Stepping into a designer’s home always feels special. There’s a distinct charm, often highlighted by unique touches, original art, and carefully curated décor. Everything flows seamlessly, not just because of what they have but also because of what they don’t. So, what are the biggest interior design mistakes professionals avoid for themselves? We asked the experts to find out. Here are ten things interior designers would never do in their own homes.
Match Everything Perfectly
While it’s certainly convenient to buy a sofa, loveseat, and matching accent chair from the same store, this perfectly coordinated look is the opposite of what interior designers truly want for their own homes. After all, a designer’s home might appear flawless at first glance, but when you look closer, a talented designer rarely creates a space that feels overly perfect.
“Perfection can feel sterile. I believe in a certain rawness—spaces that evolve naturally, with pieces collected over time that tell a story. I like a bit of tension: mixing high and low, old and new, refined finishes with something unexpected. A home should feel lived-in and personal, not like a showroom,” says Award-winning designer Ryan Saghian. “The best spaces leave room for growth, change, and a little imperfection—that’s where the soul is.”
Designer Amy Switzer shares a similar sentiment. “A perfectly matched sofa set? No thanks. I prefer a mix of styles, textures, and eras to give my home a lived-in, personal feel.”
Follow Trends For The Sake Of Being Trendy
While your favorite DIYer might embrace every TikTok micro-trend, like Cowboy Core and White Lotus Core, an experienced designer rarely follows trends blindly. “One thing I would never do in my own home is follow every trend. As an interior designer, I believe your home should reflect your personal story, not just the current moment,” says Saghian. “Trends come and go, but timeless design—rooted in thoughtful curation, layered textures, and pieces that speak to you—creates a space that feels authentic and lasting. I focus on blending the raw with the refined, choosing elements that resonate with my aesthetic rather than what’s popular right now. That’s how a house becomes a home with soul.”
Buy A Leather Sofa
Many people assume leather furniture is a durable and comfortable choice, but designer James Pearse Connelly reveals this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Leather furniture is prone to wear and tear. Peeling leather or puddling are very common problems,” he says. “As a dad of two babies and two dogs, leather furniture is a no-go in my home unless I wanted to show every bit of its scratchability. No one should sit on leather in hot weather—it just feels weird on the skin. And plus, it sounds weird when you get off of it.”
Instead, choose durable pieces if you have young children or pets at home. Look for performance fabrics and prioritize quality over budget-friendly options that may only last a year or two. If durability is a major concern, consider investing in commercial-grade furniture.
Neglect Function For Aesthetics
A well-designed home balances both function and aesthetics. While designer homes may look beautiful, Switzer confesses she would never sacrifice function for looks. “Beautiful spaces have to work for real life. If it’s not practical, it doesn’t belong in my home. With two little kids, my living room furniture needed to be selected based on what was best for when we’re playing ‘the floor is lava.’”
Skip Personal Touches
“My home tells my story—my family’s story,” reveals Switzer. “Art, vintage finds, and sentimental pieces are what make a space feel truly mine.”
While designers may own statement pieces or high-end artwork, they also incorporate family heirlooms, items they’ve purchased while traveling, and even their kids’ artwork—professionally framed, of course.
Have A Shower Without A Door Or Ledge
While Japanese-style open shower rooms are certainly on-trend, Switzer tells me they are a major no-go in her house. And no ledge? No thanks. “There’s nothing worse than an open shower with no door to freeze your tush off and no ledge to put your foot on to shave your legs.”
Paint The Walls Red
HGTV host and interior designer Shay Holland explains, “As designers, we’re all about personalization, but there are some perfectly fine design choices we steer clear of in our own spaces. My own style tends to be more minimalist—there are a lot of things other people have in their homes that I just don’t need for my lifestyle—but generally speaking, designers avoid red walls because they can overwhelm a space.”
If you are trying to create a relaxing ambiance, it’s not the color to go with according to the designer. “Red has been shown to raise blood pressure and heart rate, and even stimulate the appetite—hence the reason red is a popular color in fast food restaurants.”
But if you love red, Holland suggests using it as an accent color instead.
Buy Recliner Chairs
While Holland admits recliners are comfortable, she finds them dated and generally not an attractive choice. “The problem with these bulky behemoths is that they tend to dominate a room, requiring extra clearance behind and in front of the actual chair. Also, today’s versions are likely made of plywood, so they don’t last.”
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t equally comfortable options out there. “Good alternatives include a plush swivel armchair and ottoman or a sofa with a chaise lounge for comfort and versatility with less visual bulk.”
Install Floating Wall-Mounted Nightstands
Although Holland considers herself a minimalist, she’s not a fan of wall-mounted nightstands due to their fixed position.
“That may be fine in a small bedroom where there’s really only one spot for the bed. Most designers value flexibility for when the re-decorating bug strikes. In my tiny beach house, I regularly swap around the side tables and nightstands for instant—free—gratification. Instead of wall-mounted versions, look for compact freestanding pieces with a drawer or shelf for storage.”
Make The Bed With Satin Sheets
Holland tells me satin sheets are, frankly, “sleazy.” Plus, this material wrinkles and stains easily. “More affordable sateen (coated cotton) lacks breathability and will leave you hot and sweaty all night. If you love satin’s benefits—doesn’t pull hair or skin, feels luxurious, etc.—look for a higher thread count (approximately 600), which isn’t cheap. If your budget allows, splurge on organic silk instead.”
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