Made a Major Design Mistake? Here’s How to Fix It

We all make mistakes, but decorating ones can be particularly frustrating. After all, you need to quite literally live with them. Design mistakes can also be expensive. But the good news is that some common decorating mistakes have easy and affordable fixes—turning major snafus into minor missteps. Here are five common design mistakes and how to fix them. 

You Chose the Wrong Paint Color

If you painted an entire room a color you’re just not that into, there are several options. The first is to wait for the paint to dry and cure. Live with it for a few days. You might discover that you prefer it more at a certain time of day when there is more or less light in the room. 

Worst-case scenario, you can always re-paint the room. However, this time, you might want to get a few samples and paint them on the wall before investing in a large can. 

Alternatively, consider covering the wall with lots of large art or even creating a gallery wall, so the color becomes less of a focal point.

You Regret That Big-Ticket Item

You loved that Bellini-style sofa at the store. But when you brought it home you realized it wasn’t quite the right choice for your traditional home. 

When it comes to big-ticket items, the best thing to do is to check the store’s return policy as soon as possible. You may simply be able to return it and start again. If you can’t return something, perhaps you can at least exchange it for something more suitable. 

In a final-sale situation, you may just have to live with it. But, give it a chance. What feels like a mistake today could grow on you in time. If not, consider reselling it on a site like AptDeco or Facebook Marketplace, and use the money to buy a piece you will love.

Alternatively, if you purchased an upholstered item like a sofa, headboard, or chair, you could always have it reupholstered. 

You Bought a Sofa That’s Too Large

One of the most common mistakes is buying a sofa that’s way too large for your living room. Julee Ireland, NKBA interior design architect and founder of Home Renovation School, recommends repositioning it to see if you can make it work. “Sometimes, simply moving it to the longest wall or angling it will make all the difference in the world.”

She also suggests using visual tricks to make the room feel more balanced. “Use mirrors to create more depth and reflect light in the room, or use a light color palette for your walls and ceiling to make the room appear larger,” explains Ireland.

Adding a rug can also help. “Rugs are like magic! They anchor your space and create a definite space for seating. This can instantly make your oversized sofa feel intentional and less overwhelming in your space.”

Supplementing the lighting is another option, explains the designer. “Try adding a floor lamp in the corner near your sofa to create a sense of coziness and draw attention away from your oversized sofa.”

Lastly, you can always declutter. “Consider using fewer and smaller-scale or multi-functional furniture pieces such as poufs for additional seating. This will make the room feel less cramped and instantly bring your sofa back to scale for the room.”

You Bought a Sofa That’s Too Small

If your sofa is too small for your space—don’t fret. There are plenty of options. If you purchased a modular sofa, you may be able to add an extra piece or two. Problem solved.

Ireland advises rearranging the furniture by grouping smaller pieces together. “I like to use two sofas facing each other and then add a few side chairs. This creates a nice intimate seating area and makes things feel more proportional in a large space.”

Another idea is using a large rug that extends past all of your furniture pieces so they all fit on it. “This will ground your furniture and bring proportion back to your space,” she explains.

Then accessorize to draw attention away from the smaller sofa. “Incorporate larger or bolder accessories to add visual weight and balance to the room. I love to use oversized art, tall floor lamps, large planters, mirrors, and decorative items to help fill empty space and draw attention away from the small scale of the furniture.”

Your Forgot About Functionality

Sometimes we get lost in the aesthetic and lose sight of function. The result is an uncomfortable room. “Think about how you use the space and map out a plan. Make sure there’s enough seating for your family, ample storage to keep clutter at bay, and easy flow between areas,” says Ireland. “A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have a minimum width of three feet for all walkways and paths in and out and around your furniture zones in your space.”