Common home design mistakes can turn a space with great potential into one that feels off without knowing exactly why.
From overly harsh lighting to furniture that doesn’t quite fit, small choices can have a surprisingly big impact. Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home in Conroe, TX or want to spruce up your forever home in Aloha, OR, fixing a few design missteps can instantly make your home feel more polished and inviting.
In this Redfin article, we’ll break down the most common design mistakes people make and share simple, realistic ways to fix them without starting from scratch. Consider this your shortcut to a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and truly yours.
In this article:1. Choosing rugs that are too small2. Ignoring lighting as a design element3. Using the wrong paint color for the lighting4. Forgetting about storage in the design plan5. Choosing furniture that’s the wrong scale6. Designing for looks instead of lifestyleAvoiding common home design mistakes in your own home
1. Choosing rugs that are too small
One of the most common home design mistakes is picking a rug that doesn’t properly anchor the room. A rug that’s too small can make furniture feel disconnected and the entire space look unfinished, even if everything else is styled well.
Why this happens:
Rugs are often chosen based on price instead of room size
People underestimate how much floor coverage is needed
Showroom rugs look larger than they do once placed in a real room
Why it’s a problem:
Makes rooms feel smaller and unbalanced
Breaks up the visual flow of furniture
Creates a “floating furniture” effect that feels awkward
How to fix it
The key is choosing a rug that properly anchors your furniture. In living rooms, aim for at least the front legs of sofas and chairs to sit on the rug. In dining rooms, pick a rug that’s large enough so chairs remain on it when pulled out. And in bedrooms, make sure the rug extends beyond both sides of the bed to create a grounded, cohesive look.
Pro tip: When in doubt, size up—larger rugs instantly make a space feel intentional and pulled together.
2. Ignoring lighting as a design element
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of home design, yet it can completely change how a space looks and feels. Relying on a single overhead fixture or mismatched bulbs can leave rooms feeling flat, harsh, or uninviting, even if the furniture and decor are beautiful.
Why this happens:
Homeowners focus on furniture and decor but neglect lighting
People mix bulbs with different color temperatures without realizing it
One central fixture is assumed to be enough for every task and mood
Why it’s a problem:
Rooms feel uneven or harsh
Colors may look off depending on the time of day
The overall space can feel uninviting or chaotic
How to fix it
The solution is a combination of layering light and keeping temperatures consistent. Start by including ambient, task, and accent lighting in each room. Use warm tones in bedrooms and cooler, brighter lights in kitchens and bathrooms. Following these steps will instantly make a room feel more balanced, functional, and welcoming.
Pro tip: Joyce Huston, co-founder and Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla, shares her insight on how lighting affects your space: “A common mistake is mixing light color temperatures without realizing it. LEDs give you endless options now, and ‘daylight’ sounds great on the box until it reads harsh and fluorescent once it’s in your actual fixtures. Keep temperatures consistent within each zone (bedrooms warmer, kitchens and baths a bit brighter) so the home feels cohesive instead of chaotic.”
3. Using the wrong paint color for the lighting
Even a beautiful paint color can look completely different once it’s on your walls, depending on the light in the room. Choosing a color without considering natural and artificial light can turn a fresh, inviting color into something flat, harsh, or just “off.”
Why this happens:
Paint looks different in the store under bright, consistent lighting than it does at home
Homeowners don’t test swatches in multiple parts of the room
Changes in natural light throughout the day aren’t taken into account
Why it’s a problem:
Colors can appear too dark, too cold, or too warm
Mismatched lighting can make furniture, flooring, or décor clash
Rooms can feel smaller, dull, or uninviting
How to fix it
Always test paint swatches in the room you plan to paint, observing them at different times of day and under artificial lighting. If a color looks off in certain areas, adjust the hue slightly or choose complementary undertones to create a cohesive look. Taking the time to see how light interacts with your paint can save you from a costly and disappointing redo.
Pro tip: Look at your 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 about storage in the design plan
It’s easy to focus on style and forget function, but storage is a crucial part of any well-designed home. Without enough storage, even the most beautiful rooms can feel cluttered and chaotic.
Why this happens:
Homeowners underestimate how much storage they actually need
Design trends prioritize minimalism over practicality
Existing storage options aren’t integrated into the overall design
Why it’s a problem:
Clutter accumulates, making rooms feel smaller and disorganized
Beautiful furniture and décor can be overshadowed by mess
Daily life becomes less efficient and more stressful
How to fix it
Incorporate storage into the design from the start. Use built-in cabinets, floating shelves, multifunctional furniture, and hidden storage solutions like ottomans or benches. Make sure closets, pantries, and other storage areas are easy to access and match the style of the room so functionality doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Thoughtful storage helps keep the home clean, organized, and visually appealing.
Pro tip: Choose furniture that does double duty—like a coffee table with drawers or a bed with storage underneath—to maximize space without sacrificing style.
5. Choosing furniture that’s the wrong scale
Furniture that’s too large or too small can throw off the balance of a room, making it feel cramped or empty. Even well-styled pieces won’t look right if their size doesn’t fit the space.
“One common home design mistake is not taking proper measurements to make sure furniture is the right scale/fits,” advises Yvonne Jacobs, founder and principal designer of Jacobs + Interiors. “I often get to a house where the client just purchased furniture, but the scale is off and things do not fit properly.”
Why this happens:
Homeowners don’t take proper measurements before purchasing
Showroom displays can make furniture look smaller or larger than it really is
Trendy pieces are often chosen for style over functionality
Why it’s a problem:
Oversized furniture can make rooms feel crowded and hard to navigate
Small furniture can make a space feel sparse and disconnected
Poorly scaled furniture disrupts the flow and overall balance of a room
How to fix it
Always measure your space before buying any major pieces. Consider the size of the room, traffic patterns, and how you plan to use each area. Use painter’s tape on the floor to outline where furniture will go so you can visualize the scale before committing. Taking the time to match furniture to your space ensures the room feels balanced, comfortable, and cohesive.
Pro tip: Remember to leave at least 30–36 inches of walking space around seating areas—comfort and flow matter just as much as style.
6. Designing for looks instead of lifestyle
It’s easy to get caught up in trends or magazine-worthy aesthetics, but designing a home that looks good isn’t the same as creating a home that fits your lifestyle. A room that’s beautiful but impractical can quickly become frustrating to use.
Why this happens:
Homeowners prioritize style over daily functionality
Trends and “Instagram-worthy” ideas can override practical needs
Furniture and layouts are chosen for appearance rather than comfort
Why it’s a problem:
Rooms may be difficult to live in, especially for families or pets
Functional needs like storage, traffic flow, and usability are compromised
Aesthetic appeal fades if the space doesn’t work for everyday life
How to fix it
Before committing to any design choice, consider how you actually use each space and how it fits your specific type of home. Think about traffic patterns, storage needs, family routines, and pets. Balance style with functionality—choose pieces and layouts that look good but also make life easier. A home designed for lifestyle feels effortless, comfortable, and inviting, not just pretty.
Pro tip: Test your layouts and furniture placement with daily routines in mind—if something feels inconvenient, it’s better to adjust before it’s permanent.
Avoiding common home design mistakes in your own home
Common home design mistakes happen to everyone, but the good news is they’re usually easy to fix with a little intention and planning. By paying attention to lighting, scale, and how each room is actually used, you can turn problem areas into spaces that feel both beautiful and functional. With a few smart updates, your home can look more cohesive—and feel better to live in every day.
