The Things I Would Never Do In My Own Home

One of the questions I get asked most often is whether there are any design "rules" I always follow.

The truth is, good interior design is incredibly personal. What works beautifully for one person might not work at all for someone else.

That said, after years of working in design and helping clients create homes they genuinely love living in, there are a few things I personally wouldn't do in my own home.

Not because they're right or wrong, but because I've seen first-hand how certain decisions can affect the way a space looks, feels and functions over time.

I Wouldn't Choose Style Over Comfort

A home should look beautiful, but it should also feel comfortable.

The most stylish sofa in the world isn't much use if nobody wants to sit on it.

Likewise, dining chairs that are impossible to linger around, layouts that don't work for everyday life or materials that constantly require maintenance rarely stand the test of time.

For me, comfort always wins.

I Wouldn't Design Around Trends

Trends can be inspiring, but I wouldn't make major design decisions based solely on what's fashionable right now.

Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and large furniture pieces are significant investments and ideally should still feel right years from now.

I prefer to keep the foundations timeless and introduce personality through artwork, textiles, accessories and smaller pieces that can evolve over time.

I Wouldn't Ignore Lighting

If I could give every homeowner one piece of advice, it would be this: think about lighting earlier.

Too often, lighting becomes an afterthought.

A single ceiling light rarely creates the warmth, atmosphere or flexibility a room needs.

Layered lighting, including wall lights, table lamps, floor lamps and decorative fixtures, can completely transform how a space feels.

I Wouldn't Buy Everything At Once

Some of the most interesting homes are the ones that evolve over time.

I would never rush to furnish an entire house in a single weekend.

The best interiors often come from collecting pieces gradually, living in a space and understanding what it needs before making every decision.

Homes with personality are rarely created overnight.

I Wouldn't Underestimate Storage

Storage may not be the most exciting part of a project, but it's often one of the most important.

When everything has a place, a home immediately feels calmer and more considered.

Whether it's fitted joinery, utility space, wardrobes or hidden storage solutions, I have never met a client who regretted creating more storage.

I Wouldn't Aim For Perfection

Some of the most beautiful homes I've visited have been slightly imperfect.

A stack of books by the sofa. A well-loved dining table. Artwork collected over the years.

These are the details that make a house feel lived in.

The goal isn't perfection.

The goal is creating a home that feels comfortable, personal and reflective of the people who live there.

What I Would Do Instead

I'd focus on creating a home that supports everyday life.

One that feels welcoming, functional and personal.

A home that works beautifully for the people living in it, rather than one designed purely to impress.

Because ultimately, the homes that stand the test of time aren't necessarily the trendiest or most expensive.

They're the homes that feel genuinely loved.

Creating a home you love isn't about following every trend or getting everything perfect. It's about making thoughtful decisions that support the way you want to live.

If you'd like help bringing your vision to life, we’d love to hear from you.