I’m an Interior Stylist and These Are the 11 Decorating Mistakes I’ll Never Make Again, Including the Sofa Color I Wish I’d Never Chosen

Like most of us, I want my home to look good.

But sometimes, in the pursuit of a perfectly designed interior, the practical aspect is put on my priority list.

That pristine cream sofa may look beautiful in photos, but what happens if someone (me) spills coffee on it? And that beautiful freestanding bath? Less glamorous when you realize you have nowhere to put your shampoo and water easily escapes over the lip. Hello flooded floor.

Here are 11 of the most common impractical choices I’ve made over the years—and the smart alternatives that can give you the same look without the headache or hassle of changing everything.

Choosing a white sofa for a busy household

A white or pale sofa can instantly make a room seem larger, brighter and more luxurious. And it fits perfectly into my dream of having an expensive-looking living room that the neighbors would envy.

But if you have kids or pets or just like to eat in front of the TV, keeping them clean can become a full-time job.

Instead of: Choose a washable, removable cover or a durable performance fabric in a neutral mid-tone. You can still achieve that light, sophisticated look without panicking every time someone approaches with a glass of red wine or a bar of chocolate. You don’t even have to buy a new sofa, just new covers.

Install open shelving everywhere

As a stylist, I like open shelving because it creates an airy, uncluttered look and I can display my collection of vases and objects that I have collected over the years.

But it also creates a perfect display area for dust, grease, and the collection of mismatched mugs you never quite threw away.

Instead of: Keep open shelving for a small part of the kitchen or living room and use cabinets for the rest. Show only the things you really want people to see.

Place a rug that is too small in the living room

This is a classic design mistake that I’ve made too many times. An area rug that is too small – even by just a few inches – will make an otherwise beautiful room look unfinished.

It can also be annoying if furniture legs constantly catch on the edges.

Instead of: Go for the largest rug you can afford. Ideally, the rug should anchor the main seating area, with at least the front legs of sofas and chairs on it.

Installing a huge kitchen island

The kitchen island has become something of a status symbol in recent years – Meghan and Harry have two!

But bigger isn’t always better.

If you have to squeeze sideways to walk around it, or repeatedly bump your hip into the corner, it won’t help the room and will only make a compact room feel even smaller.

Instead of: Please measure the clearance before ordering. A smaller island – or even a peninsula – can provide valuable counter space and storage without turning your kitchen into an obstacle course. Islands on wheels are also good options.

Forgetting where the sockets are

This may sound ridiculous, but electrical outlets are often an afterthought when decorating.

Then the messy looking extension cords appear. No thanks.

Instead of: Before finalizing furniture positions, think about how you’ll actually use each room. Think about lamps, televisions, charging points, desks and kitchen appliances – and make sure sockets are accessible and not hidden behind huge pieces of furniture. If it helps, choose sockets in brass or in the same color as the walls so that something becomes part of the decor.

Choose curtains that stop too short

Curtains that barely reach the floor make windows and the entire room look smaller and less polished.

Instead of: Where necessary, take curtains from near the ceiling down towards the floor. It can make windows appear larger and create a more finished impression appearance. If if you go custom, always add a few extra centimeters just to be safe. A chic puddle of fabric on the floor will always look luxurious.

Buy furniture before measuring the room

I have had to send several dining tables and beds away from the door because I did not measure the door frame and/or the room before ordering them.

Instead of: Measure the room, doorways, stairs and entryways before purchasing. Mark the furniture’s dimensions on the floor with masking tape to get a surprisingly accurate idea of ​​how much space it will take up. Trust me.

Have a beautiful, but impossible to clean floor

Highly textured materials, deep joints and delicate natural materials are stunning, but they also make cleaning a punishment. I’m looking at your wooden floors that still need to be varnished or sealed.

Do this instead: Think about where the floor is going before you choose it. In hallways and kitchens, prioritize durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. Save more delicate finishes for rooms where they are subject to less wear and tear, such as bedrooms.

Do this instead: Think about where the floor is going before you choose it. In hallways and kitchens, prioritize durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. Save more delicate finishes for rooms where they are subject to less wear and tear, such as bedrooms.

Create a bathroom where you can’t put anything

Bathrooms may look fantastic when there are no bottles, towels or kid’s bath toys in sight, but, as I keep reminding myself, we all own things that we need to use every day. Preferably within reach

Instead of: Build storage space into the design. Vanity units, recessed shelves and tall cabinets can hide everyday clutter while maintaining a streamlined appearance. Or choose a washbasin in a striking color so that it stands out.

Choosing the wrong material for the wrong area

Just because a material is beautiful and you love it doesn’t mean it will fit perfectly in every room.

A common mistake is using luxurious but delicate materials in areas with high daily traffic. For example, pure silk carpets can look spectacular in a hallway or on a staircase, but are quickly exposed to dirt, stains and constant footsteps.

The result is a valuable piece that looks worn much sooner than expected.

Instead of: Choose materials based on how much use the space gets. A wool-silk blend or high-quality wool rug can provide the same elegant, luxurious feel while offering significantly more durability.

Choosing a freestanding bath without taking space into account

Freestanding baths look like the ultimate luxury bathroom feature, but they can quickly become impractical if the room isn’t large enough to accommodate them properly.

A bath placed too close to a wall, toilet or sink can make the entire bathroom feel cramped, while the awkward gaps around and underneath it can be surprisingly difficult to clean. And if you don’t leave enough space around the tub, you lose the sense of calm and spaciousness that makes the look so appealing in the first place.

Instead of: Before choosing a bath, think about the room as a whole. Make sure there is enough space around it and consider how you will actually clean the back and underneath.

If space is limited, a built-in bath can give you the same luxurious feeling, while making much better use of the available floor space. You can still make a statement with beautiful copperwork, wall panels or glossy tiles.