9 Interior Design Mistakes You NEED to Stop Making ASAP! Design Bad Habits To Break!

What're your bad habits? Nail biting? Leaving your dirty clothes on the floor? Well, those aren't my business. But your interior design bad habits? We need to talk about them! Today we are chatting about 9 Interior Design bad habits that you need to break and how to fix them. Some of the fixes are as easy as changing your mindset and others may involve some shopping and living room rearranging!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:09 Lighting Height
01:46 The Waiting Game
2:49 Boats Float, Not Rugs
3:52 Use Your Receipts
4:41 Use Protection
6:55 Color Isn't Your Enemy
9:02 Scale
10:24 Dead Space
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This video is not sponsored! Thanks to Thanks to MovieClips, Fandango, Reddit, Capital Lighting, Wolberg Lighting, My Domaine, Chloe Dominik, CNBC, The Balance, Al Rasub, North Interir Design, High Country Furniture, Martha Stewart, Houzz, My Domaine, Tenement Museum, Sheepskin Town, Apartment Therapy, House Full of Summer, Rugs.com, Wayfair, Article, Decorilla, Old Brand new, Window Treatments, HomeTalk, JRL Interiors, Emily Henderson, Architectural Digest, Big Wall Decor, Curbed, Embassy Cleaners, and Pride Carpet Cleaning for the images used in today's video. These images do NOT belong to me and instead belong to the respective creators listed.

[@04nbod]

Tip for painting the house. Pick a painting that has a colour palette you like. A proper painting, not something from Homegoods. Get a print, put it on your wall. If you've got a house, put it in the hall.(Yes, its OK to have a print of a famous painting in your house. Just put other stuff up too). Get all the colours from the house from that painting. The artist has spend ages making sure these colours work together on the canvas, they'll work together in your house too

[@KivaBrent]

This is genius! I love this tip. Im pinning it!

[@ritakrzyminski6407]

“Please don’t lick your dining chairs.” Oh Girl. I’m rolling on the floor laughing for real. Love you!

[@KivaBrent]

Lmao yes, don’t lick them or at least, don’t make a habit of it 😂.

[@carolefreeman2544]

“Home is for living”. Not a truer word spoken! ❤🤗🇨🇦

[@KivaBrent]

I’m glad that you agree!

[@MsMaxinejoy]

I hate empty corners. I either have a lamp or piece of art there.

[@lormor460]

😂😂😂😂 I had to stop and laugh..”your rug is not a floatation device”. Best line of the day!!

[@fleetsma5119]

I love your videos. They offer practical advice for us 'regular' struggling women wanting to decorate but not have to sell the kids to do so!

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@andrea.adhdhouse]

I used to decorate in an “all or nothing” way where the decorations were tucked away in a closet waiting for me to go all HGTV design show and redo an entire room. Now I’ve embraced living with my space, figuring how the family uses the space and adding in elements when I’m ready. I’m a perfectionist so this was not easy but I’ve stopped collecting decor items and only buy what I can use now.

[@tiffytattoo2450]

The fuchsia is such a great colour on you! I love classic chic Kiva, but I tap into more colourful style Kiva is so lovely to see :)

[@KivaBrent]

Aww thanks so much!

[@Janieandtheboys17]

I agree! This sweater is BOMB and you look amazing in it. 😊

[@Qtopian]

I think sometimes we forget to go with our gut and have too many imaginary conversations in our head. (Is this trendy? Is it too trendy? Will my friend like this? Will this work practically? Does it match/too much etc) i think we need to go with our gut and ask yourself do you love this piece. If you actually genuinely love it and would scream with joy over that item then im 99% sure it will be an amazing design choice. I try to ask myself with everything i buy design wise if I love it and it always works (and then i start to develop personal attachment to inanimate objects which may be the only downside to my thought process)

[@AshCupric]

I literally laughed so hard at the Home Alone electrocution scene. 😂 wonderful tips as always. And you’re looking even more radiant every time we see you. 💕 you inspired me to totally redo my entire bedroom, I just finished this weekend and I LOVE it!

