When it comes to great interior design, even the smallest mistakes can have a big impact. Whether you’re building from the ground up, remodeling, or refreshing a space, overlooking key design principles can turn your dream project into a missed opportunity.
At Ayema Interior, we specialize in integrated architecture, interior design, and construction — and we’ve seen firsthand how avoidable design errors can affect the flow, function, and feel of a space.
Here are 5 common interior design mistakes that could be ruining your space — and how to fix them like a pro.
1. Poor Lighting Choices
The Mistake: Relying on a single light source or using harsh, unbalanced lighting.
Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in interior design. A beautifully styled room can feel flat or uninviting with poor lighting — or overly harsh with the wrong bulb temperature.
The Fix: Use layered lighting — combine ambient (general), task (functional), and accent (decorative) lighting. Choose warm white (2700K–3000K) for living areas and bedrooms, and cooler tones (4000K+) for kitchens or workspaces. Add dimmers for flexibility and mood control.
💡 Pro Tip from Ayema Interior: Plan your space to maximize natural light with thoughtful window placement and reflective finishes. Natural light doesn’t just brighten a room — it enhances wellness and design flow.
2. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
The Mistake: Choosing furniture or fixtures that are too big or too small for the room.
A massive sofa in a compact living room, or a tiny rug under a large dining table — both throw off the balance of your space. Scale is key to comfort and style.
The Fix: Measure everything and create a layout plan before purchasing furniture. Use digital floor plans or 3D modeling to preview scale visually. In smaller spaces, opt for modular or multi-functional furniture.
📐 Design Insight from Ayema Interior: Scale applies to more than just furniture. Ceiling height, window size, and built-in elements must all be in harmony to achieve the right proportion.
3. Prioritizing Looks Over Function
The Mistake: Designing a space that looks great — but doesn’t work for your lifestyle.
That sleek chair or minimalist kitchen might look beautiful on Pinterest — but if it doesn’t support your daily routine, it will end up being frustrating.
The Fix: Begin every design with function first. Think about how the space is used, where you need storage, how you move through the room, and what the room needs to support. Once the layout works, layer in your design style.
🔧 Ayema Interior Tip: Many functional flaws can be solved with custom-built solutions during the design-build process — from hidden storage to seamless kitchen workflows.
4. Clashing or Overwhelming Color Schemes
The Mistake: Using too many bold colors or combining hues that don’t complement each other.
Color sets the emotional tone of a room — but when misused, it can feel chaotic or overly stimulating.
The Fix: Stick to the 60-30-10 rule — 60% dominant color (walls), 30% secondary (furniture), and 10% accent (decor). Use a neutral base to provide balance, and introduce color through accessories, textiles, and artwork.
🎨 Expert Advice from Ayema Interior: Always test paint samples at different times of day. Natural and artificial light dramatically affect how color is perceived in a space.
5. Neglecting the Ceiling and Flooring
The Mistake: Treating ceilings and floors as afterthoughts.
Your floor and ceiling are two of the largest visual planes in any room. Ignoring them can make the space feel unfinished or generic.
The Fix: Use the ceiling as a design opportunity — think bold light fixtures, exposed beams, recessed lighting, or coffered details. Choose flooring that suits both the aesthetic and functional needs of the space — from hardwood and tile to concrete and hybrid options.
🏗️ Construction Insight from Ayema Interior: Plan ceilings and flooring in the early stages of your project to align with HVAC, electrical, and structural systems — especially in custom builds and renovations.
Final Thoughts
Interior design isn’t just about beauty — it’s about balance, purpose, and flow. By avoiding these common interior design mistakes, you’ll create a space that feels right, functions well, and reflects your style perfectly.
At Ayema Interior, we don’t just design for looks — we design for life. Our multidisciplinary team brings together architecture, interior design, and construction to ensure every space we create is as functional as it is stunning.
✅ Ready to Fix Your Space?
Whether you’re renovating, starting fresh, or correcting design flaws — we’re here to help bring your vision to life.