The Most Common Design Mistakes Homeowners Make
And how to avoid costly regrets before they happen.
Designing a home should feel exciting—but for many homeowners, it quickly becomes overwhelming. With endless inspiration online and countless products available, it's easy to make decisions that seem right in the moment but don't hold up over time.
At Josh Petty Design, many clients come to us after living with design regrets they wish they'd avoided. The good news? Most of these mistakes are common—and completely preventable with the right guidance.
Choosing Individual Pieces Without a Plan
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is selecting furniture, lighting, or finishes piece by piece—without an overall vision.
What Happens Next
- Rooms feel disconnected
- Styles clash unexpectedly
- Spaces never feel "finished"
Professional design starts with a cohesive plan, ensuring every decision supports the bigger picture rather than working against it.
Getting Scale and Proportion Wrong
Even beautiful furniture can feel wrong if it's not properly scaled to the space. This is especially common in:
- Living rooms with oversized sectionals
- Dining rooms with undersized tables
- Lighting fixtures that don't match ceiling height
Scale and proportion are foundational design principles—often overlooked in DIY projects but second nature to experienced designers.
Josh Petty's background in architecture and graphic design brings a trained eye to spatial balance and flow. Learn more on the About page.
Ignoring Lighting Until the End
Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in interior design. Many homeowners treat it as an afterthought—only to realize too late that the space feels flat, dark, or uninviting.
Good Lighting Design Includes
- Ambient lighting for overall warmth
- Task lighting for function
- Accent lighting for architectural features
When planned correctly, lighting transforms how a space feels—day and night.
Following Trends Instead of Personal Style
Trends can be fun—but designing your home entirely around what's popular right now often leads to regret.
Design That Lasts Is
- Personal to you
- Functional for your life
- Timeless in its foundation
A professional designer helps you incorporate trends thoughtfully—without letting them overpower your space or date it too quickly.
See how inspiration becomes reality in our Interior Design Mood Boards.
Spending the Budget in the Wrong Places
Not all design investments carry the same value. Many homeowners overspend on items that don't have lasting impact—while underinvesting in pieces they interact with every day.
A designer helps prioritize spending so your budget works harder for you:
This strategic approach prevents overspending and regret purchases. Read how this guidance has helped past clients on our Testimonials page.
Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help
Perhaps the most common mistake of all is waiting until decisions have already been made—or mistakes already committed—before seeking professional guidance.
Early design input saves time, money, and stress. Explore the different ways we work with clients on our Services page—from consultations to full-service design and A Day With a Designer.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed home doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of thoughtful planning, informed decisions, and an understanding of how a space should function and feel.
If you want to avoid costly regrets—and create a home you truly love—professional guidance can make all the difference.
Your Home Deserves Decisions You'll Be Proud Of
Avoid the regrets. Get guidance that lasts.
Schedule a Consultation