Creating beautifully designed interiors isn’t just about choosing the right colours or furniture—it’s about understanding how each element contributes to a cohesive, functional, and inviting space.
Many succumb to one or more interior design mistakes that can make rooms feel cluttered, dark, or monotonous. However, you can avoid these blunders by following designer-approved tips and incorporating versatile materials like glass that maximise space, light, and flow.
From transparent to translucent to tinted and opaque, glass is an extremely versatile material that can enhance aesthetics while solving design challenges in elegant and understated ways.
Achieving a Clean, Clutter-free Look is simpler than it seems
Overcrowding a small space with furniture and decorative elements can make it feel cramped and overwhelming. Instead, embrace a minimalist approach by curating only essential pieces and keeping spaces open and uncluttered for a more airy and inviting feel. The strategic placement of glass or mirrors can visually expand a room, creating a sense of spaciousness without adding bulk. Glass for furniture cladding, tabletops or mirrored cabinets, add a unique style while maintaining an open feel.
Create a Focal Point with Glass to Draw the Eye
Resist the urge to decorate with too many focal points. Create a strong area of interest that draws attention and makes the room feel connected. Choose a few statement elements—such as a bright lacquered glass dining tabletop, UV-printed glass art, or a mirrored console. These glass elements create eye-catching details while allowing the rest of the decor to remain harmonious and understated.
Mirrors boost Natural light, creating an Inviting Ambience
A rookie design mistake in the house is bright lights directed toward the eye, which can be harsh. Opt for layers of lighting - ambient combined with task and accent - to create a luminous and inviting atmosphere. Glass elements such as mirrors and panels can beautifully enhance both natural and artificial light, creating a brighter, more open atmosphere without relying on excessive direct lighting.
Use Glass in Complementary Colours to Brighten any Space
While neutrals bring a sense of calm and elegance, too much of a single colour or texture can make spaces feel uninspired. To rectify this interior design mistake, break up visual monotony by integrating smart colour combinations with tinted or lacquered glass, adding interest to the room. Glass surfaces can offer subtle but impactful colour variations that enliven interiors. SGG Colormaxx lacquered glass comes in an assorted range of 216 RAL shades for creating a dynamic and unique space.
Transform your Entryway with Mirror Accents
An entryway that leaves a lasting impression is essential to your home’s overall appeal. So give this alcove the attention it deserves and tuck shoes, keys, and other essentials in a streamlined console. Consider incorporating lacquered glass or mirrored panels to create a striking, reflective space that feels orderly and inviting.
Furniture should be Proportionate to the rest of the Layout
One of the most common interior design mistakes is choosing the wrong scale and arranging a poorly planned layout, which can disrupt the balance and functionality of a space. Avoid too many small things and oversized furniture or accessories, which can make a room feel cramped. Glass furniture like coffee tables, open shelving or display units create visual continuity without being imposing, ideal for compact areas.
Combine Glass and Contrasting elements to Create Visual Interest
Another interior design mistake to avoid is a one-dimensional look. Contrast is essential to balance styles and textures. Whether your design style is modern, minimalist, or industrial, consider pairing different elements together, like metal and glass display units or wood and tinted glass TV consoles, to create visual interest in the room.
Glass Partitions for Free Flow of Natural Light
Prioritise natural light in home interior designs to avoid creating dark, confined spaces. Incorporate glass partitions to define zones and create smooth transitions between spaces or sliding glass doors to allow natural light to filter in, brightening interiors and maintaining visual unity.
High-performance glass to negate the need for heavy drapes
Heavy drapes can feel overwhelming and require maintenance. Opt for solar control glass in windows that provide a reflective barrier to reduce heat and privacy concerns. SGG SunBan solar control glass addresses the challenges of heat gain while maximising the benefits of natural light and keeping the indoor temperature cooler and comfortable.
This allows you to minimise or even eliminate traditional curtains in favour of a more streamlined, sheer, and low-maintenance design.
Choose Glass-fronted Cabinets to give the Illusion of space
Overdoing open shelving or closed cabinets can make rooms appear overly cluttered or too stark. Opt for glass-fronted cabinets in kitchens or living areas to strike a perfect balance, adding both visual interest and practical storage.
It's time to embrace your creativity and dive into designing spaces that truly reflect your style. While it’s important to stay mindful of mistakes like overcrowding a room with a number of elements or neglecting natural light, don’t shy away from trying new ideas and mixing materials, textures, and colours to create a beautiful and harmonious space. Explore the myriad options that glass brings to the table to help curate and create a bright, warm and welcoming home interior design.
How do you maintain visual harmony in a space?
To maintain visual harmony, focus on consistency in colours, shapes, materials, and styles across the room. Balance bold patterns like UV-printed glass for wall art with neutral elements in the room to create cohesion and interest.
How to decorate a small space?
In small spaces, use a light colour palette and amplify natural light with mirrors to enhance brightness and give a sense of openness. Declutter as much as possible and use vertical storage solutions, like floating toughened glass shelves, to keep the space streamlined.
How do I select furniture that fits well in my room?
Start by measuring the space and planning the layout, including doorways, windows, and pathways. Select furniture that leaves ample space for flow and movement. Scale is key; for example, in smaller rooms, choose low-profile, streamlined furniture like mirrored cabinets or glass wardrobe shutters that complement the room's overall style and enhance the sense of space.
Jahanavi Arora is an architect by profession and a writer by choice, with over 7 years of experience in architecture and design writing. Read More
