Design Tips to Avoid While Designing Your Home

Designing a home that feels both elegant and effortless is no small feat—especially when your days are already filled with meetings, travel, and everything in between. While it’s tempting to focus solely on beautiful finishes and stylish furnishings, the true magic lies in the finer details. Even the most luxurious spaces can fall flat with a few common missteps. Before you start sourcing your dream sofa or selecting paint swatches, here are a few design pitfalls to steer clear of if you want a home that feels refined, balanced, and thoughtfully curated.

Tip 1: Improper Rug Sizing

A rug can quite literally ground a space—but get the size wrong, and the entire room can feel off balance. A rug that’s too small will make your furniture look like it’s floating, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the room. As a rule of thumb, your rug should anchor the main pieces of furniture—think sofa legs, armchairs, or even the dining table—so everything feels connected and considered.

Tip 2: Poor Lighting Choices

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in interior design, yet it has the power to completely transform a space. Relying on a single overhead fixture will leave your room feeling flat and lifeless. Layering is key—combine ambient lighting with task and accent lights to create warmth, depth, and flexibility. Don’t underestimate the charm of a well-placed lamp or a dimmer switch either—they add both functionality and mood.

Tip 3: Overcrowded Shelves

It’s easy to get carried away when styling shelves, especially when you have beautiful books, travel finds, and treasured keepsakes. But too much of a good thing can make the space feel cluttered rather than curated. Leave breathing room between objects, play with height and texture, and aim for balance over symmetry. Less really is more—your most-loved pieces deserve to shine.

Tip 4: Hanging Art Too High

Artwork should draw the eye, not strain the neck. One of the most common mistakes is hanging art too high, especially in living areas. As a general guide, the centre of your artwork should sit roughly at eye level—around 145cm from the floor. In rooms where you’re mostly seated, such as lounges or dining rooms, consider hanging pieces slightly lower to stay in visual line. It’s all about creating harmony with the space around it.

Final Thoughts

Designing a home that feels polished and personal is a delicate balancing act—one that goes far beyond choosing beautiful things. It’s about intention, proportion, and flow. Avoiding these common missteps can make a world of difference in how your space looks, feels, and functions day to day.

If you're feeling unsure or simply don’t have the time to fuss over the finer details, that’s where we come in. With our expertise, we take the guesswork out of the process and help you create a home that’s as refined as it is comfortable.

Ready to elevate your space? Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life—with none of the design headaches.