Classic Mistakes People Make Designing Their Homes
Design is one of those things that looks easy, but it can be challenging. Whether moving into a new space or freshening up a room, we all want to add our unique style. But let’s be real, sometimes that style lands… and sometimes it looks like Pinterest met a mid-life crisis. It’s not that your style is bad, per se—it just got a little lost in translation (and maybe a few too many trips to the clearance aisle for Black Friday).
As a fellow Houston Interior Designer at Holloway Design Group, I’ve noticed that a few mistakes come up time and time again. Don’t worry, I’m not calling anyone out (sorry, Jane)! But really, I just wanted to talk about these mistakes so that you can avoid them next time you redesign your space.
Don’t Overlook Lighting
I can’t say this enough: lighting can make or break a room. Sadly though, most people don’t give enough thought to it. What could have been a great design is let down by poor lighting.
I always recommend layered lighting. What’s that? It’s a mix of ambient light (like ceiling lights), task lighting (like reading lamps), and accent lights (like under-cabinet lights). Don’t forget to consider both the brightness and warmth of your bulbs. Cold lighting can make a space feel sterile, while warm light can make it cozier. Read more: How to Pick Luxury Lighting Fixtures for Your Houston Home
Using the Wrong Furniture
The furniture store is a dangerous place—it’s like falling in love at first sight, only to bring that "perfect" piece home and realize it’s the one who leaves their wet towel on the floor. Everything looks gorgeous under those showroom lights, but once it’s in your living room, you’re left wondering if your house shrank overnight. Turns out, not every love story was meant to be!
Please, for the love of all things comfy, measure your space before committing to that gigantic sectional! The most beautiful furniture soon becomes an annoyance—even an eyesore—if it doesn’t fit your room. Ideally, your furniture should be the right size to “float” and placed away from the walls to create a sense of intimacy. Remember… cozy vibes, not chaos.
Prioritizing Design Over Functionality
When you’re designing a home, it’s easy to get lost in how things look to the point that you forget how a room is actually meant to function. You live in a home, not a showroom!
Design is important, sure—but not as important as a living space that won’t make you cry daily. For instance, if you have small children or pets, maybe rethink that all-white living room. It might look like a magazine spread on day one, but by day two, it’ll resemble modern art… featuring crayon murals and paw prints. Design smart, not stressful!
Storage is also essential. No matter how beautifully designed a space is, you will always need somewhere to keep things. We love using built-ins, furniture with hidden storage, and even creative shelving. Give everything a space!
Don’t Blow It Out of Proportion
Ever seen a huge artwork crammed onto a tiny wall? Or a dresser sitting on a rug that looks more like a doormat? Proportion matters, my friend. Your home is like an orchestra—all the pieces need to play nicely together and there should be a sense of flow and cohesion.
In most cases, this is easy. Just think about the scale of your furniture, décor, and accessories and how they work together. If something isn’t working in one room, it may work really well in another.
Sticking to a Single Style
Everyone has a style that they love more than others—whether it’s sleek modern, rustic farmhouse, boho chic, or industrial cool— but in home design, sticking to it too closely can give your home a showroom feel. Most homes are a mix of styles that work together.
Don’t be afraid to combine different textures and materials to add character to your home. Just make sure that your overall home style has a common element that ties everything together – this could be a color, a material, or even a form, so it feels cohesive.
Avoiding Personal Touches
You’ve probably noticed me highlight the “showroom” problem a few times in this article, and that’s because this is the biggest home design issue I see. A home shouldn’t look like it belongs in a catalog. It should reflect who you are.
That means your family photos and other sentimental items, like souvenirs from vacation, should be on display. No matter what it is, it’s a part of your story and your life, and it makes for a great conversation piece and a trip down memory lane. Who wouldn’t want to hear about the time you bartered for that hand-carved figurine and accidentally bought six?
Finally, Don’t Rush the Process
Designing a home takes time. It’s okay if it doesn’t look great overnight. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with the essentials and add new items as you go. Trust me, taking things slowly will result in a space that reflects who you are!
These aren’t hard and fast rules, but guidelines to help you create a beautiful, functional, and stylish house that you love. Design is a personal thing, and what one person loves, another can easily hate! The important thing is that your space works for you and makes you happy.
Ready to relax while we bring your dream space to life? Book a consultation today, and let’s make it happen!