Designing your home can be exciting, but it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. These mistakes can make a space feel awkward or impractical. Here are the top design missteps we see and some easy ways to avoid them.

Mistake: Getting the Scale and Proportion Wrong

Design is all about balance, and getting the proportions wrong can make a space feel awkward or cramped. A kitchen island that overwhelms the room, a light fixture that’s too small for the entry, or a bathroom vanity that feels out of place can all throw off the harmony of a space.

How to Fix It:
Keep scale and proportion in mind when choosing key design elements:

• Bathroom Vanities: Choose a vanity that fits comfortably in the space. For smaller bathrooms, a slimline vanity keeps things proportional without overwhelming the room.

• Kitchen Islands: Make sure there’s at least 1 metre of clearance on all sides to allow for easy movement and functionality.

• Lighting Fixtures: Over a dining table, a pendant light or chandelier should be about half to two-thirds the length of the table. In the kitchen, pendant lights over the island should be sized to complement the island’s length.

Tip: Use painter’s tape to map out the size of islands, fixtures, or vanities before committing. It’s a quick way to visualise how these pieces will fit into your space.

Mistake: Relying on One Light Source

Using just a ceiling light can make a room feel flat or harsh.

How to Fix It:
Layer your lighting:

• Ceiling lights provide general light.
• Lamps add warmth and make a space feel cosy.
• Task lights (like under-cabinet lights) brighten work areas.

Add dimmers so you can adjust the mood throughout the day.

Mistake: Following Trends Too Closely

Trends can be exciting, but going all-in on the latest look can leave your home feeling dated sooner than you’d like. It’s easy to get swept up in what’s popular, but if a trend doesn’t truly reflect your style, you might regret it down the track.

How to Fix It:
It’s perfectly fine to embrace bold colours, patterns, or shapes — as long as they genuinely resonate with you. Here are a few ways to incorporate trends thoughtfully:

• Introduce Trends in Small Doses: If you’re curious about a new trend, test it out with décor that’s easy to update — like cushions, throws, artwork, or a statement lamp. This way, you can experiment without making a long-term commitment.

• Stick to What You Love: If you’ve always adored deep blues or rich greens, go ahead and add them to your space, even if bright yellows are the trend of the moment. Don’t pick blush pink tiles just because they’re everywhere if you’ve always gravitated towards green in your wardrobe.

• Consider Your Preferences: Love clean lines and a modern aesthetic? A curved kitchen island might not be for you, no matter how trendy it is. Your design choices should reflect your taste, not just what’s popular right now.

Mistake: Forgetting About Texture

A room with all smooth surfaces or a single colour can feel flat and uninspiring.

How to Fix It:
Mix different materials to add interest. For example:

• A textured handmade tile to add depth to a clean contemporary kitchen.
• Adding a metal framed mirror and feature light to your bathroom will break up clean lines and add interest.
• Mix your materials within a space – the room below features timber floors, profiled kitchen cabinets, textured tiles and VJ on the ceiling to add depth to the space.

Layers make a space feel more inviting and complete.

Mistake: Prioritising Style Over Function

A beautiful space is no good if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle. A kitchen with no storage or a living room with not enough seating can be frustrating.

How to Fix It:
Think about how you use each room.

• Need more storage? Consider built-in shelves or hidden cabinets.
• Have a big family or love entertaining? Make sure there’s plenty of comfortable seating.

A functional home is a happy home — and great design can deliver both.