12 items interior designers would NOT waste money on

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Loaf's 2015 Collections, Loaf Loaf Salon moderne
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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 Salle à manger moderne

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 Salon minimaliste Etagères

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

3. Slip covers for dining room chairs

homify Salle à manger minimaliste Tabourets & bancs

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 Jardin méditerranéen

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 Cuisine rurale Bois Effet bois

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

6. Elaborate kids furniture

Silversparkle Children's High Hut Bed Cuckooland Chambre d'enfant moderne Lits & Berceaux

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

Family Living homify Maisons modernes

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

8. Large, colourful furniture items

Pudding Sofa Loaf Salon moderne Canapés & Fauteuils

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 Fenêtres & Portes modernes Rideaux et tentures

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 Autres espaces Photos et illustrations

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

12. Huge statement pieces

Brunel Cast Iron Bath Aston Matthews Salle de bain classique Baignoires & douches

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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