Common Home Design Mistakes

Anyone who's installed a floor, fixed a window, or done any home project will tell you that it's no easy task. Most design projects involve at least some skill, and often, even small details can have major effects on your home's look and feel. That's why it's important to plan things out before starting. If you're new to DIY home design, it also pays to read up and know which mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common.

Inefficient floor plans. If you're starting with a blank room, your first step is to draw up the layout-and that takes a bit of planning. Although floor plans vary from room to room, some rules are universal. A room cannot serve its purpose if there's no space for traffic, lighting and other basic elements. Start by defining the room's main goal, get the most important areas set up, and then design the rest of the space around it.

Bad lighting. Lighting is probably the most overlooked aspect of home design, but its effects are stronger than you think. For any room, the best lighting consists of three levels: ambient, task, and mood. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, while task lighting highlights certain areas of activity such as counters and reading areas. Mood lighting accents the rest and, as the name suggests, adds a particular mood to the room.

Poor flooring installation. Installing a floor involves more than laying the tiles. You have to check the sub-floor, choose the right materials, make measurements, and cut the pieces to size if necessary. Some floors simply cannot be installed without professional help. If you're not sure how to go about it, go ahead and call the pros-it may cost you more, but considering floors don't come cheap, it still makes sense to invest in proper installation.

Not enough accessories. Accessories are more than just add-ons to a room. They give your home character and make it really feel like your own, setting it apart from other homes. You may follow design rules to the letter, but without a personal touch, your home will look just like any other. Accessories don't have to be grand or even suit your existing décor; as long as you like them yourself, they're sure to fit right in.