[@briw1948]

awwwww :)

[@RIXRADvidz]

growing up my mom would cram the corners with things that had no space in closets or cabinets. I like Uncluttered Corners. unless there is an existential void in that corner it will remain open at most a plant in a pot but it must be a wall of windows that finishes in that corner.

[@KivaBrent]

I love this mindset

[@RIXRADvidz]

@@KivaBrent

[@traceywiseheart6424]

I used to wait to put my things out. I now take them immediately out of the bag!

[@KivaBrent]

I love this for you!!!!

[@valarieart]

KIva, thank you for talking about dead space! I just removed wall art from a wall in both my living room and dining room. What a difference it made. I knew something was wrong but hadn't a clue what it was. That made all the difference!

[@kathysyphrit5713]

Covers for furniture is just a sales gig, and people fall into it. Ha ah . We live in our house comfortable furniture, chairs. I love following you. Great projects that make people take another look at your space. I like my house to look alive and some thing to draw the eye to. I don't care if anyone likes my taste in anything. It is for me and my husband.

[@yeeaahhzz]

One caveat: I have a pet style (soft, quilted, water-resistant) sofa cover, not due to pets, but because we tend to eat on our pullout. If i didn't, I'd be spending most of my life cleaning and vacuuming in-between the cushions (regardless of scotchguard) or worrying if crumbs got near the mattress when company stayed over. Laundering the cover monthly instead of spot-treating the original fabric daily or worrying if messy family, dirty from work, were lounging too long, saved my sanity. I can easily spot vacuum all the crumbs in 5 seconds since they don't travel in the crevasses. Not to mention the original sofa cushion covers are workout to remove, launder and re-stuff. Is it aesthetic? Hell no. Has it saved our sofa from the mortal wounds of spilt beverages, endless crumbs and greasy stains? Absolutely. There's no way the OG Velour would have withstood so much without me eventually feeling resentment for maintaining it.

[@KivaBrent]

Living functionally (whatever that means for you) is THE most important goal.

[@eneyavorodecky]

That was fun. In regards to the decor, i am guilty of that. Eaxh of us loves art abd somehow 5 years we dont have a singe piece up bc we are not "ready".

[@jmitch8483]

👍 x 1,000,000!!! This is the most helpful and realistic advice I've heard. You are just the best❤

[@KivaBrent]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate you!

[@laurelarmstrong4535]

I like your practical approach to design. It is refreshing and attainable.

[@burghbrat3319]

I think my very most worstest baddest design habit (yes I know how wrong that grammar was!) is that I get something almost done ... and then I don't finish it. I am GREAT at big ideas and getting started but not at all good with details and wrapping the project. Pretty much every space inside and outside my home is perpetually in some stage of 'in the works' and never done. Grrrr.

[@KivaBrent]

I’m the same way. For me, it comes down to being obsessed with something being perfect but perfection when it comes to design doesn’t exist. Trust your gut!

[@burghbrat3319]

@@KivaBrent

[@LynsAlteredArts]

Kiva merch , “your rug is not a flotation device” and “do not lick your dining chairs”! 😅

[@KivaBrent]

Omgggggg I should make that 😂

[@fructueuse1653]

LOL Not licking my furniture!🤣I almost stopped the video because I don't like videos telling people to follow trends. This was unexpected and you need to repeat again and again about buying all unused, extreme bargains that collect dust and create clutter, eating up the budget for what's truly value added! People may argue about size, given that a microscopic LV just sold for $60K

[@Solacefoundandcurated]

Lol. I need more dead space in this house! Thanks, babe! ❤❤❤

[@newluhu]

Great video, as always, thank you kiva. I enjoyed it so much, very relaxing !!! 😊

[@KivaBrent]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@deemorgan5046]

More for us boho bibliophile maximalist...saw a room with all the chatzkes and family pictures on a high picture ledge ...like a low plate rail around a bookish family room...so cool without being new york cluttered.. Godspeed Dee

[@carencranston5171]

I love the way you explain things. It just makes sense 👍

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much!

