Feeling like your home is smaller than it actually is? You might be making some common interior design errors. According to a seasoned professional, certain decorating choices can unintentionally make your rooms feel cramped and uncomfortable.
The Expert's Verdict on Common Decorating Blunders
Sarah Partington, an interior designer with over a decade of experience, recently took to Instagram to share her professional insights. With ten years in the industry, she revealed seven elements you should absolutely avoid if you want to create the illusion of more space in your home.
"10+ years as an interior design expert and still no one believes me when I tell them these things," Sarah remarked in her social media post that has since garnered significant attention from homeowners looking to maximise their living space.
The Seven Critical Mistakes You're Probably Making
Avoid tiny rugs at all costs. While many people choose small rugs thinking they're a safer option that won't overwhelm a room, Sarah argues this approach backfires. Contrary to popular belief, small rugs actually make rooms appear smaller rather than creating a sense of spaciousness.
Don't fear dark colours. The common advice to paint small rooms light colours to reflect light isn't always correct. Sarah insists that darker colours can make even compact spaces feel cosy and intentional. "Stop thinking small rooms should be light," she advises. "Your walls are your best chance to make an impact in a small space."
Reposition your sofa away from the wall. If your sofa is currently pushed directly against the wall, you're making a common mistake. Sarah recommends creating a small gap behind your furniture. "I know you want to push it right up against the wall to 'make more space', but furniture needs breathing space," she explains. This visual depth trick makes the entire room look larger.
Opt for larger curtains positioned higher. Typical curtain placement just above the window frame doesn't maximise space. Sarah suggests hanging curtains much higher to create the illusion of taller ceilings. This might require investing in longer curtains, but the spatial payoff is worth it.
Choose bigger accessories instead of small ones. Rather than scattering numerous small plants and decor items throughout your room, select fewer but larger statement pieces. Sarah explains that small accessories contribute to a cluttered feeling, while substantial items like a large floor plant or statement floor lamp create an impression of generous space.
Embrace asymmetry in your layout. Perfectionists might struggle with this one, but abandoning strict symmetry can dramatically improve your home's feel. You don't need matching armchairs on both sides of your sofa, nor do you require perfectly balanced wall cabinets. According to the expert, perfectly matched sides make a room feel "stilted", while asymmetry generates "visual interest and a more lived-in, effortless feel."
Prioritise texture over colour. If your room feels flat or uninspiring, the solution might not be adding more colour. Sarah's final tip focuses on incorporating varied textures through wallpaper choices, fabric selections, and natural materials like wood and stone. "Layer fabrics and introduce natural materials like wood and stone for instant warmth and depth," she recommends.
Transforming Your Space with Professional Insight
These seven recommendations from an industry professional provide a fresh perspective on common decorating dilemmas. Whether you're moving into a new property or refreshing your current home, these evidence-based tips can help you avoid the pitfalls that make spaces feel smaller than they actually are.
The key takeaway from Sarah's extensive experience is that sometimes the most intuitive decorating choices – like pushing furniture against walls or selecting light colours for small rooms – might be working against your goal of creating a spacious, open-feeling home. By implementing these counter-intuitive strategies, you can transform even the most compact rooms into feeling airy, intentional, and perfectly proportioned.
