10 Things People Get Wrong with Interior Design (And How to Fix Them)

 Ever walk into a space that looks gorgeous in a magazine spread but just doesn’t feel right in real life? Or have you ever fallen head over heels for a trendy finish, only to realise it’s not practical day-to-day? We’ve all been there. Interior design can be tricky, and it’s easy to make choices that look great on paper but don’t quite work in reality. Today, let’s talk about a few common pitfalls we see all the time—and how to avoid them so your space both looks and feels amazing.

1. Treating Each Element in Isolation

One of the biggest mistakes we come across is thinking of each finish, piece of furniture, or decorative element on its own. When you’re planning out your interior, it all has to work together. A single tile or the “perfect” accent piece might look incredible on its own, but once you place it alongside your sofa, wall color, and lighting, it could clash or throw off the room’s balance.

Tip: Create or request a mood board that includes all finishes, textures, and colors together. It’s important to visualise the entire palette before committing. If you’re still not sure, consult a professional interior designer who can guide you on the overall look and feel.

2. Falling in Love with the “One Tile” Sample

On a related note, don’t forget that a single tile in your hand might look completely different once it’s covering an entire floor or wall. The color can shift under different lighting conditions, and patterns become more pronounced (or less) on a larger scale.

Tip: Ask to see multiple samples arranged together or—if possible—view images of a completed space that used the same tile. You need to see the big picture to fully understand how it’ll transform your room.

3. Chasing Trends Instead of Timelessness

Who doesn’t love being on-trend? But following the latest “it look” can be a trap. Today’s hottest color or finish might turn your home into yesterday’s news in just a few short years. We’ve all seen spaces stuck in a decade they can’t escape from.

Tip: Instead of going full-blown trendy, try incorporating timeless elements as your base—classic, well-made, enduring choices. You can still sprinkle in a few fun, trend-forward accents (think throw pillows or décor) that are easy to swap out when tastes change.

4. Picking Impractical Finishes

There’s a reason you’ll see certain materials crop up over and over: they stand the test of time both in style and durability. People often choose something based solely on looks, only to discover it stains easily, wears down fast, or is impossible to keep clean. A high-maintenance surface might look amazing in photos, but you’ll regret it when day-to-day living begins.

Tip: When selecting countertops, flooring, or fabrics, ask yourself (or your designer) how it performs in real life. If you have kids, pets, or high-traffic areas, a certain degree of toughness is essential.

5. Forgetting the User Experience

Interior design isn’t just about visual appeal; it’s about how people feel when they use the space. Some homes might photograph beautifully but are uncomfortable or awkward to move around in. If the seating arrangement doesn’t allow for conversation, or if the layout forces you to weave around furniture just to grab a drink from the kitchen, it’s missing the mark.

Tip: Start by thinking about who will use each area and how. Is it a space for quiet reading, lively gatherings, or family movie nights? The answers should guide everything from your furniture choices to your lighting plan.

6. Getting Seduced by “The Magazine Look”

We’ve all seen those glossy spreads that make you gasp in awe. The catch? Sometimes those layouts are staged purely to look fantastic in a photo, not necessarily to provide everyday comfort. A home that wows in a magazine might leave you bumping into corners or with nowhere to set your coffee cup in reality.

Tip: By all means, gather inspiration from magazines and social media, but adapt ideas to your actual lifestyle. A pro designer or architect can help translate “dreamy magazine images” into a functional space that maintains the wow factor.

7. Overusing Finishes

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like your eyes didn’t know where to land? Too many different materials, patterns, or colors can create visual chaos. Less truly can be more—paring back your selections can result in a space that feels cohesive and calming.

Tip: Limit the number of major finishes in a single room. Stick to a palette of complementary tones or textures that unify the space, rather than competing with one another.

8. Underestimating Lighting

Lighting isn’t just an afterthought—it can make or break a design. Too much overhead lighting can feel harsh, while too little can make a room feel like a cave. And don’t forget about the importance of natural light. Expansive windows invite the outdoors in, making spaces brighter and more inviting.

Tip: Layer your lighting. Combine overhead lights, task lights (like lamps), and accent lights (such as spotlights for artwork) to create warmth and depth. Consider dimmers and other controls that let you adjust lighting levels for different moods or times of day.

9. Ignoring the Outdoors

If there’s a giant window looking out into your backyard—or even your neighbor’s fence—that’s effectively part of your interior’s scenery. Many people pour all their budget into the inside, neglecting the landscaping outside. But the view from your sofa or dining table is just as important to the overall feel of the space.

Tip: Plan your garden or outdoor area in tandem with your interior design. Beautiful foliage, clean lines, or even a simple courtyard can seamlessly extend your living space and elevate your entire home environment.

10. Forgetting That It’s All One Big Picture

You can’t just tack on a “beautiful interior” to a poorly planned home layout and expect it to function well. Where your walls sit, how wide the hallways are, where the furniture goes—these structural considerations come first. Once the bones of the space are right, you can layer in color, texture, and finishes that unite everything into a cohesive whole.

Tip: If you’re renovating, prioritise spatial planning before you fall in love with fabrics or paint colors. A good interior starts with strong architecture—where form and function are in harmony.

Wrapping It Up

At Ballast Point Architects & Builder, we’ve seen how a bit of careful planning and a willingness to think holistically can save homeowners a ton of frustration (and money). Interior design should be enjoyable, not overwhelming. Sure, the process involves a lot of decisions, but if you focus on overall harmony, practicality, and longevity, you’ll end up with a space that looks fabulous and feels even better.

Ready to sidestep these common mistakes and bring your dream interior to life? We’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Let’s create a home that not only photographs beautifully but actually lives up to how you want to live—day in and day out. Feel free to reach out to our team at Ballast Point Architects & Builder for expert design guidance tailored to you and your unique space.