[@sylviaskinner6849]

Thank you, the more I watch you the more I like my house. I have a small home north of Pittsburgh. I just had all of my rooms painted white besides two. I had focal walls done in two of those rooms. I thought I would get the others painted white later but now hearing you I won’t. My dining room, and bedroom are moody colors.

[@laurendesignchick]

I think encouraging experimentation with different colors for different rooms without adding caveats and guidelines is like handing your teenager the keys to the car and saying, “have fun, kiddo! Live your best life!” I have seen soooooooo many bad color experimentations that this topic deserves its own entire video.

[@eleonoracasula1836]

You are totally right, as usual, but I can not help but cover the wooden table with a cotton tablecloth. My family will mark it in one second and I want to keep it with us, in good condition, for many other years...

[@joycehardy9422]

I used to do that and then gave up. Now years later, I see the marks of words or numbers written that lightly pressed into my table from my kid’s homework. It is now my most valuable possession. And my kids are adults now.

[@youbetcha108]

I agree when decorating or renovating do it for you and how you live. Most times it will be practical. But if you like craft style tiles use them and be happy or paint color or wood tones. Good advice from Kiva as usual. ❤

[@KivaBrent]

Thank you so much!! Loving the space you’re in is extremely important.

[@newluhu]

Hi kiva, i dont have none of those habits but, i ha've been to a few ppl home and they got these furnitures COVERED, it looks so bad, especially when they say they spent a lot of money, oh no, then why they bought it if they covering it, duh. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@KivaBrent]

I wonder if they fall off of it like a slip and slide 😂

[@20isaBeast]

My living room and dining share the same wall and flows right into each other. I'm having the hardest time trying to figure out how I can make it two separate rooms without closing it in. Can you paint a continuous wall two different colors?

[@kaystinebrink1220]

Bad habit: Starting a project and then get frozen because I cannot find or do exactly what I want. A project can stay frozen for years while I try to get up the courage to take a chance and finish.

[@theresahill7203]

I'm so guilty of the Homegoods bags😂

[@KivaBrent]

We all are!!!!

[@donnamannschreck8806]

I put cushions on my wooden chairs, to protect our bottoms when we are playing games at the table 😂

[@KivaBrent]

You gotta protect those bottoms! This, I support!

[@cloudcat0]

I totally have a box with decor I bought but haven't used yet haha 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@KivaBrent]

Use it asap!

[@biajubram3094]

Amazing motion

[@lauriealmaeena8713]

Good advice Kiva 👍 i e enjoy your humor so much and your rocking that sweater wow😊

[@KivaBrent]

Yay, thank you!

[@mamak2066]

Kiva, I don’t keep ANYTHING I don’t love! The other day I bought two packages of Biscotti for a breakfast with friend and to fill up my jar next to coffee maker. I opened one bag, ew… so soft, opened the second bag, again soft , inedible ! I shoved it in the bag and went right back for a refund! I think of it as driving down the road and tossing a $10 bill out the window! No thank you!! That money will go towards another purchase !

[@KivaBrent]

As you should!!! I love that you returned them!

[@dianeguy7452]

Omg when I get something new I can’t wait to put it up or display it lol.

[@KivaBrent]

I love this for you!

[@Ad-Lo]

I love your vibe!

[@KivaBrent]

🥹💕

[@Leesynergy]

Thanks for the great tips. Bad habit no. 2 is me Lot's of so many unopened decor pieces

[@KivaBrent]

Open those pieces!!! It’ll save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

[@tiaszikszai5196]

Oookay, but why is no one is talking about how good your voice is when you sing?

[@jackieboo6776]

This video actually had me giggling the whole time you're so funny 🤣😊

[@KivaBrent]

I’m so glad!!!! I low key think I’m a comedian 😅.

[@johnjohnny6480]

Anything purely decorative or damaged will be or has been purged.

[@KivaBrent]

Nice!

