We have all had the experience of visiting the residence of a family member or colleague that is adequate in design but cold and austere. Within our own private homes, we all know what we want and what we don't want when it comes to interior design. Unfortunately, many of us miss the mark when it comes to effectively combining function, form and warmth.

There are a myriad of reasons why even a well thought out interior design plan can end badly and result in a single room or an entire home that is austere; lacking warmth and character. If you understand the potential pitfalls beforehand, you can use your new knowledge to make sure your newly decorated house is brimming with function, character and a family home you will be proud to entertain family and friends.

Color in your Home

The biggest error that amateur decorators make that results in a cold environment is selecting the wrong color palette, or leaving color out of your plan altogether. When you first move into a new house, the walls are plain because they are neutral which gives the potential buyer to see themselves living in the space. Generic white builders paint is also the cheapest option for homebuilders. It is not supposed to remain in your new house for very long.

You must exercise caution with the ‘shades' of white that you pick for your home (and yes, there are hundreds of shades of white). There are warm shades and cool shades. Warmer white shades can make a space look homey (think cottage chic) and cool shades make a space look cold and harsh. White shades should be used in moderation.

Warm color hues are perfect to improve the warmth in a home and add energy and personality. Which colors you select will highly depend on your personal preferences, your home furnishings and decorating accessories and the degree of light that the room receives. A home with restricted natural light is better suited for lighter shades that will absorb whatever light does flood the space and reflect it around the room. A room with ample windows, skylights and other sources of light can handle deeper, darker and richer colors such as eggplant, mustard, midnight blue and merlot red.

Furniture

Without question, your home's furniture and accents are the ‘bling' for your home. These pieces set the tone and personality for the room, from laid back or Mediterranean to classic or Georgian. Choosing pieces that work well with your room is important. For example, Georgian or other vintage pieces that are fussy and heavily upholstered can stand out uncomfortably in a modern loft. The same can be said for attempting to make Eames style furniture work in an Arts and Crafts traditional bungalow.

If you want to transform your place from house to family home, choose pieces that you really like and be certain they work well in the space they are being placed. Don't be afraid to create interesting contrasts; unusual furniture placement often result in a inviting and vibrant setting that you, your family and guests will love spending time.

The first rule to consider: everything looks smaller in the showroom. Once you get it to your home, that nine foot sofa and love seat may dominate your room and look completely out of place. Before you begin your interior design project, get to know your home and the rooms you are redecorating. Take careful measurements of the entire room including width, length and ceiling height. Rooms with low ceiling height (such as a lower level room) need lower to the ground furniture than a great room that may have high 12 foot ceilings.

If you have furnishings in the room now, measure it and write everything down. Then really look at what you have now and determine if the scale (the size of the furniture compared to the size of the room) is too small, too large or just right. This will assist you immensely when you venture off shop for new furniture.