Interior design may appear effortless in glossy magazines and on Pinterest boards, but real homes—and real life—require more than just aesthetic instinct. The difference between a room that feels curated and one that simply feels “off” often comes down to a few avoidable design missteps.
In our comprehensive guide, Designing Your Dream Home, we unpack everything from foundational design principles to actionable steps for every space. Here, we distil five of the most common design mistakes we see and explain how to fix them using her expert tips.
1. Overlooking the Power of Lighting Layers
The Mistake:
Relying on a single light source—usually a central ceiling fixture—is one of the most common design pitfalls. While it may technically illuminate a room, it does little to enhance atmosphere or functionality. This kind of one-dimensional lighting can leave a space feeling flat, cold, or even harsh.
The Fix:
In our eBook, we emphasise the importance of using layered lighting to bring depth and versatility to your home. Every well-designed space should feature a thoughtful balance of three key lighting types: ambient, task, and decorative. Ambient lighting serves as your overall illumination—think ceiling fixtures or recessed lights—but should be enhanced with dimmers to adapt to different moods. Task lighting provides focused, practical light where you need it most, such as under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, reading lamps in the living room, or desk lamps in a home office. Finally, decorative lighting introduces personality and style. Sculptural floor lamps, elegant pendants, or artfully chosen table lamps can act as both functional elements and visual focal points.
The right mix of lighting sources doesn’t just make a room more usable—it transforms it. The interplay between soft glows and direct beams helps define zones, highlight architectural features, and create an inviting, comfortable atmosphere throughout the day.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size Rug
The Mistake:
Choosing a rug that’s too small is one of the most common interior design missteps—and one that can subtly undermine an otherwise beautifully styled space. When rugs don’t fit the scale of the room or the arrangement of the furniture, they can make everything feel disconnected, like individual pieces floating rather than working together as a cohesive whole.
Image: Nkuku Braided Hemp Rug *
The Fix:
In our eBook, we highlight the importance of selecting the right rug size to visually anchor your space. A well-sized rug acts as a frame for your furniture layout, helping to define zones and create a sense of structure. In living rooms, the rug should be large enough so that at least the front legs of sofas and chairs rest on it—ideally, more. This unifies your seating area and enhances the feeling of a thoughtfully composed room.
In dining areas, opt for a rug that extends at least 24 inches beyond the edges of the table on all sides. This ensures chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out, creating both visual balance and functional ease.
For tricky spaces or open-plan rooms, consider using bound broadloom carpet cut to size for a tailored look that won’t break the budget. The result is polished, grounded, and effortlessly cohesive.
3. Neglecting Function for the Sake of Style
The Mistake:
Designing a space purely based on how it looks—without considering how it will function—can leave you with a beautiful room that doesn’t actually support your day-to-day life. It might photograph well, but if it’s uncomfortable, impractical, or difficult to maintain, it won’t serve its true purpose: to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
The Fix:
In our eBook, we stress the importance of starting every design with functionality in mind. Before choosing colours, fabrics, or furniture, consider how the space will actually be used. Is it a high-traffic area? Will it need to accommodate children, pets, or guests? What storage solutions are essential to keep it organised? These practical considerations lay the foundation for a space that not only looks good but works beautifully, too.
If you’re drawn to open shelving, for instance, but struggle with clutter, pair it with closed cabinetry to keep essentials tucked away. Choose hard-wearing materials and performance fabrics that can stand up to daily use without sacrificing style. By grounding your design in real-life needs, you create a home that feels as good to live in as it looks. Beauty and practicality are not mutually exclusive—they’re the heart of great design.
4. Lack of a Cohesive Colour Palette
The Mistake:
Leaping from one trend to the next—or letting impulse paint purchases guide your design—can result in a home that feels disjointed, overwhelming, or simply mismatched. Without a clear plan, rooms can clash in tone or style, making it difficult to create a space that feels calm, intentional, and cohesive.
The Fix:
In our eBook, we dive into how thoughtful colour planning is essential for creating a harmonious home. Understanding colour theory—such as analogous, complementary, or monochromatic schemes—can help guide your palette and set the emotional tone of each room. Rather than treating each space as an isolated project, consider how colours will transition from one area to another. A consistent palette creates visual flow and makes even small homes feel larger and more connected.
Natural light also plays a major role. The same shade of paint can look dramatically different depending on the room’s orientation and time of day. That’s why we always recommend testing swatches on multiple walls and observing them in different lighting conditions.
To bring it all together, start by collecting your favourite references and tones on a mood board. Then refine and streamline them into a well-balanced palette that reflects your personal style—and holds up over time.
5. Filling Your Home Without Telling Your Story
The Mistake:
It’s tempting to replicate the exact look of a beautifully curated Instagram home, but designing a space that’s too trend-driven or copied from someone else’s feed can often feel flat and impersonal. When every detail looks perfect but lacks connection to you, the result can feel more like a staged set than a place to truly live.
The Fix:
In our eBook, we encourage a more meaningful approach to design—one that starts with you. A well-designed home should reflect your personality, your experiences, and your lifestyle. That doesn’t mean abandoning aesthetics; it means blending style with authenticity. Think beyond matching sets and mass-produced décor. Instead, aim to layer your space with intention: mix vintage with modern, combine investment pieces with budget finds, and gradually collect meaningful items over time.
Include artwork that resonates with you, whether it’s a treasured print, a photo from your travels, or something handmade. Style your shelves with favourite books, ceramics, or family heirlooms. These are the elements that give your home character and soul.
Ready to Design with Confidence?
Interior design isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about intentionality, personality, and balance. With our eBook, Designing Your Dream Home, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to create spaces that not only look stunning but feel deeply personal.
👉 Download your copy of the eBook today and start transforming your house into a home that tells your story—beautifully, practically, and authentically.
Ultimately, the most compelling interiors are the ones that feel lived in and loved. Design isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what feels like home.