[@jeannineterese1037]

Great tips Kiva!

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much!

[@lynnblack6493]

Okay I will go move my floater rug... Darn!

[@nasimpt]

All this time, I could just lick my chair?? 😂😂😂

[@einahsirro1488]

My bad habit is that if someone offers me something that is free, I will take it, because it's free. Then I get it home and try to find a place for it, try to make it work... because it was free. I have gotten really off track sometimes, trying to incorporate something that really doesn't fit. But it was free! (sigh)

[@LynsAlteredArts]

My biggest design mistake is probably when I put something somewhere I leave it there for 10 years and I never change anything or move anything around other than changing pillow covers, candles, or a wreath.

[@KivaBrent]

Wait - I don’t think that’s a mistake. To me, it sounds like you’re super content in your space which is the dream!

[@sharongittens6034]

Girl, you hilarious 😂😂but thanks for the info

[@KivaBrent]

😂 thanks Sharon!

[@bricksloth6920]

Not dead space. Negative space. Negative space is the frame and background that provides a setting for your art

[@04nbod]

There is an art to making a house that looks full but not cluttered especially a small room that has stuff for living in it. The problem is that inspo pictures show you 1-2 walls and its the most interesting part of the layout. What's behind the camera? Is it just as interesting? Is it blank?

[@soriyazz]

Just call me chingy😂😂😂 it definitely adds up.

[@kaselayoung6311]

Omg yessss that was me with homegoods bags & not knowing what decor i have.

[@KivaBrent]

I’m so glad you’ve started opening them up!

[@jenniferalexisgavin1759]

Cute sweater

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks!

[@leoandagnes1442]

The faux fur on chairs part i partly agree with. I like real sheepskin on my chairs, it adds a cozy feeling to the home. But if it is fake then don't do it.

[@patriciah6700]

I just want to tell you that you look amazing!

[@emiliebova]

Scotchguard works.

[@debiolivetree24]

"Just call me CHINGY!!! 😂😂 You're so entertaining Kiva.

[@KivaBrent]

😂😂😂

[@alicialoves3]

Damn it ... I HAVE put a chair in a corner hajajaj it HAS been moved !

[@KivaBrent]

That’s okay! We all do this. I’m glad you’ve embraced the empty corner 😊.

[@margot64fern]

I have a floating rug in my kitchen. I think it’s the exception. Otherwise I’d have 2 runners in an L shape for comfort while I meal prep and wash dishes.

[@KivaBrent]

You make a great point - kitchens, bathrooms and entryways are exceptions.

[@peacefuljourney4994]

you are SO PLEASANT to watch, listen to and look at...but that cardigan ? :)

[@KivaBrent]

You’re too kind! Thanks, it’s by farm rio!

[@peacefuljourney4994]

@@KivaBrent haha, I'm pretty sure I saw it on Russell Brand...he's a pretty mess...you're pretty.

[@to0effincrazii]

My anxiety won’t let me accept dead space. Lol. My bf gets mad at me cause everything needs a decir. 😂

[@KivaBrent]

That’s okay! If it makes you uncomfy, definitely don’t do it 😊.

[@LynsAlteredArts]

Quickly grabbing my wishbone chair out of the corner and replacing it with a plant. Now where to put the chair that no one ever sits in ever!

[@pamela3722]

I have three dogs. So my sofa is covered when it’s really wet outside. I live in Georgia and the mud is orange. My sofa is a yellow gold, Bayou Sunset. So it would be that color and orange paw prints all over it. One of the dogs always runs in from outside and jumps up where I was sitting. So I still get a wet butt from him. And he is the biggest and heaviest. I wanted a big painting. It was from an estate sale online. I have one mirror hanging in my bedroom. And my husband said it would be too big. And I let him talk me out of it. I won’t do that again. My whole hallway is dead space. Only because I just don’t know what to hang in it. And it’s very wide. I have some art my older grandkids made for me. But I have seven grandkids. The youngest is too small to draw or color anything yet. But I was going to hang it in black frames down the hallway. Now all I need is black frames. And wait for the youngest to start coloring. I might not have anything from the younger three. But I know the six and four year olds would make something.

