Top 3 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Into a New Home
- bellohomedesignco
- May 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 4
Moving into a new home is an exciting opportunity to make a space your own. But in the rush to decorate or settle in, it’s easy to make design decisions that fall short. As both a Realtor and Interior Designer, I regularly help clients correct early design missteps that could have been easily avoided. In this post, I’m sharing three of the most common interior design mistakes to avoid when moving into a new home and what you can do instead to make your space feel cohesive and elevated.
1. Hanging Curtains at the Wrong Height
Interior design mistake to avoid: Curtains that are hung too low or too narrow can make a room feel smaller and shorter than it actually is.
What to do instead: Mount curtain rods 6 to 10 inches above the window frame and extend them 8 to 12 inches beyond the window on each side. This technique maximizes natural light and makes the room feel taller and more spacious. Floor-length curtains are ideal for achieving a polished, finished look.
2. Choosing Paint Colors Too Early
Interior design mistake to avoid: Choosing paint colors before living in the space or before choosing furniture can result in clashing tones and colors that feel “off” once everything comes together.
What to do instead: Wait to paint until you’ve selected your core furnishings and can test samples in natural light. Light can dramatically change the way paint looks, so be sure to observe swatches at different times of the day. Neutral base tones such as warm whites or greige shades are a smart starting point that work with almost any style.
3. Installing Cabinet Hardware That’s Too Small
Interior design mistake to avoid: Cabinet hardware is often overlooked, but when it’s too small or too generic, it can make even a high-end kitchen feel underwhelming.
What to do instead: Choose hardware that fits the scale of your drawers and doors. Oversized or thoughtfully designed pulls act as functional accents and elevate the space. Matte black, brushed brass, and satin nickel are timeless finishes that can complement almost any style of cabinetry.
Final Thoughts: Avoid Common Interior Design Mistakes From Day One
Being aware of the top interior design mistakes to avoid can help you design your new home with intention and confidence. From proper curtain placement and thoughtful paint choices to hardware that enhances your cabinetry, small details make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.
If you need help bringing your vision to life, I offer virtual interior design services to guide you through each step of the process no matter where you're located.
Book your FREE discovery call today and let's create a home you love.
