Common Home Design Mistakes

Whether you are tackling a small DIY project, a major renovation or a new build, there are many pieces to consider. The most important are planning and attention to detail. Here are the mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Poor Space Planning

We see many homes with kitchens that are too small, too little storage, tiny closets or awkward layouts. Make a list of your top priorities and make sure the final design includes them.

• Love to cook? Plan for plenty of counter space, storage and room to move.
• Love to entertain? Make sure your living area fits a crowd, and consider outdoor living space for overflow.

Minimize dead space too: unused landings, oversized bathrooms with empty floor space or bedroom sitting areas that become closet overflow. Every square foot should be functional.

Mistake 2: Bad Lighting

Kitchens and bathrooms are the worst offenders, often with one dim center fixture or harsh fluorescent light. Good design layers three types of light:

• Task lighting: undercabinet lights, sconces, pendants and lamps for work areas.
• Ambient lighting: recessed and ceiling lights that light the whole room.
• Accent lighting: highlights a fireplace, artwork or architectural feature.

Learn more in our guide to kitchen lighting design.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Scale

Scale affects furniture, lighting, appliances and more. A sofa too big to walk around, a rug too small that keeps sliding and tiny builder pendants over a large island are common examples. Incorrect scale makes a home feel smaller, while proper scale makes it feel balanced and larger.

An interior designer can help. If that is not in the budget, shop in person so you can truly judge size, since it is hard to tell online.

Mistake 4: Mismatched Style

If you remodel one room, keep it cohesive with the rest of your home. That does not mean a bathroom in a 1974 home must look like 1974, but if the rest of the house is traditional, an ultra-modern room will feel out of place and may make the home harder to sell.

Transitional style blends traditional and contemporary and is a great way to bring in newer finishes that still tie together. In a new build, carry your chosen style, like traditional cabinets, throughout the home.

Learn From Others

Designing or remodeling a home is no easy task, but learning from common mistakes makes the process smoother and minimizes regret. A designer, builder or friends who have been through it can help. Read more in home renovation mistakes and tips, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

This column originally appeared in Lakeside News in December 2022.