6 Things Interior Decorators Refuse to Do in Their Own Homes—Steal Their Secrets!

Whether you're settling into a new residence or enhancing your existing living space, determining how to decorate and personalize it can feel daunting. Is the paint color too dark? Is the living room feeling overcrowded? Does the overall atmosphere seem inviting and cheerful?

“Creating a balanced environment not only improves the aesthetics and ambiance but also has a psychological effect,” explained Scheherazade Lunn, a certified interior decorator and the founder of Lunn Interiors. “Similar to how a tidy home fosters a sense of tranquility, the same principle applies to a thoughtfully designed space.”

We consulted interior decorators and designers about the key mistake they consciously avoid when decorating their own homes, highlighting how this choice influences their comfort and happiness in their spaces.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Room's Paint Color First
“One mistake I frequently observe is that people select their paint color right away,” stated Natasha Habermann, interior designer, decorator, and owner of Natasha Habermann Studio.

She suggests that this should actually be the final step in your decorating process. Given the vast array of paint colors available, she recommends starting with the decor and accessories that resonate with you, and then selecting the paint color accordingly. For instance, even if you are set on having a light blue room, it will be easier to find the perfect shade once you have chosen the bedding, rugs, and other decorative elements for the area.

“Otherwise, you’ll find yourself constantly battling against the paint instead of having it complement everything else you've chosen,” she noted.

In addition to considering decor and accessories, she advises reflecting on how you intend to use the room you’re painting.

“It’s really about the kind of atmosphere you aim to create in that space,” she emphasized. “Consider the time of day you’ll be using the room.”

For a space where you spend daylight hours, like a kitchen, you might prefer a more “bright and cheerful” color, while a “cozy” hue would be more appropriate for a room you use in the evening, such as a bedroom.

Mistake #2: Using Too Many Trends
“I strongly advocate for choosing timeless pieces over fleeting trends when it comes to decorating my home,” Lunn stated. “While trends can be enjoyable, they shouldn’t be the centerpiece of your space.”

She recommends introducing trends through smaller items that you can easily update later, such as decorative throw pillows, lamps, and coffee table decor.

“Significant investment pieces like sofas often command attention in a room, so it’s crucial to select furnishings that will endure over time,” she explained.

Timeless pieces typically feature “classic designs with historical significance,” in contrast to trendy items that may have a contemporary flair.

“By integrating timeless design with trendy accents, you can achieve a space that is both fashionable and lasting,” she added.

Mistake #3: Cluttering the Space with Too Much Furniture and Decor
“It’s important not to overwhelm the aesthetic of the room with excess,” advised Ron Renner, founder and president of Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.). “Maintain simplicity and aim for understatement, as an abundance of decor—regardless of how beautiful it may be—can induce stress and confusion.”

So, how can you tell if a room is overcrowded? If you struggle to navigate the space without bumping into furniture or if it appears cluttered upon entry, that’s a clear sign, according to Renner.

Additionally, it’s crucial to steer clear of overcrowding the space with certain colors and patterns. For example, an overuse of dark colors can evoke feelings of fatigue or even sadness, he explained. Mixing too many different patterns can also create visual chaos, Lunn added.

“It’s advisable to limit the number of patterns and find the ideal balance between solid colors and vibrant patterns,” she recommended.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Functionality of an Item
When selecting a new piece of furniture or decor for your home, it's essential to consider not only its appearance but also its functionality.

Margarita Bravo, an interior designer, decorator, and owner of her design studio, elaborates on her approach to choosing new items.

“For something as fundamental as the living room sofa, I want to ensure that it offers comfort, provides adequate back support, and accommodates the whole family,” she shared. “I also prioritize high-performance materials for easy cleaning and durability.”

Once she assesses functionality and durability, she also ensures the piece reflects her personal style and preferences.

Mistake #5: Not Considering Lighting Options Thoroughly
With a variety of lighting choices available, ranging from light fixtures and floor lamps to candles and string lights, decorating your indoor and outdoor spaces can be greatly enhanced through thoughtful lighting.

Raquel Renner, a certified interior decorator and membership director for C.I.D., emphasizes the importance of avoiding reliance on conventional or standard lighting in her own home.

“Distinctive lighting fixtures, akin to unique artwork or furniture pieces, contribute significantly to a room's ambiance beyond simply illuminating it,” she said.

For instance, she appreciates the elegance of a chandelier in a kitchen or bathroom, or a striking pendant light (a single hanging fixture) over a nightstand instead of opting for a typical lamp.

Mistake #6: Conforming to Conventional Ideas of How a Space 'Should' Look
A frequent pitfall in decorating is playing it safe by merely mimicking the styles seen in friends' homes or online trends, noted Holly Hickey Moore, an interior designer, decorator, and owner of Holly Hickey Moore Design.

Individuals often “attempt to adhere to supposed rules and overlook the fact that there really are no fixed rules in design,” she explained. “This mindset can paralyze decision-making and result in safe, uninspired choices.”