10 Common Interior Design Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Hi, I’m Eileen, and over the years I’ve seen it all. Rooms that look beautiful but don’t function well, and spaces that function beautifully but miss the mark on comfort or style.

The good news is, most interior design mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.

Here are 10 of the most common design mistakes I see in homes (and how you can sidestep them) so your space feels balanced, inviting, and truly yours.

1. Not Thinking About Function First

A home isn’t just about looks, it’s about how you live. I often see layouts designed for style that don’t suit the day-to-day needs of the family.

My tip: Start by thinking about how you’ll use the room. Flow, comfort, and practical storage should always come first.

2. Choosing Furniture That’s the Wrong Scale

Oversized sofas in small rooms or tiny rugs in large living areas can throw everything off balance.

My tip: Measure your space and your furniture before buying. Ideally, draw up a floor plan so you know everything will fit comfortably.

3. Ignoring Natural Light

Lighting changes the mood and feel of a space. A poorly lit room, no matter how well designed, can feel flat and uninviting.

My tip: Layer your lighting. Think about natural light during the day and add a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting for the evening.

4. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls

This is one I see all the time! It makes rooms feel awkward and less inviting.

My tip: Float furniture where possible. A sofa pulled slightly into the room with a rug beneath feels much warmer and more connected.

5. Going Overboard with Trends

Trends are fun, but if your whole home is based on what’s “in” right now, it can date quickly.

My tip: Add trendy pieces like cushions, décor, or artwork in smaller ways and big investments (like sofas or cabinetry) timeless.

6. Forgetting About Storage

Beautiful open shelves are great, but if you have nowhere to put the day-to-day mess, clutter builds fast.

My tip: Design with storage in mind. Even in small spaces, clever built-ins or multi-purpose furniture can make a huge difference.

7. Not Testing Paint Colours

I’ve seen people fall in love with a tiny paint sample only to hate the result once it’s on the walls.

My tip: Always paint large swatches directly on your walls and look at them at different times of day before making a decision.

8. Ignoring Scale and Proportion in Decor

Tiny artwork on a huge wall or too many small accessories can make a room feel unfinished.

My tip: Go bigger than you think! Large artwork, rugs that anchor the space, and statement lighting often make a room feel more cohesive.

9. Forgetting About Flow Between Rooms

Each room should have its own character, but your home should still feel connected.

My tip: Create a colour palette that ties rooms together, even if the shades or accents change slightly from one space to the next.

10. Neglecting Comfort

Sometimes people get so caught up in making a room look stylish that they forget it has to be comfortable too. A beautiful sofa that’s awful to sit on doesn’t work in the real world.

My tip: Always test furniture for comfort and think about the emotional feel of the space whether it be cosy, calm or energising, before you buy!

Ready to Get Interior Design Right (Without the Stress)?

Choosing finishes and furniture can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, your home can look beautiful, feel welcoming, and work perfectly for your lifestyle.

If you’d like a hand avoiding these common mistakes, I’d love to help bring your vision to life and create a space that feels just right for you.

Contact me today and let’s make your home feel like you 🏡