NanouTurf

Home design. Sounds fun, right? But let me tell ya, I’ve had my fair share of design mistakes that turned my place into an IKEA showroom before the assembly instructions. Picture this: couch here, throw pillow there, and a plant… somewhere. We’ve all been there, but that’s why I’m here to save you from falling into the same traps I did. So, let’s dive in!

1. Ignoring Flow and Functionality

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’ve made this design mistake like a thousand times. You walk into a room, and it’s like, “Wow, this looks so pretty,” but then—wait, hold up—can I actually walk through it? Can I get from one side of the room to the other without doing some weird ninja spin move to dodge that giant couch? Nope. The room feels like a maze. Not cool.

How to Fix This:

• Before you buy anything, walk around the room. Seriously, take a lap. Think about how you move through your space, and then get furniture that makes that process easier.
• Keep some open space. Don’t jam everything into the room because “it fits.” That’s just gonna give you anxiety every time you have to navigate the space.
• And if you’ve got a weird corner? Throw a bookshelf there. No one will even care that you’re hiding your junk. They’ll just think it’s “vintage” or “quirky.” Genius.

I learned this lesson the hard way. First apartment. First couch. It was like trying to fit a sofa into a shoebox. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Huge design mistake.

2. Not Thinking About Lighting

Oh, lighting. If you don’t pay attention to this, you might as well throw a blanket over your room and pretend it’s still day. I made this mistake so many times, I should’ve gotten a warning tattooed on my forehead. Bad lighting? It’ll turn your cute little nook into a dungeon. Trust me.

How to Fix This:

• You need layers of light. Ambient, task, accent. It’s like the holy trinity of lighting. Ambient is the basic light (think overhead). Task light helps you see when you’re reading or working, and accent lighting? It’s all about the vibe, baby. Got a plant that needs to shine? Give it some spotlight love.
• Get a dimmer switch. My friend Tanya is obsessed with dimmers. She says it makes her feel like a movie star every time she enters her living room. I mean, who am I to argue?
• And if your space is small? Stick with bright, natural light. Dark and moody works—unless you live in a shoebox, like me.

Fun fact: In my first apartment, I had one sad, yellowish light fixture in the center of the room. For weeks, I didn’t realize it was the reason my entire living room looked like an interrogation room. Major design mistake there.

3. Forgetting About Proportions

Ever tried to put a king-sized bed in a tiny room? Yeah, I’ve done that. And let me tell you, the room turned into a giant mattress with some space around it… maybe enough for a coffee cup. Proportions matter, people. You can’t just plop oversized furniture wherever you please.

How to Fix This:

• Measure your space. No, seriously. Take those measurements. Don’t just guess. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
• Get furniture that fits the scale of the room. In a small space? Go for lower-profile items like sleek chairs or a compact coffee table. That way, you won’t end up stuck in the corner, struggling to find a spot to breathe.
• Oh, and don’t forget about the rug. I once bought one that was way too small, and it just disappeared on the floor. It was like the rug was playing a game of hide and seek. Not ideal.

My first sofa? It was a sectional the size of a bus. It ate my living room. I couldn’t even get to the window. Huge design mistake. Lesson learned.

4. Picking the Wrong Color Scheme

You ever tried to create a relaxing space and ended up with a neon-green wall? Been there. I was super excited about my “vibrant” color choices—until my living room looked like an art teacher’s nightmare. Sometimes, choosing colors is like dating the wrong person. It looks good on paper, but in practice… nah.

How to Fix This:

• Keep it simple with neutral tones for the walls—think whites, soft grays, or beige. You can add personality with accessories. Pillows, rugs, and art can totally transform a room without committing to a weird color that’ll haunt you forever.
• Test the colors. Don’t just pick one off a swatch. I once painted an entire wall with a color that looked super chic in the store but turned my living room into a sad, gloomy hole. Total design mistake.
• Stick to a limited palette—two or three main colors. That way, you won’t end up with a room that looks like a circus.

Oh, and pro tip: my neighbor Tina says that her lavender walls are the key to her serenity. Lavender, y’all. Who knew?

5. Overloading on Decor

Less is more, people. But oh, my first apartment taught me way more than I ever wanted to know about decor overload. There I was, buying throw pillows like they were on sale at Costco, trying to make the room “pop.” The result? A cluttered mess.

How to Fix This:

• Decor is about quality, not quantity. Get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy. Seriously. If it’s not functional or beautiful, toss it.
• Use statement pieces. A couple of well-chosen art pieces or stylish lamps can make a bigger impact than 17 mismatched vases. Trust me on this one.
• And hey, consider rotating your decor with the seasons. I’ve started switching out my throw blankets in the winter, and honestly? It feels like a whole new room.

That time I tried to display every single souvenir I ever collected? It was a disaster. The room looked like a yard sale. Another design mistake I won’t be repeating.

6. Not Considering the Home’s Architecture

Okay, here’s a fun tidbit: I used to think that you could just ignore the architecture of a space. Big mistake. I tried to hide every quirky little thing in my house—exposed brick? Nah, cover it. Arched windows? Not today. Now, I’ve learned that those little features are what make your home unique.

How to Fix This:

• If you’ve got cool original features, work with them, not against them. That exposed brick? It’s the star of the show. Your job is just to frame it.
• Choose furniture that complements your home’s architecture. The vintage armchair will look way cooler in front of your giant windows than some random modern couch.
• Use architectural elements as design features. Those high ceilings? Make them pop with a statement chandelier or tall plants.

Fun fact: I once tried to “cover” an exposed brick wall, thinking it looked out of place. What was I thinking?! I’ve since embraced it. And guess what? It’s a total showstopper now. Definitely one of those design mistakes I’m glad I fixed.

7. Not Planning for Storage

Storage is crucial, y’all. I learned this the hard way when my closet exploded with jackets that I never wore. Yeah, that was a fun weekend. Without good storage, your house will quickly turn into a hoarder’s paradise—except it’s your junk everywhere.

How to Fix This:

• Plan your storage around your needs. Do you need more hanging space or more shelf space? Tailor your furniture choices to fit your lifestyle.
• Multi-purpose furniture is your friend. That ottoman that doubles as a storage box? Genius.
• And, don’t forget stylish baskets and bins. They keep things hidden while still looking cute.

One time, my entire apartment became a “storage solution.” I had stuff stashed in my bathtub, under my bed—seriously, it was like a game of “Where’s Waldo” in my own home.

So, there you have it: 7 of the biggest design mistakes I’ve made and learned from. I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out, but hey, at least I’m no longer living in a poorly-lit, overcrowded, color-challenged, cluttered mess. Remember, y’all—home design is a journey, not a sprint. Take your time, have fun, and avoid my design mistakes along the way.