5 Mistakes I See Most Often in Homes (and How to Fix Them)

After years of visiting clients’ homes, I’ve noticed the same design mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? They’re easy to fix — and once you do, your home will instantly feel more polished, more cohesive, and more welcoming.

1. Curtains that are too short

Nothing makes a room look unfinished faster than curtains that stop at the window ledge. Hanging them higher and letting them fall to the floor instantly makes your ceilings look taller and your room more considered.

Fix: Hang your curtain pole closer to the ceiling, not just above the window, and choose full-length drops.

2. Rugs that are too small

A postage-stamp rug floating in the middle of the floor does nothing for a room. Rugs should anchor your space, not shrink it.

Fix: As a rule, at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on the rug. Bigger is almost always better.

3. Lighting that relies on one overhead bulb

The dreaded “big light.” It flattens a room and kills any atmosphere.

Fix: Layer your lighting. Combine overheads with table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights. Dimmers are your best friend.

4. Furniture pushed to the walls

It’s a natural instinct: shove everything against the edges to make the room feel bigger. Ironically, it often does the opposite — leaving the middle empty and awkward.

Fix: Pull your sofa off the wall a little, create conversation areas, and let the room breathe.

5. Ignoring storage

Clutter is the enemy of calm. Even the most beautiful design is lost if there’s nowhere to put things away.

Fix: Think storage into your design early. Built-ins, ottomans, sideboards — pieces that are both functional and stylish.

The takeaway

Great design isn’t about perfection — it’s about avoiding the small mistakes that hold your space back. By fixing these five common issues, you can transform your home without knocking down walls or blowing your budget.