6 common interior design mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Interior design mistakes don’t just happen to “amateurs.” Even seasoned design lovers sometimes get blindsided by tricky layouts, bad lighting, or furniture that looks better in theory than in practice. The truth? A beautiful home isn’t about perfection, it’s about smart choices that actually make life easier. Let’s walk through six common design slip-ups, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
Here are the six most common interior design mistakes, and how to dodge them like a pro.
1. Not defining your needs clearly (aka skipping the homework)
Why it’s a problem: Jumping into a project without a clear plan means you end up chasing trends, filling space with random stuff, or making costly mistakes in the layout itself (like a kitchen that lacks storage, a living room where circulation feels cramped, or a bedroom with no space left for a wardrobe).
How to fix it:
Start with a “wish & don’t-want” list.
Ask yourself: Who lives here? What annoys me today? What’s essential vs. optional?
List furniture and items to keep, desired functions, and storage needs.
Stick to your brief: it’s your GPS throughout the project.
Think of it as the foundation of your interior: everything else flows from here.
2. Ignoring circulation and proportions
Why it’s a problem: Cramped spaces or awkward gaps make your home feel smaller, uncomfortable, and frustrating to live in.
How to fix it:
Measure your rooms and furniture before placing anything.
Use a scaled floor plan or 3D design app to visualize layouts.
Ensure there’s enough space to move, dance, or chase the dog without bumping into the coffee table.
Good circulation makes even a small space feel open and effortless.
3. Choosing inadequate lighting
Why it’s a problem: One ceiling light can leave rooms feeling flat, dark, or uninviting. Bad lighting also ruins the vibe of your décor.
How to fix it:
Layer your lighting: general (ceiling), task (reading/work), and ambient (mood).
Mix lamps, sconces, and pendants for warmth and depth.
Consider dimmers to adjust lighting to different moods and times of day.
Good lighting transforms your home from ordinary to vibrant and welcoming.
4. Prioritizing aesthetics over functionality
Why it’s a problem: Choosing items purely for their looks can lead to spaces that aren’t comfortable or practical (but that doesn’t mean beauty has to take a back seat).
How to fix it:
Seek pieces that balance form and function: furniture can be both stylish and comfortable. Test them before committing!
A room can have elements that are purely decorative or “just beautiful”, as long as the overall layout supports your daily life.
Mix functional and aesthetic pieces to create a home that is practical, personal, and visually appealing.
The key is harmony: your home should feel good and look beautiful.
5. Overlooking transition zones
Why it’s a problem: When everything is placed without a clear structure, a room can feel visually “flat.” Instead of highlighting key elements, everything competes for attention or worse, nothing stands out at all. The result? A space that feels unfinished, lacking both depth and personality.
How to fix it:
Use rugs, furniture placement, painting or lighting to subtly separate zones.
Create visual and functional divisions: living, dining, work, or play areas.
Think in layers: even small distinctions make a big difference in open spaces.
Defined zones keep your home feeling cohesive and purposeful.
6. Following trends without adapting them
Why it’s a problem: Copying every trend you see online can leave your home feeling trendy but soulless, or make you quickly tire of a look you once loved.
How to fix it:
Pick trends selectively: only what suits your lifestyle and taste.
If you fall in love with a trend, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, add it through objects, a rug, or a paint color that’s easy to change later if your tastes evolve.
Mix with timeless pieces to make your space uniquely yours.
Trends should inspire, not dictate, your home.
Wrap-Up
Designing your home should be fun, personal, and functional. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you’ll create a space that’s both livable and beautiful.
Need a hand turning your ideas into reality? I help people design interiors that truly fit their life. Let’s make your home not just stylish, but also you.