Design Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

Hey y’all! Over the years of working with clients and styling my own spaces, I’ve noticed a few common design mistakes that so many people make—and honestly, I’ve made them too. The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are some of the biggest ones I see (and how to course correct):

1. Rugs That Are Too Small
   I know I just talked about rugs, but it’s worth repeating—size matters! A rug that’s too small can make your whole space feel off. You want your rug to at least touch the front legs of your furniture. Go bigger than you think you need—it’ll ground the room and make everything feel more cohesive.

2. Hanging Art Too High
   This is such a common one! Artwork should be hung at eye level—not way up near the ceiling. A good rule of thumb: the center of the artwork should be about 57-60 inches from the floor. It brings everything into better visual balance.

3. Everything Matches Too Much
   Matchy-matchy furniture sets or sticking to one finish for everything can make a room feel flat. I love mixing wood tones, metals, and even styles to create a more layered, lived-in look. Don’t be afraid to blend different elements!

4. Ignoring Lighting Layers
   Relying on just one overhead light is a major design miss. Every room should have at least three light sources: overhead, ambient, and task lighting. Lamps, sconces, and even candles can make a space feel cozy and dimensional.

5. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls
   Pull your furniture in a bit! Floating pieces—even just a few inches off the wall—can create more intimate conversation areas and make the room feel more styled.

6. Not Letting the Room Breathe
   Too much furniture or clutter can overwhelm a space. I always say: leave room to breathe. Edit down your pieces, keep walkways clear, and remember—negative space is just as important as the filled-in areas.

7. Forgetting to Add Personality
   A perfectly styled space is nice, but it should also reflect you! Add personal touches like photos, art you love, or vintage finds. Those are the pieces that make a house feel like home.

Design doesn’t have to be intimidating, and mistakes are just part of the process. If you’re not sure what your space needs, head over to my LTK where I share pieces I love (and actually use!) to bring more balance and beauty into your home.