Common home design mistakes can turn a space with great potential into an unpleasant space without knowing exactly why.
From harsh lighting to ill-fitting furniture, small choices can have a surprisingly big impact. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home in Conroe, Texas, or sprucing up your forever home in Aloha, Oregon, you’ll quickly find that fixing a few design mistakes can make your home more sophisticated and appealing.
In this Redfin article, we break down the most common design mistakes people make and share easy and practical ways to fix them without having to start over. Think of it as your shortcut to a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and truly yours.
In this article:
1. Choose a rug that is too small
2. Ignore lighting as a design element
3. Using the wrong paint color for lighting
4. Forgetting storage in your design plans
5. Choosing furniture in the wrong scale
6. Design that emphasizes appearance, not lifestyle
Avoid common home design mistakes in your own home
1. Choose a rug that is too small
One of the most common mistakes in home design is choosing a rug that doesn’t anchor the room properly. An area rug that is too small will make your furniture feel disjointed and make the entire space look unfinished, even if everything else is styled well.
Why this happens:
Rugs are often chosen based on price rather than room size People underestimate how much floor space they need Showroom rugs look larger in the actual room
Why it matters:
The room feels small and unbalanced It disrupts the visual flow of the furniture It creates an unnatural “floating furniture” effect
How to fix
The key is to choose a rug that properly secures your furniture. In the living room, at least the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug. In the dining room, choose a rug that is large enough to rest on the chairs when you pull them out. Also, in the bedroom, make sure the rug extends beyond both sides of the bed to create a grounded and cohesive look.
Pro tip: When in doubt, size up. A large rug can create an intentional, cohesive feel to your space.
2. Ignore lighting as a design element
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of home design, but it can completely change the way a space looks and feels. Relying on a single overhead fixture or mismatched light bulbs can leave a room looking flat, harsh, and unwelcoming, even if the furniture and decor are beautiful.
Why this happens:
Homeowners focus on furniture and décor, but neglect lighting People unknowingly mix bulbs with different color temperatures One central light fixture is considered sufficient for every task and mood
Why it matters:
The room feels uneven or shabby Colors may look different at different times of the day The entire space feels unwelcoming and chaotic
How to fix
The solution is a combination of layering the light and keeping the temperature constant. First, include ambient, task, and accent lighting in each room. Use warm colors in the bedroom and cool, bright lighting in the kitchen and bathroom. Following these steps will give your room a more balanced, functional, and comfortable feel.
Pro tip: Decorilla co-founder and lead interior designer Joyce Houston shares her insights on how lighting can impact a space. “A common mistake is to mix up the color temperature of the light without realizing it. There are endless options for LEDs, and ‘daylight’ sounds great on the box until it becomes a harsh fluorescent color when installed in the actual fixture. By keeping the temperature consistent within each zone (warmer in the bedrooms, slightly brighter in the kitchen and bath), the house feels more cohesive. Of chaos. ”
3. Using the wrong paint color for lighting
Even beautiful paint colors can look completely different on a wall depending on the light in the room. Choosing colors without considering natural and artificial light can turn fresh, attractive colors into drab, harsh, or just plain “off.”
Why this happens:
Paint looks different in a store with bright, constant lighting than it does at home Homeowners don’t test swatches in multiple parts of a room Changes in natural light throughout the day aren’t taken into account
Why it matters:
Colors can be too dark, too cool, or too warm Mismatched lighting can cause furniture, flooring, or decor to clash Rooms can feel small, dull, or uninviting
How to fix
Be sure to test your paint swatches in the room you plan to paint and observe them at different times of the day and under artificial lighting. If colors look different in certain areas, make slight adjustments to the hue or choose complementary undertones to create a cohesive look. By taking the time to notice how light interacts with your paint, you can avoid costly and disappointing rework.
Pro tip: Check paint samples on multiple walls and in all lighting conditions before committing. It’s easier to change a small test patch than repaint an entire room.
4. Forgetting storage in your design plans
It’s easy to focus on style and forget about function, but storage is an important part of a well-designed home. Without enough storage space, even the most beautiful room can look cluttered and cluttered.
Why this happens:
Homeowners underestimate the amount of storage they actually need Design trends prioritize minimalism over practicality Existing storage options are not integrated into the overall design
Why it matters:
Clutter accumulates, making rooms feel smaller and disorganized Beautiful furniture and decorations are overshadowed by clutter Daily life becomes less efficient and increases stress
How to fix
Build storage into your design from the beginning. Use hidden storage solutions like built-in cabinets, floating shelves, multifunctional furniture, and ottomans and benches. Make sure your closets, pantries, and other storage areas are easy to access and match the style of your room so functionality doesn’t take a back seat. Thoughtful storage can help keep your home clean, organized, and visually appealing.
Pro tip: To maximize space without sacrificing style, choose furniture that does double duty, like a coffee table with drawers or a bed with storage underneath.
5. Choosing furniture in the wrong scale
Furniture that is too large or too small can throw off the balance of the room, making it feel cramped or empty. Even if the style is good, it won’t look right if the size doesn’t fit the space.
“One of the most common home design mistakes is not taking the proper measurements to ensure the furniture is the right scale/fit,” advises Yvonne Jacobs, founder and principal designer of Jacobs + Interiors. “We often go into homes where clients have just purchased furniture, and the scale is off and things don’t fit properly.”
Why this happens:
Homeowners don’t take proper measurements before making a purchase Showroom displays can make furniture appear smaller or larger than it really is Trendy items are often chosen for style over functionality
Why it matters:
Oversized furniture can make a room feel crowded and difficult to navigate. Small furniture can make a space feel sparse and isolated. Ill-fitting furniture can disrupt the flow and overall balance of a room.
How to fix
Be sure to measure your space before purchasing any major items. Consider room size, traffic patterns, and how you plan to use each area. Use painter’s tape on the floor to outline where you’ll place your furniture so you can visualize the scale before you start. Taking the time to match your furniture to your space will make your room feel balanced, comfortable, and cohesive.
Pro tip: Remember to leave at least 30 to 36 inches of walking space around your seating area. Comfort and flow are just as important as style.
6. Design that emphasizes appearance, not lifestyle
It’s easy to get caught up in trends and magazine aesthetics, but designing a home that looks great is not the same as creating a home that fits your lifestyle. A beautiful but impractical room can quickly become unusable.
Why this happens:
Homeowners prioritize style over everyday function Trends and “instagrammable” ideas can override actual needs Furniture and layout are chosen for appearance over comfort
Why it matters:
Rooms can be difficult to live in, especially for families and pets Functional needs such as storage, circulation, and ease of use are compromised A space that is not suitable for daily life loses its aesthetic appeal
How to fix
Before choosing a design, consider how each space will actually be used and how it will fit into your particular type of home. Think about traffic patterns, storage needs, your family’s daily routine, and pets. Balance style and functionality – Choose items and layouts that look good and make your life easier. A home designed to fit your lifestyle isn’t just beautiful, it feels effortless, comfortable, and inviting.
Pro tip: Test your layout and furniture placement with your daily life in mind. If you feel inconvenienced, we recommend adjusting it before it is fixed.
Avoid common home design mistakes in your own home
Common home design mistakes happen to everyone, and the good news is that they’re often easy to fix with a little intention and planning. By paying attention to lighting, scale, and the actual use of each room, you can transform problem areas into beautiful and functional spaces. A few smart updates can give your home a more cohesive look and make your daily life more comfortable.
