Interior Design Red Flags: 7 Things I Always Notice First in a Room

Marieke
Jun 9
3 min read

Did you know that most people form a first impression of a room in under three seconds? We’re talking faster than you can say “faux concrete wallpaper.” And while most guests might politely coo over your cushions, a designer’s eyes go straight to the things that throw the whole space off.

Sunlit living room with cozy beige sofas, large plants, and abstract art. A wooden coffee table holds vases. Warm, serene atmosphere.

So, in the spirit of tough love (and good interiors), here are the seven red flags I always notice first – and how to fix them before someone like me raises an eyebrow.

1. Curtain Confessions: Why Length Matters

Let’s start with an easy win. If your curtains are hovering a good ten centimetres off the floor like they’re scared to commit – we need to talk. Too short, mounted too low, or not wide enough to frame the window properly? It immediately breaks the vertical line of the room and makes everything feel a bit… off.

Fix it: Mount curtain rails as high as possible (ideally close to the ceiling) and go for floor-length every time. Even better if they puddle slightly. It adds softness, height, and a sense of intention.

White room with French doors, golden handles, and sheer curtains. Sunlight filters through windows, creating a calm, airy atmosphere.

2. The Dreaded Floating Rug

Ah, the undersized rug – possibly the most common design crime of all. Picture a vast living room with a lonely 120x170 cm rug cowering under the coffee table, unanchored and unsure of its purpose. If your rug isn’t tying your furniture together, it’s just loitering.

Fix it: As a general rule, the front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug – or better yet, all four. Don’t be afraid to go big. In rugs, like wine glasses, size matters.

Printable Rug Size Chart

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Cozy living room with a gray sofa, orange pillow, bookshelves, plants by the window, and abstract art on a blue wall. Sunlit, warm atmosphere.

3. Overhead Lighting Only? Brave.

Ceiling spots and nothing else? That’s bold – and not in a good way. Lighting should work in layers. Relying solely on overheads is like showing up to a dinner party in a trench coat and nothing underneath – technically dressed, but lacking nuance.

Fix it: Combine ambient (overhead), task (desk, reading) and accent (mood) lighting. Add table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces – and dimmers if you really want to live.

Warm-lit room with glowing pendant lights. A gray sofa and orange chair are set against a dark brick wall, creating a cozy ambiance.

4. Art That’s Lost the Plot

Wall art should feel intentional. That means no postcards randomly blu-tacked at eye-watering heights. Art hung too high, too small, or too spread out feels disconnected. It’s not about price – it’s about placement.

Fix it: Hang artwork so the centre sits roughly at 145 cm from the floor – average eye level. Group smaller pieces together to create impact. And don’t let it float metres above your sofa like it’s afraid of contact.

Modern living room with a gray sofa, patterned pillows, and throws. Wall art and plants decorate white walls. Black and white theme. Cozy vibe.

5. The Furniture Wall-Hug

This one’s subtle, but powerful. When every single piece of furniture is pressed against the wall like it’s at a Year 9 disco, the room lacks intimacy and flow. Even in small spaces, there’s usually room to play.

Fix it: Try floating your sofa or armchair slightly into the room. Add a console table behind it, or a rug to anchor the layout. Creating zones – even if they’re tiny – adds depth and warmth.

Modern living room with a tan leather sofa, gray armchair, and plants. Open kitchen in background, wood floor, and soft lighting. Cozy vibe.

6. Style Identity Crisis

We all love a bit of eclecticism – I’m not asking you to go full showroom. But if you’ve got industrial lighting, coastal art, boho rugs, and a velvet headboard all fighting for dominance in one room… we may have a situation.

Fix it: Choose one or two dominant style directions and let others support. Think of it like getting dressed – statement shoes or a statement coat, not both at once. Unless you’re Iris Apfel.

Minimalist bedroom with a white bed, gray pillows, and a checkered blanket. White walls, abstract art, and soft lighting create a calm mood.

7. The Finish Line: Materials That Don’t Quite Land

Bad faux wood, overly glossy finishes, cheap plastics masquerading as ‘modern’ – they’re the quiet killers of a well-designed space. They date quickly and don’t wear well.

Fix it: Where you can, invest in quality for the pieces you touch daily – counters, sofas, handles, tabletops. If budget’s tight, keep the look clean and minimal. Better no finish than a bad one.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble island, pendant lights, and hardwood floors. Stainless steel appliances and a plant add elegance.

Final Thoughts: Spot the Red Flags – Then Break the Rules (Properly)

Now, I’m not saying your home has to pass some interior design purity test. Rules are made to be broken. But knowing why something feels off is the first step to fixing it.

The second step? Rearranging your furniture, lowering your art, and finally replacing that curtain pole you installed in a rush six years ago.

Design doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be thoughtful. And if all else fails? Dim the lights and distract your guests with good wine and a fabulous cushion collection. Works every time.