Interior Design Myths Debunked

Interior design is often surrounded by strong opinions — many of them inherited from magazines, television programmes or social media. Over time these ideas become accepted “rules”, even when they’re not particularly helpful.

In reality, good design is far more nuanced. Every space, client and brief is different, and rigid rules can sometimes lead to exactly the interior design mistakes designers work hardest to avoid.

Here are a few of the most common interior design myths — and what really matters instead.

Myth 1: Small Rooms Must Be Painted White

This is one of the most persistent beliefs in interior design. The idea is that white walls make a room feel larger.

While light colours can reflect more light, using only white can sometimes make a space feel flat or clinical. In smaller rooms, richer tones — soft greens, deep blues or warm neutrals — can actually create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

The real issue isn’t colour, but balance: light, contrast, texture and lighting all play a role in how spacious a room feels.

Myth 2: Everything Has to Match

Many people assume a well-designed interior means coordinating furniture, fabrics and finishes so everything looks perfectly matched.

In reality, this can make a space feel overly staged. The most interesting interiors combine pieces with different textures, materials and periods. Contrast creates character.

A carefully layered mix of finishes — timber, stone, textiles, metal — brings depth and authenticity to a room.

Myth 3: Good Design Is About Expensive Materials

Luxury doesn’t always come from price. Some of the most successful interiors rely on thoughtful layout, well-chosen lighting and carefully balanced materials rather than expensive finishes.

A modest material used beautifully will often feel more refined than a costly one used without consideration.

Design is less about cost and more about clarity of idea and attention to detail.

Myth 4: Open Plan Works for Everyone

Open-plan living has been hugely popular over the past decade, but it’s not always the right solution.

Large open spaces can create acoustic problems, reduce privacy and make it harder to control temperature and lighting.

Often the best approach is a hybrid: spaces that feel open and connected but still offer defined zones for different activities.

Myth 5: Interior Design Is Only About How Things Look

Perhaps the biggest myth of all.

Design is fundamentally about how a space works. Layout, circulation, acoustics, lighting, storage and ergonomics all influence how comfortable and intuitive a space feels.

In commercial environments, overlooking these elements can lead to serious office fit-out pitfalls, such as poor workflow, uncomfortable meeting areas or inadequate acoustic control.

The visual layer of design is important — but it sits on top of a much deeper foundation of planning and problem-solving.

Avoiding Common Design Mistakes

Many common home design errors and commercial design problems come down to the same issue: decisions made too early, or without a clear overall strategy.

Taking the time to think about how a space will actually be used — and how people should feel within it — leads to far better results.

Good design isn’t about following rules. It’s about understanding the principles behind them and knowing when to apply them, and when to break them.

A Final Thought

The best interiors rarely follow strict formulas. They respond to context, architecture and the people who use them.

At Studio by Faber, our role is often to cut through these myths — helping clients focus on what truly matters: thoughtful planning, balanced materials and spaces that feel both beautiful and effortless to live or work in.

Because when design is done well, it doesn’t feel like a rulebook.
It simply feels right.