5 Common Design Mistakes You Should Avoid (Learned the Hard Way!)

5 Design Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To!)

Designing a home is full of exciting opportunities, but it’s also easy to make mistakes that can affect both the look and functionality of your space. Over the years, I’ve experienced my share of design mishaps—each one a valuable lesson. Today, I’m sharing the top five design mistakes I’ve learned the hard way so you can avoid them and create a home that truly works for you.

1. Not Planning for Kitchen Appliances

In my early days as a designer, I once finished a stunning kitchen design, only to realise there was no designated space for the microwave! It’s a classic oversight, but planning for small appliances like coffee machines and microwaves is essential. This keeps counters clutter-free and ensures a seamless workflow.

Quick Tip: Dedicate specific spaces in your kitchen layout for frequently used appliances, ideally with built-in outlets to keep cords tidy.

2. Not Elevating Laundry Appliances

If you’ve ever bent over to load the washing machine, you’ll understand this mistake. Elevating laundry appliances can make a huge difference in comfort and convenience, plus it provides extra storage space beneath.

Why It Matters: Lifting the washer and dryer off the floor reduces strain on your back and creates room for organising laundry essentials.

3. Underestimating the Magic of Lighting

One of my biggest “aha” moments came from realising the impact of layered lighting. While overhead lights are functional, adding layers like wall sconces, pendants, and strip lights can make a space feel warm and inviting.

How to Fix It: Use a mix of lighting types to enhance different areas and create ambiance. Don’t be afraid to add statement lighting to make a visual impact!

4. Forgetting a Shower Ledge or Niche

I once designed a bathroom without a shower niche, leaving bottles awkwardly crammed into corners. Not only is this inconvenient, but it also detracts from the overall design.

Solution: Always include a niche or ledge in your shower design to store essentials. It’s a simple addition that enhances both function and style.

5. Playing It Too Safe in the Powder Room

If there’s one room to let loose, it’s the powder room! I’ve learned to push for more creativity here—think bold wallpapers, funky finishes, and statement lighting. It’s a small space, but it can make a big impression.

Design Boldly: Use the powder room to experiment with textures, colors, and patterns that you might hesitate to try in larger spaces.

Designing a space is all about the details, and it’s these small choices that can make a big impact on both the look and function of your home. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a space that not only looks great but works beautifully for everyday living.