17 Regrets That Taught Me What Works
From crooked gallery walls to bad lighting choices, I’ve made every design mistake you can imagine—and paid the price. This slideshow is packed with real-life flops turned into lessons, so you don’t waste your time or money.
Whether you’re decorating your first apartment or upgrading a forever home, these common interior design mistakes can ruin your space if you’re not careful. You’ll get real fixes that actually work—not just pretty photos. Every slide saves you time, cash, and a whole lot of headache.
Hanging Art Too High Made My Walls Look Empty
I used to hang frames almost near the ceiling, thinking it would draw the eye up—but it just made the room feel awkward. Art should sit at eye level, around 57–60 inches from the floor, according to the experts. Once I lowered everything, the room instantly felt balanced and more pulled together.
It’s a tiny shift that makes the space feel intentional. Now even my cheapest prints look like a gallery setup.
Buying Rugs That Were Too Small Shrunk the Room
My living room felt off until I realized my 5x7 rug was floating under the coffee table. Designers recommend that at least the front legs of your furniture should rest on the rug to anchor the space. Upgrading to an 8x10 changed the whole vibe and made the room feel more grounded.
Smaller rugs make everything feel disconnected. A properly sized rug pulls your space together like magic.
I Ignored Lighting Layers and Regretted It Fast
I once relied only on overhead lighting, which cast harsh shadows and made my space feel cold. Mixing ambient, task, and accent lighting brought warmth and function to each room. Adding floor lamps and sconces transformed the mood, especially in the evenings.
I even added under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, and it changed my cooking game. Layered lighting makes any space look expensive without spending big.
Skipping Paint Samples Wrecked My Choice
I picked a “safe” beige based on a photo—and it turned greenish under my actual lighting. Always test paint on your wall in different spots and at different times of day. Natural and artificial light can totally change how a color looks.
I now live by peel-and-stick samples—they’re mess-free and worth every cent. Trust me, your walls will thank you.
Choosing Style Over Comfort Cost Me Daily
I bought sleek dining chairs that looked great online but were a pain to sit on. Turns out, aesthetics mean nothing if the furniture isn’t usable. Now I test everything in person or read real reviews before I click “Add to Cart.”
If you can’t sit on it for a full dinner, it doesn’t belong at the table. I’d rather have cozy over cool every single time.
Forgetting Function in Open Spaces Backfired
I once turned my open-plan living area into a jumbled mess because I skipped layout planning. Floating rugs and smart furniture placement helped carve out zones without needing walls. Now, every section has a purpose—and it flows.
I use area rugs to subtly define spaces like the dining zone or reading nook. It’s the secret to making open layouts feel organized instead of chaotic.
I Overdecorated Every Surface Like a Store Display
I used to cover every shelf and table with décor, thinking more was better. Instead, it looked cluttered and distracted from the pieces that actually mattered. Now I follow the rule of three and give each item room to breathe.
Blank space is just as important as the stuff you show off. Your favorite pieces deserve the spotlight—not a crowd.
Going All-Neutral Made Everything Feel Flat
I thought sticking to whites and grays would feel classy, but my space looked lifeless. Adding warm tones, mixed textures, and a few bold accents brought it back to life. Even a colorful throw or wood finish can wake up a neutral room.
I layered leather, velvet, and woven baskets for some real depth. A pop of color makes neutrals look way more luxe.
Neglecting Window Treatments Killed My Natural Light
I left my windows bare, thinking it would make the space look airy, but instead it felt cold and unfinished. Lightweight curtains or tailored shades added polish without blocking sunlight. The right treatment actually enhances natural light, not hides it.
I use curtain rods that extend past the window frame to let more light in. Even cheap curtains look high-end when hung right.
I Ignored Scale and It Made the Room Feel Off
I once put a tiny side table next to a bulky couch and it looked like doll furniture. Every piece needs to relate to others in size and proportion to feel balanced. Paying attention to scale completely changed how everything fit together.
Now I double-check dimensions before I buy anything online. A good fit matters more than a good price.
Matching Everything Made It Feel Like a Catalog
I once bought a full bedroom set that was way too matchy-matchy—it looked more like a showroom than a home. Mixing wood tones, fabrics, and finishes added character without losing cohesion. A space looks more lived-in when things feel collected, not bought all at once.
I now pair vintage finds with newer buys for that layered, real-life look. Nothing kills personality like a copy-paste room.
Picking Trendy Over Timeless Wasted Money
I bought a bright velvet couch that felt cool for five minutes—then got sick of it. Trends fade, but neutral staples stay versatile through changing styles.
Now I add trends with pillows or art, not major pieces. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to swap out a lamp than a sofa. I’ve learned timeless doesn’t mean boring—it means smart.
I Chose Looks Over Layout in the Kitchen
I once picked a kitchen island that was way too big for the space. It made opening drawers really difficult and the flow was terrible. Now I prioritize function first, because even the prettiest kitchen is useless if you can’t move in it.
I check clearances for appliances, doors, and traffic paths before buying anything. Pretty doesn’t cut it if you can’t cook comfortably.
I Forgot About Entryway Functionality
I made my entryway cute but totally impractical—no hooks, no drop zone, nowhere for shoes. Adding a slim bench and a few wall-mounted hooks saved the day.
Now the first space you see is both organized and welcoming. I keep a tray for keys and a basket for mail to stay on top of the chaos. It’s a small space with big impact.
Leaving Ceilings White Was a Missed Opportunity
Painting the ceiling a soft contrast color added depth I never knew I needed. A simple warm white or pale tone made my rooms feel taller and cozier at the same time. It’s the fifth wall—don’t ignore it.
I even added wallpaper to one ceiling, and it became the star of the room. People always look up and say, “Whoa, I never would’ve thought of that.” Wallpapers aren’t the only way to make your ceilings shine. Don’t sleep on your ceilings, they can be just as dynamic as your walls. Want ideas? Explore these statement ceilings to add instant drama to your space.
I Didn’t Plan for Storage—and It Got Messy
I loved open shelving until I realized I had nowhere to hide cords, chargers, and all the random junk. Now I mix open and closed storage to keep things both stylish and functional. A beautiful space still needs a place for your clutter.
Decorative baskets now save my sanity daily. Your home can be Pinterest-worthy and livable at the same time. Ready to get organized without sacrificing style? Check out these chic storage baskets that declutter and decorate.
I Didn’t Trust My Gut—and Regretted It Every Time
I followed every design rule and Pinterest trend, but the space never felt like mine. Once I leaned into what I actually love, the rooms finally felt right. Good design isn’t just pretty—it’s personal.
Now I pick pieces that make me smile, not just impress guests. A home should reflect you, not someone else’s mood board.
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