I’m an IKEA expert – here’s four interior design mistakes people make, you need to follow my vertical rules instead

AN INTERIORS expert has revealed the four mistakes people always make when sprucing up their homes.

Laura Watson, from IKEA’s Online Interior Design Service, says it’s very important to maximise your space, especially if you have small rooms.

But she often finds people cluttering up their storage or using up too much floor space.

And these mistakes can lead to rooms looking even smaller.

Speaking to Barratt London, Laura – from Edinburgh – said: “Many people forget to utilise vertical space, such as walls and high shelves.

“They’re missed opportunities for additional storage and organisation.

“Cramming too much into closets, cabinets, and drawers can also be a frequent pitfall [and] can make it difficult to find items and lead to items bursting out.

“It’s important to leave some breathing room in storage areas to keep them functional.” 

Laura also revealed that disorganised storage and not taking time to plan interior design projects can lead to space issues in your home.

She said: “Without proper organisation systems, even the best storage solutions can become chaotic.

“Using labelled bins and baskets helps keep everything in its place and makes items easy to find.

“Jumping into space-saving projects without a clear plan can lead to inefficient use of space and resources too.

“Taking the time to measure, plan and visualise the layout can result in a more effective and aesthetically-pleasing outcome.”

To make the most of your rooms, the IKEA expert instead advises people to follow her vertical rules.

First up, Laura says how you display your storage is key to maximising your space.

“Floating shelves and hooks can be both functional and visually appealing” she revealed.

“Vertical storage solutions utilise otherwise wasted wall space while displaying items that reflect your personality. This also helps to keep the floor area clear, avoiding the room feeling cluttered.

“Suction shelves and hooks are a great renter-friendly option for bathroom storage.”

And colour can also make a huge impact with thinking about the vertical space in your home – creating the illusion of a bigger room.

Laura says: “Using colour and lighting effectively can significantly enhance the perception of space in a small home.

“Light colours, such as whites, pastels, and soft neutrals, reflect light and make a room feel larger and more open, while darker colours can be used for a moody, cosy feel. 

“Colour placement is also important. Using colour to emphasise vertical space draws the eye up and creates the illusion of height.”

Finally, if you have a tiny bathroom or balcony space, greenery is very important when considering vertical space.

“Hanging baskets, green walls and dangling plants add visual interest without taking up valuable floor space”, says Laura.

“Similarly, outdoor shelves are not just for storing forgotten plant pots. They can be used to display your plants and store items in an artful and inspiring way – just like indoor open shelving.”