14 Design Mistakes Designers Wish Homeowners Would Stop Making
From improperly scaled rugs to overly trendy decor choices, experts explain the design missteps that make them cringe.
Designers spend more time than most people analyzing things like paint choices, furniture layout, and lighting. We asked them to get honest about the design missteps most people make, and what to do instead. Below, designers share the common home mistakes that make them cringe.
Things that seem easy to overlook, like a rug that's a bit too small or a paint color that's not quite right, can make an entire room feel off. Or as designers put it, these mistakes can make a room feel "flat and uninviting," "smaller and lifeless," or simply "incomplete."
Luckily, design pros have also shared ideas for how to remedy these common mistakes. The good news is that many of these fixes—like installing new cabinet hardware or organizing your cord clutter—are both easy and affordable. With these tips, your home can be the personalized, cozy, and practical space you want it to be.
Below, designers share the most common home mistakes they wish people would stop making. If you're looking for more expert insights on home design, read up on the one thing designers put in every home and a few simple tricks that make any home feel expensive.
Installing cheap cabinet hardware.
If a kitchen renovation isn't in the cards for you, simply swapping your cabinet hardware could be the next best thing, says designer Whitney Riter Gelinas of Wit Interiors. "It might seem like an easy place to save some money, but cheap powder-coated pulls or knobs will instantly make your space look cheap. We always suggest solid metal hardware. Conversely, expensive hardware on a less expensive cabinet can elevate the whole look instantly."
RELATED: Huge Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs, According to Pros
Painting a small room in a light color.
While your instincts might lead you to go light in a compact room, interior designer Emily Henderson believes the opposite can make a bigger impact. "This may feel counter-intuitive, but I've had to learn this lesson a couple of times. Painting a small dark room a light color will almost always make it feel smaller and lifeless. Go for a dark, rich color instead. The room will feel simultaneously larger and cozier."
Not layering lighting.
There's nothing like a room that's outfitted with the right lighting choices — a blend of stylish overhead fixtures, paired with other options like sconces, table lamps and floor lamps.
A room can feel "flat and uninviting" if you only focus on overhead fixtures, says Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes Interiors. "To create a more refined and high-end look, incorporate a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting. Table lamps, sconces and dimmable options not only enhance functionality but also add warmth and dimension, elevating the overall atmosphere of your home."
Settling for poorly scaled furniture.
Another easy way to make a room feel cheap is picking furnishings with the wrong scale. Furniture and decor shouldn't be too big or too small. "The scale should relate to the size of the room and surroundings," says designer and home stager Meridith Baer. "For instance, small art on a large wall is incongruous. A large chair in front of a small desk makes no sense."
Choosing the wrong size rug.
A great rug grounds a space, adds warmth and can make a room feel cozier overall, so size matters. "Always opt for an appropriately sized rug — oversized rugs can anchor a room beautifully, whereas small area rugs can make a space feel incomplete," says designer Naïka Andre of NJA Interiors.
Designer Jill Romine agrees, noting that undersizing rugs can take away from a space: "When a rug is too small, it loses both its power and its purpose. I never compromise rug size, even if it means spending more."
Not having a decided color palette.
Take a cue from this inviting living room designed by Henderson — always aim for a clear color palette. "If you look at almost any beautifully designed room, there is a firm color palette, which makes it feel really cohesive," Henderson says.
Her trick for picking the right color combination? "I usually say to go for 3-5 colors and then play within those tones. Basically, don't choose the same shade of green throughout the whole room. Mix it up!"
Filling a room with too many trends.
It can be tempting to experiment with all of the latest trends, but if you take it too far, your space can quickly feel chaotic. "What feels fresh today can look dated or overwhelming tomorrow. Trends are inherently short-lived," says Izabela Tokarski, interior designer and founder of Kabela & Co.
Be thoughtful about your design choices and try styles that stand the test of time. "The key is to stick to timeless, neutral elements for larger, more permanent pieces. Add trends sparingly through decor and accessories."
Failing to keep cord clutter at bay.
This one's tough. Between your computer, television, lighting and all of the other tech essentials in your home, it's easy for cords to get out of control. If your cords are exposed, tangled and visible, a room can look disorganized, says Tokarski.
"Tangled wires from electronics, exposed power strips or dangling TV cables disrupt the visual flow of a space and draw attention away from its carefully curated elements. By hiding cords and cable management systems, you can maintain a clean, intentional and sophisticated look."
Using generic art.
Art should be special to you, so it's best to stay away from pieces like mass-produced framed prints of famous paintings or generic finds, says designer Linette Dai. "Using generic art is the quickest way to kill a vibe. Your collection of displayed art should be well considered and personalized, and originals or authorized limited edition prints are best."
Hanging inexpensive light fixtures.
Lighting can transform a room in an instant, so choose wisely. "Replacing a fixture with thoughtful lighting that fits your decor and the overall feel of the house goes a long way," says Gelinas.
Overlooking window treatments.
Sometimes, it's easy to forget the finishing touches in a room, but that shouldn't be the case if you're aiming for a polished home. "Most people either don’t have them or don’t make the best use of them," says designer Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors. "Adding drapery will instantly elevate any room and make it feel less bare. The key is to choose panels in a color that ties the room together."
There's one other pointer to consider, too: "They should be the proper length, and hung at least 4"- 6" above the window, depending on the amount of space to the ceiling."
Buying area rugs with visible binding on the edges.
There's no shortage of rugs out there, which makes it even harder to find the right design for your style and budget. But there's one detail Anna Kroesser and Amelia Strat of Kroesser + Strat Design suggest looking out for:
"Area rugs with visible binding on the edges make a space look cheap and a bit more commercial. Standard edge binding or serging are sometimes more economical options than area rugs with hand binding or serging, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. Even companies like Rugs USA have a plethora of options with hand binding that make a rug look more expensive and without the price tag."
Picking curtains with grommets.
Whether you're partial to minimalist designs or love bold colors and patterns, you can't go wrong with hanging chic curtains in a space. But there's one curtain style you should always stay away from, according to Kroesser and Strat.
"Window drapery with grommets make a home look less expensive and luxurious. This feels very college dorm-like and not elevated. When sourcing window drapery, look for curtain panels with back tabs or pinch pleats. Both of these create a more refined and luxurious feel. You can get the look of custom without the price tag if you can avoid grommets on the drapery."
Over-decorating a room.
"By having too many knickknacks, it can sometimes come across as clutter," says Dai. "For an elevated look, embrace less is more or curate thoughtfully."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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