Common Design Mistakes That Can Make Your Home Look Cheap

Refreshing your home should elevate your space—not diminish its appeal. Yet, some design missteps can do just that. Interior experts Stephanie Mahaney and Emily LaMarque share their top décor mistakes to avoid.

1. Choosing the Wrong Paint Finish

Matte finishes may hide touch-ups, but they’re tough to clean. Mahaney advises using eggshell for walls and semi-gloss on older trims to minimize blemishes.

2. Clashing Colors and Materials

Too many finishes can overwhelm a room. “Stick to two or three materials,” says LaMarque. Create consistency across rooms using shared textures, tones, or shapes.

3. Poor Lighting Choices

Overhead lights alone can make your space feel sterile. Instead, combine natural, task, and decorative lighting to add warmth and dimension.

4. Tiny Artwork

Small standalone art can feel lost. Group similar pieces for greater impact.

5. Ill-Fitting Curtains

Curtains should just graze the floor—not hover or pool awkwardly. Measure carefully for a polished look.

6. Clutter Overload

Edit down your décor. “Intentional pieces speak louder,” LaMarque says.

7. Wrong Proportions

Even luxury furniture can look cheap if it’s the wrong size. Scale matters—always measure before you buy.