When designing your dream home, it is easy to get caught up in the latest trends, but relying too heavily on styles that are completely “of the moment” can lead to decisions you might later regret. Because of the enduring nature of home design decisions, these choices inevitably last much longer than the enthusiasm that inspired them.
While it is always exciting to experiment with design elements to make your home look fresh, you should also consider function and longevity. Thoughtfully balancing creativity and timelessness is the key to avoiding future regret and creating a design that is not only appealing but will meet your needs long after current trends have faded.
Design choices that seem fresh and inspired now might feel outdated tomorrow. Because trends are changing so quickly today, it is even more essential to consider the long-term viability of your design decisions before investing time and money into them.
Overly Bold Colors or Patterns for Large Elements
Going “all-in” with overly bold colors or patterns on large design elements like walls or on statement furniture pieces can be an exciting choice, but it is also a risky one. These bold choices will dominate your space and predetermine all the other decisions you make for the room design. This might be just the way you want it, but you may decide in a few years that you don’t. Choosing a bold color or pattern for the main elements will make it more difficult to achieve balance in the room and much less adaptable if you want to make a change.
A more adaptable and timeless option is to choose lighter or more neutral colors or patterns for the main pieces or areas and accent with the bold colors and exciting patterns that you love. This will make it easier to change when you want to reinvent or freshen your space.
Choosing Low-Quality Materials
Using low-quality materials may save you money up front, but it will often cost you more in the long run. Low-quality materials used for furniture or foundational design elements will wear out faster, show damage more quickly, and cheapen the overall look of your design.
You may not be able to invest in high-quality materials for everything, so you should choose strategically. Prioritize higher quality for key elements like large furniture pieces that you want to keep for a long time, like a sofa or a bed. Also, consider choosing the best you can afford for foundational elements like flooring and countertops because these areas receive the most wear and tear.
Overcommitting to a Single Style
All of us have witnessed the rapid rise and fall of particular design trends, particularly in these days of influencers and social media. Overcommitting to a single style is not just shortsighted; it will make your space feel one-dimensional and limit its ability to evolve gracefully.
Even if you love a specific style, you can make it look better and feel more authentic by balancing a mix of styles with pieces you have curated over time. This layered approach results in a timeless and versatile design that can adapt with your preferences and lifestyle, keeping it looking fresh and relevant for years to come.
Opting for Trendy Furniture Shapes
Trendy furniture silhouettes are always tempting because they feel so distinctive and fresh, but beware that these shapes do not always age well. Pieces with curved shapes or irregular angles may not age well or fit your preferences in the future. This furniture may also sacrifice comfort and practicality for aesthetics.
A more long-term approach is to choose furniture with classic and versatile lines and colors that can easily blend with other styles and be used for different purposes. You can still choose a trendy style for an occasional chair or side table, but if you want to create a timeless look, stick with classic options for your foundational pieces.
Ignoring Resale Appeal
While you should never base all of your design decisions on what other people like, failing to consider resale appeal in your most foundational decisions is likely a mistake you will regret. Choosing options like bold colors, custom features, or a niche aesthetic can be less appealing to potential buyers and make your home harder to sell.
Even if you are unsure that you are going to sell your home, it is best to balance your design decisions based on personal preferences and broad appeal. If you want your home design to be as timeless as possible, opt for neutral or classic color schemes and materials. Use these as a base to show off your personality with bolder colors, patterns, and furniture shapes with changeable elements that are removable rather than fixed.
Neglecting a Proper Lighting Design
Designing a room without a comprehensive lighting plan will result in a space that feels dim and unbalanced and may make certain spaces unusable. Poor lighting makes tasks difficult, diminishes the ambience, and will not highlight specific areas that you want to stand out. Many people rely solely on overhead fixtures, which are not easily adjustable.
Instead, create a comprehensive lighting design that includes various types of lights, such as ambient, task, and decorative. Layer different types of lighting in specific areas of the room based on their function or where you want to focus attention. Use dimmers to add flexibility and ensure that the room feels comfortable and functional at all times of day.
Underestimating Storage Needs
Storage is rarely the most exciting aspect of design, but ignoring storage requirements can result in a cluttered and disorganized space, no matter how stylish the design. When there is not enough storage, items are often left out, disrupting the visual harmony and traffic flow.
It is best to focus on storage as a fundamental part of the design. Plan for ample and thoughtful storage. Incorporate elements like storage shelves and cabinets as well as multi-functional furniture pieces such as storage ottomans and beds. Consider underutilized spaces like corner nooks and spaces under the stairs when you want to add additional storage to your interior design.
Not Considering Flow and Layout
The flow and layout of the space are a critical but often overlooked aspect of design that is more essential than aesthetics in making a design livable. Poorly arranged furniture can inhibit the natural traffic patterns in the room and make it feel awkward. A poorly designed layout will not fit naturally with the room’s floor plan, making it feel disjointed.
Before considering the aesthetics, consider the floor plan of the room and how you want to utilize the room. Ensure that the key pieces are positioned to make the best of the floor plan, considering how you want to use the room. Arrange furniture so that there are sufficient clearances between pieces and that certain pieces are close enough to ensure that they function as a group.
Choosing Incovenient or Impractical Flooring
Floors are a foundational part of any design, and they are also an expensive element that is difficult to replace. Choosing the right flooring the first time is vital to an attractive and usable design. Floor materials that are high-maintenance, like light-colored carpet or delicate stone tiles, or that are trendy, like gray flooring, might need to be replaced more quickly than other options. Some options might be impractical because they are slippery, show dirt, or are uncomfortable.
To avoid regret, select flooring that balances beauty and practicality. Considered options like hardwood floors that are a classic choice or LVP, which have proven to be durable and long-lasting. To ensure lasting style, choose classic rather than trendy finishes.
Skipping Energy Efficiency
Like other elements that are unseen, incorporating energy efficiency is an often neglected part of interior design. Skipping this step will lead to higher utility bills, increased environmental impact, and a less comfortable living space. Ignoring elements like energy-efficient windows, insulation, or lighting results in drafts, heat loss, and excessive cooling, making your home harder and more expensive to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Consider ways to bring energy-efficient elements into your interior design as well as ways to optimize natural elements like sunlight and ventilation. These elements will make your design more functional as well as more comfortable.
Ignoring Outdoor Spaces
A neglected yard or patio area leaves potential that is untapped for entertaining and personal relaxation. A revitalization of these areas can even enhance the functionality and looks of your indoor space.
Consider ways that you can use your outdoor area by adding comfortable seating, lighting, and plants to create a welcoming atmosphere. To expand your living space, add an outdoor dining area or conversation area complete with a fire pit. By treating this area as an extension of your interior, you can ensure that your home reaches its full potential.