[@francinerosenzweig3415]

Hell yes to glass furniture. It can also show scratches. Love it, won't buy it again.

[@Hannah_naylor_]

Send a pigeon 😂😂😂😂 great video girlfriend!

[@KivaBrent]

😂😂😂 thanks, girl!

[@moniquegaines5731]

………can we have a moment for this top?!?? ❤❤❤❤❤

[@KivaBrent]

Thank youuuuu. Farm Rio always comes through!

[@euliceridley8691]

My problem is paper (mail) I burn it in my grill but it just seems like it hustle keeps coming , and then I start 1 project not finishing that 1 and I'm on to another project

[@elizabethvalkanas9704]

That Dobby energy hahahahaha

[@theme12ihchannel33]

I have a new build house and all the wall are white. I love white walls and worry if I paint a room a different color I’ll regret it. I do want to break out of it and maybe paint or put some wall paper up.

[@user-rr9tg7zl1w]

Great video! I LOVE the sweater, where is it from?

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks! It from farm rio!

[@rachaelbruesch6306]

🙋Guilty as charged Kiva! I have bought items that I didn't use & never used and ended up donating them in the end.

[@burghbrat3319]

Oh, I think we've all done that! Well, hopefully someone ended up loving those things and got some use of them, even if they weren't right for us!

[@KivaBrent]

Yes, I love that you donated them instead of tossing them in the bin!

[@77jeannes64]

Bad habit - keeping everything I buy (that I love) out in one or two rooms, then all I see is clutter. I need to learn to do things in rotation. I need to be able to actually see that vase I love so much instead of hunting for it. I just don't need 4 vases on the same piece of furniture!! And I don't want to be a maximalist. (but I just love them so much). BTW, you look great and I so adore those glasses.

[@KivaBrent]

Thanks so much! The good thing about this is that you know what the problem is and you’ve identified the solution. Now it’s about putting that solution into action. Rotating decor is so fun because it’s like shopping in your own home!

[@AshCupric]

I just finished my bedroom makeover this weekend. The corners looked a bit empty so on one side I hung a plant and on the other I stood my didgeridoo up in the corner, it’s like an art piece. Simple but not cluttered!

[@04nbod]

Or having something on every surface. I'm European, I fill up my mantle with all sorts but then the rest of the room? Do I put stuff on the coffee table, side table, bookshelf? sideboard? The balance.

[@katharinamarschall5662]

I have a white sofa and 3 blankets on. 😅

[@londastreeter7269]

I had to put a blanket on my white chair because the dog won’t stay off. 😡. I have a light sofa but we’re getting blue denim transfer on it. I can’t get it out. I used Folex. Any ideas?

[@Yasmine_WilliamsWoods]

You always have me laughing. Not we’re not bringing rugs out for summer…they’re not floatation devices 😩 Just call me Chingy 😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@KivaBrent]

Hahaah im glad you were amused!

[@meggygurova7273]

Here in my part of the world they sell only one type of big rugs. I found that if I purchase 2 of the same rug, I can sеw them together 😂😂😂

[@KivaBrent]

Genius

[@reggie9334]

I can’t commit to anything 🤷‍♀️ trying to find a couple of chairs and sofa for family room. Omg what a nightmare

[@KivaBrent]

Happy to help in anyway I can 😊

[@fredmckibben6872]

KB, Please switch to De Cafe...LOL

[@AllisonMoon-SheWandersFeral]

I put down printed nice twin sheets on our sofa: because Smooth Fox terriers shed like 10 cats That said? Those faux furs? Are VERY traditional globally. They aren’t to protect the chair, they are to cozy your guests’ butts

[@DebraCox-m4b]

How do I find your Amazon storefront? It’s not at the bottom of your video

[@brendagregoryyuen4923]

Awesome video about the shame of poor design! We don't have our overhead lights (over the dining table) hung correctly! Gasp.

