The 5 Interior Design Mistakes That Are Quietly Devaluing Your Home (and How to Fix Them)
As a real estate agent and interior designer, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes—some that stopped me in my tracks (in a good way), and others that made me think, “This could’ve been stunning… if only they’d made better design choices.” The truth is, not all design is created equal. And while your home should reflect your personality, it should also be a space that grows with you and protects your investment.
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to make smart design decisions, here are five common interior design mistakes that could be quietly chipping away at your home’s value—and how to fix them.
1. Overly Bold or Trendy Colour Choices
The Mistake:
A statement wall in magenta? A lime green kitchen? Bold colours have their place, but when they're plastered across large surfaces, they can overwhelm—and limit—your home’s appeal.
The Fix:
Opt for timeless, neutral backdrops and add personality through art, textiles, or accessories. Think soft whites, greige, taupe, or sage as a starting point. These tones photograph beautifully and appeal to a broader range of buyers, while still giving you flexibility to layer in bold accents.
Source: Time & Place Interiors
2. Cutting Corners on Finishes in High-Traffic Areas
The Mistake:
Using builder-basic or low-quality materials in kitchens, bathrooms, or flooring might seem like a budget saver, but they wear out faster—and it shows.
The Fix:
Focus your investment on the areas that matter most. Choose durable, mid-range (or better) options for countertops, tile, and flooring. Quality doesn’t always mean high-end; it means materials that last, function well, and elevate the overall look.
Source: Viva
3. Poor Lighting Planning
The Mistake:
Relying solely on one overhead light fixture (hello, dreaded boob light!) can leave your space feeling flat and uninspired.
The Fix:
Layer your lighting. Combine overhead lights with sconces, floor lamps, and under-cabinet lighting. It not only improves functionality—it adds depth, warmth, and that designer feel people instantly connect with.
Source: Kagu Design
4. Skipping Scale and Flow in Furniture Layout
The Mistake:
Too much furniture, pieces that are either oversized or too small, or awkward layouts that make a room feel cramped or disconnected.
The Fix:
Before buying anything new, measure your space and create a floor plan. Aim for breathing room around furniture, clear pathways, and layouts that invite conversation. When in doubt, less is more.
Source: Pinterest
5. Forgetting About Curb Appeal and Exterior Cohesion
The Mistake:
You’ve got a beautiful interior—but the exterior hasn’t seen love in years. Buyers might not even make it through the front door.
The Fix:
Update exterior paint, lighting, house numbers, and your front door colour. Make sure your landscaping is tidy and intentional. And where possible, ensure the design language of your interior and exterior flows—it creates a more cohesive and high-end impression.
Source: Pinterest
Final Thoughts: Design with Both Heart & Strategy
Your home should be a reflection of you, but smart design means thinking beyond today’s trends. If you’re ever unsure whether a design choice is adding value—or quietly taking away from it—I’d love to help. Whether you’re planning to renovate, sell, or simply love your space more, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s chat about your next project—big or small. Your home should be both beautiful and a smart investment.
