5 Common Styling Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
A quick guide to transforming your space with simple tweaks.
Even the most beautiful rooms can feel a little “off” without the right styling decisions. The good news is that most design mishaps are easy to fix and instantly change how a space looks and feels. Below are five of the most common mistakes I see in homes (and, occasionally, in my own…LIFE-am I right? 🙈) along with clear, simple ways to fix them.
Save this for later- it’s a good one 🤎
1. Rugs That Are Too Small
A tiny rug floating in the middle of a room can make the whole space feel disconnected. It shrinks the room visually and leaves the furniture looking like it’s politely keeping its distance.
How to fix it:
Choose the largest rug your room can handle. Ideally, the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on the rug in a living room, and in a bedroom the rug should extend beyond the sides of the bed. Bigger is almost always better when it comes to rugs. It pulls everything together and grounds the space beautifully.
2. Curtains Hung Too Low
Low-hung curtains can make even the tallest windows appear short and squat. They compress the room and hide natural height that could be working in your favour.
How to fix it:
Hang curtains as close to the ceiling as you can. This draws the eye upward and instantly makes the room feel taller and more elegant. If you can extend the curtain pole a little wider too, even better, it shows off more of the window and lets in extra light.
3. Too Many Small Accessories
Tiny décor items often gather like enthusiastic clutter gremlins. While each piece might be lovely on its own or have memories attached to them, too many can create a busy, fussy look that distracts from the overall design. If you want to display sentimental items, give them their moment and don't add additional clutter.
How to fix it:
Group accessories in threes or mix in larger pieces to create balance. Think in terms of visual weight: a tall vase, a stack of books and a candle work far better than ten little trinkets scattered everywhere. Give your objects space to breathe so your room feels curated, not crowded.
4. Relying on One Light Source
A single ceiling light can leave a room feeling harsh, flat or shadowy. Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in interior design, yet I often see be extremely underused in homes.
How to fix it:
Layer your lighting. Use a combination of ceiling lights (I would prefer it if you added a dimmer to it though🙊), table/ floor lamps and accent lighting such as wall lights or picture lights to create warmth and depth. Different layers give you control over the atmosphere. Bright and energising during the day, soft and cosy in the evening.
5. Shoving Furniture Against the Walls
Pushing everything to the edges of a room might seem like it creates more space, but it often has the opposite effect. It can make a room feel bare, empty and lacking...something.
How to fix it:
Float furniture where possible. Bring your sofa slightly forward (even just 10cm helps), create conversation zones, and use side tables or rugs to anchor the layout. Even a small shift can make the space feel intentionally arranged and far more welcoming.
Good design isn’t about perfection- it’s about small, thoughtful choices that make your home feel more comfortable, authentic and “you.” If you’ve spotted any of these styling mistakes in your own rooms, don’t panic. Each fix is simple, affordable and makes a surprisingly big difference.
If you'd like help reworking a space or creating a concept that fits your style, I’d love to support you, send me a message.
