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Because good design is just as much about what you leave out as what you put in.

Designing a home or space you truly love can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between Pinterest boards, showroom visits, and ever-changing trends, it’s easy to make decisions that seem like a good idea in the moment but end up being costly, impractical, or just not quite right.

At Yara Luxe Interiors, part of our job is to help clients avoid common design pitfalls and create interiors that are not only beautiful but also functional, cohesive, and lasting. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply refreshing a room, here are some of the most common interior design mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Prioritising Style Over Function

Yes, we all want beautiful interiors. But if a room doesn’t function properly, it doesn’t matter how good it looks. Prioritising aesthetics without considering how you live in the space is one of the biggest mistakes we see.

How to avoid it:
Think about how you use the space day to day. Is there enough storage? Does the layout support the way you move through the room? Good design always starts with function. Style should be layered in after the layout works for your lifestyle.

2. Poor Space Planning

A room might look amazing in a photo, but if the furniture is too large, there’s no circulation space, or the layout doesn’t flow, the design won’t work in real life.

How to avoid it:
Measure everything. Scale and proportion are key. Choose furniture that suits the size of the room and think about how each piece relates to the others. Make sure there’s enough space to move around comfortably.

3. Going Too Trendy, Too Fast

It’s tempting to lean into the latest trends like curved sofas, checkerboard tiles, or bold patterns, but these often have a short lifespan. What feels fresh today can quickly become dated.

How to avoid it:
Use trends in smaller ways, such as through decor, cushions, artwork, or lighting. Keep the main foundations of the design classic and timeless so you can update the space over time without starting from scratch.

4. Ignoring Lighting Design

Lighting is often underestimated. Even the most beautiful room can feel flat or uncomfortable if it’s poorly lit.

How to avoid it:
Layer your lighting. Combine general lighting like ceiling lights with task lighting in work zones and ambient lighting to create atmosphere. Use a mix of light sources and add dimmers wherever possible for flexibility.

5. Buying Everything from the Same Store

Filling your home with matching sets might feel easy, but it can leave your space feeling flat and generic. A home should feel curated and personal, not like a furniture catalogue.

How to avoid it:
Mix different styles, materials, and textures. Pair vintage with modern, soft with structured, or matte finishes with gloss. This brings warmth, personality, and interest to your interior.

6. Not Considering Flow Between Rooms

It’s easy to design each room separately, but your home should feel connected. Abrupt changes in colour, flooring, or style can make spaces feel disjointed.

How to avoid it:
Create continuity with a consistent colour palette, flooring choice, or repeated design elements like materials or hardware finishes. Each room can have its own identity while still being part of a larger story.

7. Underestimating the Importance of Professionals

Managing a renovation or full interior fit-out on your own can be challenging and often leads to expensive mistakes or misaligned expectations.

How to avoid it:
Work with an interior designer early in the process. From layout planning and finish selection to working with trades and managing timelines, a designer ensures everything is cohesive, functional, and aligned with your vision.

Final Thoughts

Interior design is more than selecting paint colours and picking furniture. It’s about creating spaces that work for you, reflect your lifestyle, and feel good to live in. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save time, money, and stress while creating a home that’s both practical and beautiful.

If you’re starting a renovation, building a new home, or simply need help refreshing a space, we’d love to help guide the process and bring your ideas to life.