easy to become paralysed by indecision - not making a decision is a decision in itself and is often the decision we take to avoid getting it wrong. To combat analysis paralysis:
Set specific and achievable goals for your project.
Prioritise the decisions that need to be made in order of impact - which decisions will cause the most prolonged delays or incur costs if not decided.
Break down the process into manageable tasks and decisions, and set (and stick to) realistic deadlines.
Remember, even if they turn out to be wrong, making decisions pushes us forward, so trust your instincts and avoid getting stuck in a state of inaction.
Budget constraints
Establishing a realistic budget is crucial to ensure you make the most of the possibilities and choices available for interior design. If you have a Champagne taste and a Prosecco, soft drink or tap water budget, you must be honest about the funding available, get organised and think creatively.
Prioritise your spending by focusing on the critical elements. Identify what will make the most significant impact on your home - for example, a statement piece of furniture, additional (or more decorative) lighting, some great storage, or a fresh coat of well-chosen paint.
Get creative with DIY projects and consider shopping at second-hand shops instead of purchasing new but uninspiring furniture, upcycling, or repurposing existing items to save money without compromising style.
Design for longevity - if you have a low budget, focus on creating a timeless scheme that will bring you joy for years to come and remember it doesn't all need to be done at once. Unless you have rooms that need fixing to ensure that they are warm, dry and healthy, prioritise in order of how much time you spend in each space. For example, a beautiful boudoir is great, but if you spend 80% of your time in your kitchen-dining room, is it worth prioritising a room you only inhabit when sleeping?
Space limitations
Maximising small or awkwardly shaped spaces can be a daunting task. Some examples of solutions include:
Opt for multi-functional furniture, such as a sofa bed or a dining table that can double as a workspace to create the illusion of spaciousness.
Invest in clever storage solutions like built-in cabinets, floating shelves, or under-bed storage.
Use mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger, and choose lighter colours for walls and furnishings to enhance the sense of openness.
Cohesive design
Crafting a cohesive design that flows effortlessly throughout your home can be complex, particularly when blending different styles or integrating diverse preferences. To create a harmonious and visually appealing environment, focus on establishing a unifying theme that ties your spaces together while avoiding common design pitfalls.
Inconsistent colour palettes can create a visual disconnect, making spaces feel unrelated or jarring as you move through the home. Instead, maintain a consistent colour palette, using shades and tones to create a sense of unity across rooms. Similarly, pay attention to the use of patterns, textures, and materials to ensure a seamless transition from one space to another.
Mismatched furniture styles, incompatible design themes, or excessive contrasting elements can create an uncoordinated and chaotic appearance. Instead, consider the overall mood and atmosphere you wish to create in your home, and carry this through each room by incorporating consistent design elements, such as similar furniture styles, lighting, or decorative accessories.
Lack of flow between rooms can result in disjointed and disconnected interiors. Be aware of transitions between spaces, such as floor materials or wall colours, to avoid abrupt changes that may disrupt the overall harmony of your home.
Colour selection
Choosing the perfect colour scheme can be daunting, as colours can evoke different emotions and affect the perception of space. To select the right colours for your home, consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create in each room. For example, choose soothing colours like soft blues, greys, or muted greens for a tranquil, relaxing bedroom. On the other hand, for a lively and energetic living area, consider incorporating warmer colours such as oranges, yellows, or bold reds.
It's also important to consider the orientation of your rooms when selecting colours. For example, north-facing rooms tend to receive less sunlight. As a result, they can feel cooler, so using warm colours like earthy browns, rich reds, or golden yellows can help create a cosy atmosphere. South-facing rooms, on the other hand, receive plenty of natural light and may benefit from cooler colours like blues, greens, or soft greys to balance the warmth.
Consider using a mix of bold and neutral shades when creating a timeless colour scheme. Timeless but bold colours include deep navy, forest green, and rich burgundy, which can make a striking statement without feeling dated. Timeless neutrals include shades like soft greys, warm beiges, and classic whites, which can act as a versatile base for your design, allowing you to experiment with bolder accents through accessories and artwork.
Test colour samples on your walls and observe how they appear under various lighting conditions. Feel free to experiment with bold colours, but maintain balance by pairing them with timeless neutrals for a sophisticated and adaptable look.
Balancing character and functionality
Creating a harmonious blend of character and functionality in your home can be challenging, as it's essential to design a space that reflects your unique personality while remaining practical and comfortable. On the other hand, focusing too much on functionality may lead to a loss of character, making your home feel impersonal or generic. To strike the right balance, consider incorporating personal touches through artwork, family photos, or cherished heirlooms that showcase your individuality and evoke a sense of warmth and history.
When selecting functional elements, such as furniture or storage solutions, look for pieces that contribute to your space's overall aesthetic. For example, choose items with a distinctive design or finish, or consider customising standard pieces with paint, hardware, or upholstery to add a personal touch. By thoughtfully integrating both character and functionality, you'll create a welcoming, expressive living space that caters to your needs and celebrates your style.
Sensitivity to others' opinions
It is entirely normal to want others to love the spaces we create. Before social media, for most people, physical visitors were the only people who would see our homes. Don't get me wrong; the criticism has always been there (disapproving looks!); however, we are now placing more and more pressure on ourselves to meet others' expectations and look for validation not only from family and friends experiencing the space but acquaintances and even strangers on the internet too.
It's crucial to remember that your home is a personal space meant to reflect your personality and cater to your needs, not to please others. While it's natural to seek validation or approval, ultimately, the most important opinion is your own. So embrace your unique style and trust your instincts, knowing you will live in and enjoy your space. If you're proud of your design choices, your confidence will shine through, and your home will feel authentic. Feel free to share your progress on Instagram, but do it to inspire others and share the knowledge you have acquired rather than seek approval.
Creating tomorrow's dated home
While keeping up with the latest interior design trends can be fun and inspiring, it's essential to maintain sight of your budget and your personal style. Trends come and go, but your home should reflect your unique tastes and preferences.
When considering a current trend, ask yourself:
Do I genuinely love the way this looks? Or am I more interested in showing others I can do it too?
Will I be happy to keep it after Tik Tok and Instagram creators move on?
Can I live with this for at least 2/3/5 years?
Can I afford to implement this idea right now?
What is the environmental impact of implementing this trend and changing it once it's no longer fashionable?
Can I incorporate any elements of this trend into a more timeless scheme that suits my taste?
To strike a balance between trendiness and personalisation, use trends as inspiration while ensuring that your design choices align with your own aesthetic. Incorporate trendy elements through easily changeable accessories, such as cushions, throws, or artwork, allowing you to update your space without making significant, long-lasting commitments.
