12 Interior “Icks” (and How to Fix Them for Good)

After years of working with clients and chatting with so many of you about your homes, I’ve noticed there are a few design “icks” that come up again and again. These small details can quietly hold a room back—those little things that just don’t sit right and can throw off the whole feel of a space.

The good news? These are often the easiest things to fix. When you spot them and make a change, the whole room instantly feels more harmonious and pulled together.

This week, I’m sharing the top 12 design “icks” I see most often, along with practical ways to avoid them and some beautiful inspiration. My hope is that these tips will help you feel more confident and inspired as you shape your own home.

Let’s dive in.

1. Rugs That Don’t Anchor the Room

When I walk into a client’s home, a floating rug—too small and disconnected from the furniture—always stands out.

A rug should ground your seating area—ideally, it sits under at least the front legs of your sofa or chairs. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, instantly making the space feel more intentional and pulled together (and steering clear of that “magic carpet” vibe!).

2. Not Getting The Curtains Right

Curtains can completely change the feel of a room, but only if they’re hung thoughtfully. I always recommend placing curtain rods high—close to the ceiling or just below the coving. This simple adjustment draws the eye upward and instantly makes your ceilings feel taller.

Be generous with length: curtains should reach the floor, and I often suggest letting them gather softly by an inch or two at the bottom. This adds a sense of luxury and makes the space feel inviting and lived-in. If you need a visual, see the Instagram photos below from madebystitched—it’s a small tweak that truly elevates a room.

3. Art Hung Too High

Art placement is one of the quickest ways to make a space feel curated. 

Art should be at eye level, which usually means the centre of the piece is about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Galleries use this rule, and it works at home, too. It’s a detail that instantly makes a room feel more considered.

4. Wallpaper Without Commitment

If you’re going to wallpaper, go all in. A single feature wall can sometimes look a bit lost, especially in a big room. If the budget is tight, try a smaller room or just the ceiling. It’s bold and beautiful – and so much more satisfying. 

I always recommend pulling colours from your wallpaper into other elements of the room, such as woodwork, accessories or textiles. This creates a harmonious, layered look that feels intentional and expertly designed.

5. Feature Walls with White Skirting

One of my biggest colour “icks” is seeing a beautifully painted feature wall with the skirting board left stark white.

As someone who’s spent years studying how colour works in a space, I can promise you: carrying your wall colour right down onto the skirting makes the room feel so much more polished and intentional.

It’s a simple tweak, but it transforms the whole look. For a truly considered space, pick up that same colour in your textiles or accessories—it’s one of my favourite tricks for making a room feel thoughtfully pulled together.

6. Small Rooms with Tiny Furniture

This may seem counterintuitive, but trust me – small rooms require big gestures. A huge piece of art, a statement lamp, a bold rug. Don’t shrink your furniture to fit; it just makes the room feel like a Borrowers’ house. 

Playing with scale brings energy and personality to even the smallest corners.

7. Brilliant White

I’ve seen this so many times: brilliant white used right next to a rich, pigmented colour. It’s a common mistake, but it can make even the most beautiful paintwork look jarring and unfinished.

Instead, I always recommend choosing a softer, complementary white—or better yet, a shade pulled directly from your main colour palette. This subtle shift makes everything feel more harmonious and expertly considered, and it’s one of those little details that really elevate a room.

8. TVs Mounted Too High

TVs mounted too high are a classic layout “ick.” After helping plan hundreds of living rooms, I can assure you: your TV should be at eye level when you’re seated.

It’s a simple adjustment that makes a huge difference to your comfort (and your neck will definitely thank you).

9. Overly Symmetrical Arrangements

Perfect symmetry often leaves a room feeling flat and uninspired. One of my favourite design principles is the “rule of odd numbers”—grouping objects in threes or fives rather than pairs. Odd numbers naturally create movement and visual interest, giving your eye a reason to explore the space. 

Whether you’re arranging ornaments, candles, or artwork, try clustering them in odd numbers. It’s a simple shift, but it instantly makes a room feel more dynamic and effortlessly put together.

10. Fake Plants

I know, I know – they’re easy. But real plants are better for the air, your health, and your soul. They bring a freshness that faux greenery just can’t match.  If maintenance worries you, try low-maintenance or hardy varieties.

You don’t need to spend much, either—right now, wild cow parsley is everywhere. When you are on a walk, cut a few stems, pop them in a vase, and you’ve got a beautiful, sculptural centrepiece. It never has to cost a lot. Seasonal flowers are always cheaper. And garden clippings work just as well.

Bringing real greenery into your home is a simple way to feel more connected and uplifted every day.

11. Relying on Overhead Lighting

Let’s talk lighting—because getting it right can completely transform a room. The harsh overhead light? Cold spotlights? It’s time to say goodbye. I can tell you that relying on a single ceiling fixture often leaves a space feeling flat and uninviting.

The secret is layering your lighting. Use warm bulbs across different sources—table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights—to create pockets of soft, welcoming light. This approach not only adds depth and dimension but also makes your room feel cozy and beautifully balanced. Think of it as painting with light: combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to highlight your space’s best features and set the perfect mood.

A well-layered lighting scheme is one of the simplest, most effective ways to elevate your home’s atmosphere—and it’s something every room deserves.

12. Too Many Colours in One Room

Too many colours in one room can feel chaotic and disjointed, making it hard for the eye to settle and the space to feel harmonious.

As a colour expert, I always recommend following the 60:30:10 rule: let 60% of your room be your dominant colour (think walls or large furniture), 30% a secondary colour, and 10% as an accent. This simple structure keeps things balanced and visually calm, no matter your palette. You can read more on this on this previous post I wrote the other week and in my book.

Tonal variation is just as important—layering different shades and tones of your chosen colours adds depth and sophistication, rather than overwhelming the senses. And for true cohesion throughout your home, consider a “red thread”—a colour or tone that appears in different ways from room to room, quietly tying the whole space together. When you strike this balance, your rooms feel curated, connected, and effortlessly pulled together.

These are the kinds of tweaks I see making the biggest difference in clients’ homes, time and time again. Have you spotted any of these in your own home? If so, you’re definitely not alone—these are common challenges, not mistakes.

The great news is that small, thoughtful changes can completely transform how your space feels and functions. I’m here to help you see your home with fresh eyes and give you the confidence to make those adjustments that will elevate your space. You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Thanks for letting me be part of your Sunday. 

Until next week,
Tash

P.S. If you want to dive deeper into art placement, wallpaper, or anything else, you’ll find loads more in my book. And as always, I’m here for your questions!

Photos are all credited. ick photos found on Rightmove (sorry if it’s your home!)