12 items interior designers would NOT waste money on

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Loaf's 2015 Collections, Loaf Loaf Modern living room
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We learn through making mistakes and it's refreshing to hear that interior designers are human after all. Having decorated many client properties (as well as their own over the years) there are a few things they wouldn't waste money on any more and we thought we'd let you in on them.

If you want to create a luscious living room that would be able to fool any decorator into believing you had professional home furnishing help, or a bedroom that blows everyone away, read on and see what not to buy!

1. A wooden floor in a house with pets

Piso en Palermo · Paula Herrero | Arquitectura, Paula Herrero | Arquitectura Paula Herrero | Arquitectura Modern dining room

Not if you want it to stay looking good. Designers say a scratched wooden floor is as bad as a hairy carpet!

2. White statement furniture

The Long Brick House, Földes Architects Földes Architects Minimalist living room Shelves

It just isn't practical, often looks grubby and dates really quickly.

3. Slip covers for dining room chairs

homify Minimalist dining room Chairs & benches

You're not at a wedding in the 1990s so let your stylish chairs breath.

4. A high-maintenance garden

Moroccan style garden Gullaksen Architects Mediterranean style garden

It will will take over your life and all your free time, so keep it simple!

5. Statement splashbacks and outlandish tiles

The Original British Standard Kitchen British Standard by Plain English Country style kitchen Wood Wood effect

If you take on a kitchen revamp, stick to stylish classics.

6. Elaborate kids furniture

Silversparkle Children's High Hut Bed Cuckooland Modern nursery/kids room Beds & cribs

It might make you feel like Parent Of The Year but it's going to get damaged, drawn on and will be hell to assemble.

7. Expensive fads

Avoid trendy gadgets as they date a space like nothing else.

8. Large, colourful furniture items

Pudding Sofa Loaf Modern living room Sofas & armchairs

Rather than splurging on large, colourful items, try out the hue as an accent colour first. Cushions before sofas!

9. Mass produced retro furniture

It doesn't give a fun and vintage edge to your home, it just looks like you hung onto your Grandma's dresser.

10. Elaborate curtains

Madhuri Print collection AW14, Designers Guild Designers Guild Modern windows & doors Curtains & drapes

They're a waste of money, so look for something off the peg, simple and stylish. Custom drapes never date well!

11. Generic art

Wall Art, Ria Rich Creative Ria Rich Creative Other spaces Pictures & paintings

Choose things that have a personal connection, not just the right colours.

12. Huge statement pieces

Brunel Cast Iron Bath Aston Matthews Classic style bathroom Bathtubs & showers

Don't impulse buy huge pieces that might not actually work or fit well in your home. You'll be stuck trying to make them look good and you'll never fully love them.

For more interior design advice, take a look at this Ideabook: Decorating your house: Don't make these 7 mistakes!

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