Designers aren’t trying to make homes look like magazine spreads.
Most of what they suggest is simply about making spaces feel calmer, more comfortable, and easier to live in. But there are a handful of habits they see again and again that quietly drag a home down — even when everything else is beautiful.
The funny part is that most of these aren’t about money or style. They’re about small choices that slowly create clutter, awkward layouts, or rooms that never quite feel finished.
Here are 19 things designers wish homeowners would stop doing, and what works better instead.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on MSN
Pushing all the furniture against the walls
A lot of people do this thinking it will make the room feel bigger, but it usually has the opposite effect. When sofas, chairs, and tables are all pressed up against the walls, the center of the room feels empty and awkward — like the furniture is trying to escape instead of inviting people in.
Designers almost always pull furniture in slightly to create natural conversation areas. Even moving a sofa forward a few inches or angling chairs toward each other makes the space feel cozier, more balanced, and intentionally designed instead of accidentally arranged.
Buying rugs that are too small and make the room appear off
Tiny rugs are one of the first things designers notice when they walk into a room. A rug that barely fits under a coffee table breaks up the space and makes everything around it feel disconnected.
Larger rugs that sit under at least the front legs of furniture visually tie the room together. The space suddenly feels grounded, polished, and much more high-end — even if nothing else changes.
Relying only on overhead lighting
One ceiling light might technically brighten a room, but it rarely makes it feel good to be in. Overhead lighting alone can feel harsh, create shadows, and flatten the whole space.
Designers always layer lighting with table lamps, floor lamps, and softer light sources. This adds warmth, depth, and atmosphere — the kind that makes rooms feel comfortable instead of clinical.
Filling every shelf and surface with stuff
It’s tempting to decorate every open spot, but when everything is filled, the room quickly starts to feel busy and overwhelming. Even beautiful objects lose their impact when they’re crowded together.
Designers leave space on purpose. A few carefully chosen pieces with breathing room around them feel curated and calm, while packed shelves often feel more like storage than styling.
Hanging curtains too low, cutting height out of the room
Curtains hung right above the window frame visually cut the wall in half, which makes ceilings look lower than they really are.
Designers hang curtains higher — often close to the ceiling — so the eye travels upward. This simple change makes rooms feel taller, brighter, and much more polished.
Using matching furniture sets, making the room lack character
When the sofa, chairs, tables, and shelves all match perfectly, the room can feel like a showroom instead of a home. Everything looks fine, but nothing feels personal.
Designers mix styles, textures, and finishes to create warmth and character. That blend is what makes spaces feel collected over time instead of bought all at once.
Ignoring the entryway (and forgoing a good first impression)
The entryway sets the tone for the whole home and when it’s cluttered or completely bare, it often feels forgotten. It also sends a message about your otherwise beautifully-appointed home that you might not like.
Designers usually add a small table or bench, a mirror, good lighting, and some storage for everyday items. It doesn’t have to be big, but it should feel welcoming and organized.
Choosing style over comfort, defeating the purpose
A chair might look beautiful, but if it’s stiff, low, or awkward to sit in, people will avoid it. The same goes for sofas that look sleek but feel hard.
Designers always test for comfort. The best rooms are the ones people naturally gather in — because they’re as comfortable as they are attractive.
Keeping clutter “for later”
Mail stacks, random objects, and half-finished projects tend to collect slowly, until surfaces feel constantly messy.
Designers encourage giving everything a home right away. When clutter has a place to go, rooms stay calmer and easier to enjoy.
Hanging art without properly assessing placement
Art placed near the ceiling disconnects from the furniture and makes walls feel awkward and empty.
Designers usually hang art so the center is around eye level, which naturally balances the room and makes everything feel grounded.
Overdoing trendy décor and diminishing its effect
Trends can be fun, but when an entire room is built around one — whether it’s a bold color, a specific tile, or a popular style — it can feel dated surprisingly fast.
Designers keep big elements timeless and use trends in small, easy-to-change ways like pillows, throws, or accessories.
Using tiny light fixtures in big rooms
Small fixtures get visually lost in large spaces and can make rooms feel unfinished or builder-grade.
Larger, properly scaled lights create presence and personality, and will instantly elevate the space.
Forgetting about storage
Without enough storage, clutter always ends up out in the open — no matter how nice the home is.
Designers plan for baskets, cabinets, built-ins, and hidden storage so everyday mess doesn’t take over the room.
Blocking natural light
Heavy curtains, furniture in front of windows, and dark treatments can make rooms feel gloomy.
Designers usually let light flow freely and use soft window coverings that enhance brightness instead of blocking it.
Placing furniture without thinking about flow
When people have to squeeze between chairs or walk around awkward obstacles, the layout isn’t working.
Designers always leave clear walking paths so rooms feel open, comfortable, and easy to move through.
Buying décor just to fill space
Not every corner needs a plant, lamp, or decorative piece.
Designers use empty space intentionally — it gives the eye a break and makes styled areas feel more special.
Using harsh white bulbs everywhere
Cool, bright bulbs can make homes feel cold and uninviting — almost like a store or office — and the surrounding decor will always be playing catch-up trying to warm up the space.
Designers usually use warm light that makes rooms feel cozy and relaxing, especially in living areas and bedrooms.
Forgetting about scale in décor
Small art on big walls or oversized furniture in tiny rooms throws everything off visually.
Designers match the size of décor to the space so rooms feel balanced and comfortable.
Treating every room the same
Different spaces serve different purposes. Bedrooms should feel calm. Living rooms should feel welcoming. Kitchens should feel practical and bright.
Designers adjust lighting, layout, and styling based on how each room is actually used.
More stories
18 things tasteful homes always get right
20 design mistakes that instantly make a home feel cheaper than it is
18 Things designers would change first in a builder-grade house
The post 19 things designers wish homeowners would stop doing appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
English