5 Common Interior Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Intentional Design Co.'s Expert Tips for Timeless Home Decor
When it comes to interior design, even the most beautiful mountain homes can miss the mark because of a few common missteps. At Intentional Design Co., serving the Vail Valley and surrounding Colorado communities, we believe that thoughtful choices create not only stunning interiors but spaces that truly feel like home. Whether you’re interested in Full-Service Design, a Designer for a Day session, or elevating your property with Home Staging, here are the five design mistakes we often see—and exactly how to avoid them.
1. Hanging Artwork at the Wrong Height
Artwork placement is essential in every well-designed room. Hanging art too high or too low can disrupt the visual balance of your space. For optimal room layout and flow, center your artwork at eye level—typically between 57" and 60" from the floor.
This simple adjustment makes your wall decor feel intentional and keeps your home decor cohesive.
2. Ignoring Scale and Proportion in Furniture Arrangement
A common mistake in furniture arrangement is choosing pieces that are the wrong scale for your room. Oversized sofas can overwhelm a small living room, while tiny chairs can look lost in a spacious open concept design.
For truly modern living, select furnishings that fit your room’s dimensions and work together in harmony. Thoughtful space planning ensures your home feels balanced and welcoming.
3. Poor Lighting Design
Lighting design is about more than just function—it sets the mood for your entire space. Relying only on one overhead light can make even the most stunning interiors feel flat and uninspired. Instead, layer your lighting: combine ambient lighting for general illumination, task lighting for function, and accent lighting for ambiance. This approach adds depth and dimension, creating a warm, inviting, well-lived-in environment.
4. Cluttered vs. Curated Home Styling
A carefully curated home feels purposeful and collected, not cluttered or chaotic. Vail Valley homes often celebrate views, textures, and history, so let your styling reflect that—edit accessories to highlight meaningful pieces and avoid overcrowding. Intentional styling brings out the personality of your space without overwhelming it.
Remember: less can often be more.
5. Rugs That Don’t Anchor the Room
A rug is the foundation of any room design—but if it’s too small, it can make your space feel disjointed. For the right furniture layout, select a rug large enough to anchor all your main seating pieces (at least the front legs on the rug). This creates cohesion and encourages natural traffic flow in your space.
At Intentional Design Co., we’re passionate about designing spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, tailored to life in the mountains of Colorado. Whether you need a comprehensive Full-Service Design, a creative jumpstart with our Designer for a Day, or want to maximize your property’s appeal with Home Staging, we’re here to help you avoid common mistakes and help you achieve a look that’s both stylish and enduring.
Ready to create a space that feels intentional, inviting, and truly yours?
Book your complimentary Discovery Call today and discover the difference that intentional design can make.
Book your complimentary Discovery Call today.
