Top 5 Common Mistakes Interior Designers Make in SketchUp (And How to Avoid Them)
Let’s face it: SketchUp is a total game-changer for interior designers. It’s got the power to bring your design concepts to life in jaw-dropping 3D. But if you’re just diving in—or even if you’ve been at it for a while—it’s easy to trip up on a few common mistakes.
Don’t worry, though. I’ve got your back. Here are the top five SketchUp slip-ups interior designers make and, more importantly, how to dodge them.
1. Skipping Groups and Components
Okay, real talk: if you’re not using groups and components, you’re setting yourself up for chaos. Imagine trying to edit one chair in your model, only to realize you’ve accidentally morphed your entire dining table—nightmare fuel, right?
The fix? Group related objects (like the legs of a table) and turn repeating elements (like chairs or light fixtures) into components. Not only will this make your model organized and easy to edit, but it’ll also run smoother. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
2. Overcomplicating Geometry
Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to model every single stitch on a couch. 🙋♀️ I get it—it’s tempting. But intricate details can bloat your file and make SketchUp feel like it’s running through molasses.
Here’s the secret: Keep it simple. Focus on the essence of your design with clean geometry and use materials and textures to give it that extra flair. Less is definitely more when it comes to SketchUp models.
3. Ignoring Tags (Layers)
If your SketchUp model feels like it’s spiraling out of control, it’s probably because you’re not using tags. Think of them as your go-to organizational tools, like a well-labeled filing system for your model.
Pro tip: Assign objects to tags right from the start. That way, you can toggle visibility, isolate elements, and make changes without hunting through your model like you’re searching for lost keys.
4. Relying Too Much on Plugins
Here’s the thing—I don’t actually use any plugins for SketchUp. Why? Because I think the native tools are powerful enough to handle everything an interior designer needs, without adding unnecessary complexity.
My advice? Skip the plugins (for now) and focus on mastering the basics. By nailing SketchUp’s native tools, you’ll not only streamline your workflow but also build the confidence to tackle any design challenge—no safety net required.
5. Forgetting to Save (Often!)
We’ve all been there: you’re in the zone, your model’s looking fire, and then... crash. Hours of work—gone. If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this: SAVE YOUR WORK. And then save it again.
Set up auto-save and make it a habit to hit that save button every few minutes. It’s a simple step that can save you a world of hurt.
Let’s Nail SketchUp (Without the Stress)
Avoiding these common mistakes will have you cruising through SketchUp like a pro. Want more insider tips?
Start with my FREE guide: How to Get Started with SketchUp: The Ultimate Guide for Interior Designers. It’s packed with practical advice to get you up and running fast. Download it here!
Take it to the next level with ID SketchUp School: My comprehensive, self-paced course designed just for interior designers. Learn all the tools, tricks, and workflows to master SketchUp and create show-stopping designs—without wasting hours on YouTube. Enroll today!
SketchUp doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s streamline your workflow, wow your clients, and make your design dreams a reality.
Here’s to creating smarter, not harder!
– Taylor
SketchUp and design by Solstice Interiors