[@beertjem1]

Wow I wanted to do a moody green living room because we just bought i house. I assumed i “had to” do a green bedroom as well, which i did not like…. Thank you. Do you think it can be another style?

[@KivaBrent]

Totally! Our bedroom is way more traditional than our living room. Different rooms should evoke different emotions and therefore, the styles may be different!

[@sylviawolff433]

I would like to hear your opinion on color drenching.

[@KivaBrent]

I adore the look, but I think it’ll feel a little too overbearing over time.

[@sylviawolff433]

@@KivaBrent what about a hall way?

[@emilyevans6989]

This is not a come on-just an observation: those glasses are so nice on you, and have you lost a lot of weight? You’ve ALWAYS been beautiful, but you look absolutely FABULOUS! 🌻

[@KivaBrent]

Awww, thanks so much!!! Yes, I’ve been on a massive weight loss journey recently.

[@emilyevans6989]

@@KivaBrent Honey, you are KILLING it! You just look INCREDIBLE! Have a great day! 🌻

[@RebellePuella]

Can we get a video or maybe even just a “short” to talk about what’s too much vs too little art on the walls

[@KivaBrent]

Yes for sure!!

[@choirguy100]

I’m going to challenge the “pendent lights/chandeliers are too high”. This is not always a “mistake”. By the way mine aren’t too high because they were installed by professionals before I moved in, but if I could do it over and had my say I’d hang the dining room chandelier closer to the ceiling deliberately. The reason is that when people set up the chandelier to be 30 to 40 inches above the table they assume there’s always going to be a table underneath. This is wrong. I have a small house with an open floor plan, and when want to host or entertain parties, I would love to move the table out of the way to give people more room to move around and mingle. I cannot because the chandelier being so low is a hazard waiting to happen. I’m a tall person, and I have friends who are also tall and if we’re not careful we can hit our heads on the chandelier. I have to keep the table underneath it at all times to avoid an accident and that is extremely limiting in my space when I want to have more than a handful of people over. Interior designers: you are wrong on this point.

[@04nbod]

Agreed, low hanging dining lighting in particular locks you in to how to use a space. My rule is that if I put my hand above my head I should just be able to touch it. I'm 5'6.

[@LynsAlteredArts]

When I started going more minimalist the first thing I got rid of was my dining table and chairs. The bottom of the chandelier is about 6 feet from the floor so I’m good because I’m short and almost everyone I know is short, occasionally I’ve had someone 6 feet in the house and I’ve had to say watch out. The only reason it’s that high is because my ceilings are 14 feet high and it’s hard to find anything with a long enough wire to get it any lower and it also has to be able to go on a sloped ceiling. I’m having a terrible time finding a new piece.

[@janiceestes9518]

It's very simple. Cap of your light and buy rechargeable wall lights and place them on the wall.

[@wilddove8320]

Put a plant hook in your ceiling and swag your chandelier when you move the table

[@deborahreliford8575]

❤

[@uoohoo99]

Ur design flaw is that black stripe and the floor lamp is too big for the space behind you.

[@barbcarranza3122]

Dobby energy.....heeheee

[@sterlgirlceline]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💛

[@jenniferclyde8911]

I was doing so well and then you got to small things 😅🤣🤣 big art is so expensive and I know I could diy something but that doesn’t really spark joy for me. I have basically put a full stop on purchases of little things until it evens out some

[@KivaBrent]

It’s okay that it doesn’t spark joy for you! Try artsy.net and saatchi Art. Artists sell their work there and you can find large pieces that are affordable!

[@ChrissyRob]

I literally have this cute curved ottoman, from target, sitting in the plastic because I don’t have the chair to go with it! Lol! I even have my sofa with the plastic on it because I’m afraid of it! It’s white! 😂🤣

[@KivaBrent]

Enjoy your furniture!!!!!! Sing it from the rooftops!

[@timothylippman9196]

*repetition

[@KivaBrent]

Must’ve made a typo! I’m human

[@EllisBell]

❤