April 7, 2026, 3:03 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Whether a room is perceived as high-quality is determined by subtle nuances. It’s rarely the obvious mistakes that throw it off balance. More often, it’s the quiet, subtle style breaks that make something seem not quite right. myHOMEBOOK author Carolin Chytrek reveals which decor and furnishing no-gos should be avoided at all costs.
The Forgotten Corner
The move is complete, the furniture is in place, and the moving boxes are empty. But one corner of the room still looks quite neglected. A sideboard was simply placed there, and the decor seems random and doesn’t match the rest of the room. Somehow, the idea of how to use this area is missing. The forgotten corner is often underestimated.
A concept is only complete when every area has a function and every corner receives attention. In most cases, a deliberately placed element—such as a chair or a plant—is enough to turn an empty corner into an area with a story.
Too Many Eye-Catchers
A statement piece thrives on being the focal point. However, if every decor item in a room demands attention, it creates competition rather than harmony. The room then appears restless and loses its atmosphere.
In strong interior design, only selected products dominate intentionally and have enough space to unfold. A striking light fixture, a special piece of furniture, or a large artwork is often enough as a focal point.
Material Selection Without Depth
Industrial design calls for metal, while the boho look calls for rattan and jute. But just because different styles are based on different materials doesn’t mean they can’t be mixed. If a room is furnished only with metal, it quickly appears flat and one-dimensional. Only the mix of different textures gives it depth. For example, a wooden table in an industrial loft can make the difference between a homey or technical look.
So, don’t be afraid of mixing and matching. It’s the combination of rough and soft, matte and shiny, and heavy and light that makes rooms visually high-quality.
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3 Common Mistakes When Hanging Pictures
Hanging Pictures Too High
Artistic paintings or photographs can give a room character—or completely throw it off balance. Often, these are placed too high or randomly distributed on the walls, which is an absolute no-go in decor. Those who choose wall decor should work with grouping and align with the average eye level. Gallery walls can take up the entire height of the wall, but large or striking pictures should be placed at eye level. The rest are arranged above and below. This creates a harmonious picture. The rule of thumb for wall design is: Eye level is key!
Artificial Plants That Look Artificial
A bit of greenery is never wrong in interior design. Those without a green thumb or who don’t have time for extensive care often turn to artificial plants. However, this can go more wrong than right. Many plastic plants, unfortunately, look fake–especially if they’re made from cheap materials. This diminishes the quality of a room and is therefore considered a decor no-go.
Artificial plants are perfectly fine, but when buying, make sure the leaves don’t shine too much and the colors appear natural. Then they are an asset and bring life to the home.