6 BIG AND COSTLY DESIGN MISTAKES TO AVOID
6 common interior design pitfalls YOU REALLY WANT to STEER CLEAR OF (and what to do instead)
As the title suggests, these aren’t the minor mistakes; they’re the ones that will really make you wish you’d taken a second look at your choices before jumping in.
And avoiding these pitfalls isn’t just about saving time and money—it’s also key to creating a home that truly works for you, both practically and aesthetically. With a little careful planning and thoughtful choices, you can steer clear of these costly regrets and set the stage for a space that feels like home for years to come.
So, here’s my rundown of the six biggest and most common design traps that can end up costing you.
01. Splurging on Every Single Item
This one might seem counterintuitive, but bear with me! When designing a beautiful home, it’s natural to feel like you need to go all-in on every piece. But here’s a secret: splurging across the board can end up leaving your budget stretched thin without giving you a balanced and elevated look.
So, instead, I recommend focusing your budget on pieces that have the biggest impact first—think built-ins, your sofa, bed, dining table and chairs, and those key light fixtures. Some smaller items, like custom curtains or well-chosen pieces of art, can also be well worth the extra investment for the lasting style they bring to a room. But, with smaller items and decor in general, you don’t always need to break the bank.
Why? Because oftentimes, a home will feel much more inviting when it’s not overly perfect or luxe. And mixing in a few budget-friendly finds can add that character and balance. Plus, there’s often a great range of stylish, unique options even among budget friendly brands you don’t want to miss. Lastly, combining different price points can also bring a natural variation between pieces that adds lots of depth.
Designer Tip: Let those high-quality, investment pieces set the tone, then layer in more accessible accents. This way, you’ll have a home that feels cohesive, polished, and relaxed at the same time—all without unnecessary overspending on every single detail.
Mixing high and low-end pieces will make your home feel lived in and avoids unnecessary spending
02. Going Too Trendy on a Bathroom
Designing or renovating a bathroom is a big commitment—and cost. I know that it’s often tempting to opt for those trendy tiles, fixtures, or colors you’re seeing a lot of, but remember: trends change quickly, and redoing a bathroom won’t be like swapping out throw pillows. You’ll want a style that feels fresh over time, not one that quickly feels out of step with your taste.
What Works: Opt for classic finishes on the big items, like tiles, cabinets, and fixtures, and let smaller accents or details be where you experiment. This way, you can bring in favorite trends as they come and go without being locked into anything that’s hard to change.
PS: Want more bathroom design tips? Check out this post on bathroom tile details you might be overlooking: 6 THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS WHEN CHOOSING BATHROOM TILES
03. Getting Measurements Wrong
Nothing derails a project like discovering your dream sofa doesn’t fit between two windows or just feel too small in your large living area. Or maybe it’s realizing that a stunning chandelier looks awkward when hung in your home because of its large size. Proper measurements can save you a lot of hassle and avoid the time and expense of last-minute returns and replacements.
Measurement Musts:
Furniture Size: Draw furniture on your scaled floor plan or use painter’s tape to visualize how larger items will sit in the room.
Lighting Proportions: Make sure your ceiling fixtures truly fit the room’s scale, and your pendant heights are balanced for visual flow.
Clearance Space: Don’t overlook things like pathways and door swings—allow enough room for comfortable movement in your home.
I know double-checking measurements may seem time-consuming, but it’s truly one of the simplest ways to ensure everything will fit in your home seamlessly.
Take your time to collect and organize all measurement for your space to save yourself a lot of hassle down the line
04. Choosing Lighting Based Only on Looks
Lighting will definitely make a room feel warm, inviting, and stylish—but if you’re only choosing fixtures based on looks, you’re missing half the picture. Lighting needs to work for the space, too. Without layered and well-placed lighting, you will either end up with a room that’s too dim or feel too stark when the light is turned on. No matter how beautiful each fixture is.
How you Get It Right:
Layered Lighting: A mix of ambient, task, decorative and accent lighting at varying heights gives a balanced, functional space.
Dimmers: Using dimmers lets you create different moods, from cozy to bright, and adapt to different times of the day, all using the same fixture.
Function First: Especially in areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Make sure fixtures provide adequate light before focusing too much on aesthetics.
Beautiful light fixtures are an important part of a well-designed space, but choosing your lights only based on looks will risk making your home impractical
05. Not making your desired outcome clear
Starting without a clear plan or image of your desired outcome can quickly lead to impulse buys, going over budget, and a final look that lacks cohesion. That’s why your design project should start with making a clear roadmap—something to keep you focused and ensure every choice complements the overall look and function of your future space.
Must-Haves for a Good Plan:
Mood Board: Collect images and samples that capture the look and feel you’re aiming for. It keeps your style cohesive and makes decision-making much easier.
Budget: Decide where you want to save and where you’re willing to spend upfront. It prevents “budget creep” and keeps your spending intentional.
Timeline: Having a clear timeline will prevent unexpected delays and the extra costs that can come from rushing and making last-minute decisions—especially with custom pieces.
Not really sure what look you want in your home? Read my complete guide on how to find your style here: HOW TO DEFINE YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE
06. an Impractical Kitchen Layout
The kitchen is where we cook, gather, and entertain, so a layout that doesn’t prioritize function can instantly turn into a daily headache. Remember, design means more than good looks—if your kitchen isn’t practical, you’ll notice it every single time you cook or clean up. Get the layout right first, then think about adding style.
Quick Kitchen Layout Tips:
Key functions: Place the stove, fridge, and sink in a layout that really flows and makes cooking easier.
Counter Space: Ample prep space, especially near the stove and sink, makes for a much more functional kitchen.
Accessible Storage: Keep your most-used items, like pots and utensils, close to where you’ll need them. It’s a simple change that can save you so much time.
