Interior Design: Why It’s So Difficult – and Why It Matters

By Theresa Bouchard

Interior design is often mistaken for the simple act of choosing a paint color or arranging furniture. In reality it is a sophisticated blend of creativity, spatial reasoning, psychology, and technical understanding. Many homeowners discover—usually once they begin a project – that designing a cohesive and functional space is much harder than it appears. So why is interior design so challenging, and why does it matter?

Theresa Bouchard

One of the biggest hurdles is the ability to visualize a finished space before any actual changes are made. Interior designers can mentally place furniture, judge proportions, anticipate how light will affect color, and imagine how textures and materials will interact. This type of three-dimensional thinking does not come naturally to everyone. Many people walk into an empty room and feel overwhelmed rather than inspired, unable to imagine how individual pieces will ultimately work together.

Interior design is also deeply tied to function. A beautiful room is not truly successful unless it supports daily life comfortably. Designers consider how people move through a space, where they store belongings, and how each piece of furniture will be used. They think about balance, flow, ergonomics, and scale – details that often go unnoticed until something feels “off.” Creating a room that is both visually pleasing and highly functional is a delicate balancing act.

Another significant challenge is decision fatigue. Today’s homeowners face a staggering number of choices: endless paint colors, flooring materials, fabric options, lighting styles, furniture shapes, and hardware finishes. Without a clear vision or plan, these decisions quickly become overwhelming. What begins as an exciting project can spiral into frustration and second-guessing.

Design mistakes also tend to be costly. A sofa ordered in the wrong size, a rug that throws off the scale of the room, or a paint color that looks completely different from the tiny swatch can lead to expensive setbacks. This fear of making a mistake often causes homeowners to delay decisions—or rush into choices that don’t serve the space.

Before choosing any furniture or paint, a few foundational decisions can bring clarity to the entire process.

Start by asking: How do I want this room to feel?

• Cozy: warm tones, layered textures, soft lighting
• Calming: neutral colors, natural materials, minimal clutter
• Classic: symmetry, refined details, timeless fabrics
• Open and Airy: light colors, minimal furnishings, abundant daylight

Your desired mood becomes the anchor for all design decisions that follow.

Color psychology also plays a powerful role.

• Blues and greens: calming and restorative
• Neutrals: flexible and timeless
• Warm tones: inviting and energizing
• Dark hues: dramatic and grounding

Choosing a color palette early keeps the space consistent and prevents mismatched tones.

Functionality should guide every choice. Consider who will use the room and how it will be used. A family room, home office, or reading nook each demands different materials, layouts, and levels of durability. A room that looks beautiful but doesn’t support lifestyle needs ultimately falls short.

One of the most common design errors is buying furniture in the wrong size. Oversized pieces overwhelm a room, while undersized pieces make the space feel sparse or unfinished. Understanding scale and proportion is essential for achieving visual harmony.

Your preferred design style also shapes your decisions.

Some popular styles include:
Minimalist: clean lines, simple forms, and neutral palettes
Transitional: a blend of traditional and contemporary elements
Modern: crisp lines, smooth surfaces, and functional furnishings
Contemporary: trend-driven with bold art and innovative finishes
Traditional: rich colors, symmetry, and timeless details
Farmhouse: warm textures, rustic accents, and relaxed comfort
Coastal: breezy colors, natural fibers, and light finishes
Bohemian: eclectic patterns, plants, and layered textures
Industrial: brick, metal, concrete, and urban character
Scandinavian: warm minimalism with natural light and soft textures

For many homeowners, weaving all these elements together is simply too much—and that’s where professionals make a difference.

Why Hiring an Interior Designer Can Be Essential

If visualizing your ideal home doesn’t come naturally, you’re far from alone. Designers exist to bridge that gap. They can see possibilities you may never consider and anticipate problems before they arise. Instead of facing thousands of options, you receive curated selections that fit your budget and style. Designers also prevent costly mistakes by ensuring measurements, proportions, and materials are correct the first time. Most importantly, they help clarify and articulate your vision – even if you aren’t sure what that vision is yet.

Interior design is both an art and a science. Not everyone has the skills or time to create a cohesive, functional, and beautiful home – and that’s perfectly okay. By identifying your desired mood, color palette, and lifestyle needs, you can start building a space that truly feels like you. But when the process becomes overwhelming, partnering with a designer ensures your home becomes intentional, harmonious, and uniquely yours.

If you’re preparing to sell your home or simply planning a refresh, TS Staging and Design is here to help. This year’s Eagle Choice Award winner for Interior Design/Home Staging, TS Staging and Design is located at 630 Roosevelt Trail, Unit 2, in Windham. Its local home staging and interior design team would be delighted to assist with any project that comes your way. We welcome the opportunity to bring out the best in your home and help you take the next step with confidence. Contact Theresa at 207-400-9393. <