5 Common Design Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them)
- Tiffany Brooks
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Let’s be honest: we've all been there. You move the couch ten times, still hate it. You hang your art and something feels...off. You buy that trendy piece you saw on social media and now your living room looks like a confused influencer's backdrop.
Don’t worry, this is a judgment-free zone (well, mostly 😏). Let’s break down some of the most common design mistakes and exactly how to fix them.
1. Tiny Rugs in the Middle of the Room
The mistake: That 5x7 rug under your coffee table? It’s not doing you any favors.
The fix: Go big or go home. Your rug should anchor your space. For a living room, aim for all your furniture to sit on the rug or at least the front legs. Trust me, your room will instantly feel more grounded and luxurious.
2. Mood (Killing) Lighting
The mistake: One sad overhead light trying to do all the work.
The fix: Layer it, baby. Think: ambient (overhead), task (desk, floor), and accent lighting (sconces, picture lights, etc). A well-lit room is like the perfect pair of earrings, it pulls everything together.
3. ALL the Furniture Against the Walls
The mistake: Trying to make your space feel bigger by leaving a football field in the center.
The fix: Pull furniture inward to create cozy, functional zones. Float that sofa. Create conversation pockets. Add a lounge chair you can actually lounge in. Your room will feel more intentional and inviting.
4. Shopping the Entire Showroom
The mistake: Your home looks like a page out of [Insert Any Big Box Retailer Here] catalog.
The fix: Mix it up! Blend high and low, new and vintage, sleek and soulful. Your space should tell your story — not a showroom’s.
5. Ignoring Scale
The mistake: A tiny lamp that looks stranded on your nightstand.
The fix: Think proportion and balance. If you’re unsure, tape it out on the floor or use painter’s tape to mark wall pieces. Trust your eyes — and remember, bigger is usually better when it comes to statement pieces.
Bottom line: Mistakes happen. But the good news? Every design blunder is fixable — and often leads to an even better solution.
Need help getting there? We’ve got you.