Avoid These Common Design Mistakes for a Beautiful + Functional Home

lipping through the pages of a home magazine, you see perfectly curated artwork + throw blankets draped “just so” over armchairs + sofa backs. Polished accessories topping coffee tables + end tables. 

It’s tempting to think you need to make your home this picture-perfect — until you try to actually live in your home *wink*. 

We get it — it’s easy to fall into the trap of designing for the 'Gram instead of designing for your family’s needs. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

So, instead of stumbling through common design mistakes like the ones below, why not create a home you’re excited to live in? At Elegant Simplicity Interiors, we believe a home can (and should) be both beautiful + functional in ways that truly work for you and your family’s lifestyle. Let’s get into it!

Mistake #1: Putting Form Over Function

Saw a mid-century sculptural chair on Pinterest that captured your attention? Can’t blame you *wink* — those elegant lines are eye-catching, for sure. But what does it feel like to actually sit on it for more than a cup of tea?

One of the most frequent design mistakes is disregarding function, to the point where the furniture, layout, storage + design elements take a back seat to picture-worthy designs. As a result, the areas you should be using the most start being, well, a literal pain *wink* — or, worse, these spaces get used less + less.

Any of these sound familiar?

• A sofa too deep to sit on for extended periods: Suddenly, family movie and game nights start becoming more infrequent.

• A kitchen layout that doesn’t flow: No one wants to play a game of Twister just to make breakfast.

• Overflowing entryways, closets, and surfaces: A lack of storage means mega clutter, everywhere.

To avoid these functional flops, think about how you want to use the different spaces in your home. Our guide, Design Your Dream Home, is a great place to start, with step-by-step guidance on designing for intentional living — not social media posting.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Scale and Proportion

Ever walked into a room where the sofa seems to be swallowing the rest of the furniture? Scale + proportion faux pas are among the most common design mistakes, friend. As much as you love that giant sectional, it can really throw off the balance if your space is on the smaller side.

The same goes for: 

• Artwork that’s either too large or too small 

• Rugs that vanish under giant pieces of furniture 

• Accessories that overwhelm (or underwhelm) tabletops

When your furniture + accessories align with the size of each space, it encourages harmony + flow. Proper size + proportion also allow you to set up intentional spaces — think cozy conversation nooks that invite mindful communication + comfy lounging spots perfect for lazy Sundays + family time. 

Mistake #3: Over-Investing in Trends

Trends are fleeting, bestie. The drawback of following passing fads is that your home can become outdated quickly (anyone growing weary of a boucle armchair purchase *wink*?). It can also lack personality and uniqueness because it looks like every other home that’s following the latest trends.

Of course, you should design your home the way you like it, but there’s something to be said for timeless design + durable, quality pieces. At Elegant Simplicity, we encourage clients to find a shared aesthetic that defines you as a family, focusing on design that stands the test of time. 

That way, you don’t have to worry about redecorating every time a new trend pops up. Instead, you can incorporate a few trendy elements here and there + easily swap them out when the trend passes. For example, instead of choosing green cabinets, maybe you keep them neutral and include pops of green in your kitchen — much easier to change things up without investing in a whole new kitchen *wink*!

Mistake #4: Poor Lighting Choices

Ahh, great lighting — the better to see your home with, my dear! Poor lighting, on the other hand, makes spaces less inviting + functional. 

To keep your home properly illuminated, consider ways to match various types of lighting with the tasks at hand. That is, you need different lighting to cook dinner or host a party versus reading a book or unwinding at bedtime.

We recommend layering lighting, so you have options. Dimmer switches make it easy to adjust for brighter or more ambient lighting, depending on the task or time of day. Likewise, task lighting gives you focused brightness for specific activities, like reading or working at a desk. 

And don’t forget about accent lighting — under-counter lights, corner illumination, highlighting faux trees, bookcase lights, and more. Want to learn how to layer lighting like a pro? Check out our guide, How an Interior Designer Considers Light Fixtures for Your Home.

Mistake #5: Rugs That Don't Fit

Little rug + big furniture = one of the most common design missteps. When a rug is too small, it tends to look more like a placemat — and it won’t anchor a space in the way a properly sized rug would.

There’s a lot that goes into selecting rugs for different areas, from furniture size + room layout to the rug’s color + shape. Ask yourself:

• What size is the room?

• How much floor do I want to cover?

• Will the rug fit under all the main furniture legs (or at least the front legs)?

• What’s the rug’s purpose: defining a zone, adding warmth, cushioning the space for kids + pets (grown-ups, too *wink*)?

• Will the rug’s color + pattern fit into the existing space?

• Does the rug’s shape work with the room’s layout?

Feeling overwhelmed? Not to worry, friend. We break it all down in Everything That Goes Into Selecting An Area Rug For Your Home.

Mistake #6: Cluttered Spaces

Clutter + calm cannot coexist, friend. Clutter can actually negatively affect mental health, increasing stress, decreasing focus, and even straining relationships. (If you’ve ever flown into a tizzy after tripping over someone’s shoes, you know what we mean!)

Again, don’t get overwhelmed. The goal isn’t to let the stress of clutter stress you out even more! Instead, try the 15-Minute Rule to gradually tackle small areas. Invest in smart storage solutions that let you keep everything you need and nothing more — the Elegant Simplicity mantra — and even organize your favorite keepsakes.

Above all, embrace curated decor + negative space over needless clutter + jam-packed displays. Comfortable, functional, graceful, minimalist spaces over endless tchotchkes covering every nook + cranny. There’s a certain beauty in the absence of stuff that you won’t want to overlook.

Mistake #7: Forgetting the Personal Touch

There is such a thing as too perfect, love. When a room looks more like a magazine page or a real estate listing, it loses the heart that makes your house a joyful, soulful, functional home. 

While you don’t want over-cluttered spaces, you also don’t want a sterile home that lacks personality. Instead, your home should reflect the things that make you and your family you. 

The vacation photos + souvenirs, unique flea market finds, and family heirlooms are the little touches that spark joy + reflect your family values. They make you proud to swing open the front door, invite guests, and regale them with tales about graduations, birthdays, marriages + babies. 

They make your home feel like a member of the family, not just a place to live.

Design Mistakes Happen, But They’re Easy To Fix

From undersized rugs to oversized sofas, we’ve all made interior design blunders before, friend. And that’s okay! 

Perfection isn’t the point; rather, the goal is to slow down, pause, and plan out the kind of home you want to live in. To balance beautiful design with function, deeper connections, and daily feelings of gratitude. To infuse your home with personal style while putting your family first.

Sounds like a tall order? It doesn’t have to be. When you call in the experts from Elegant Simplicity, it’s like having a design bestie on hand.

Well, that’s our riff for today, friend. Thanks for tuning in!

Which interior design mistake gets you the most? Leave a comment below and let us know how we can help! And remember, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat.

4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home