7 Home design mistakes you might be making (and how to fix them)   

Think you’ve nailed your home design? You might be surprised. Even the most stylish homes can fall victim to subtle design missteps that throw off the entire aesthetic. From only one light source to too many similar textures, these common mistakes are easy to make but are just as easy to fix.  

Lee-Ann Lacroix, Lead Designer for Lee-Ann Lacroix Interiors by Design and multi-award-winning designer and contributor for design and lifestyle with CTV News, shares what common home design mistakes you might be making and how to fix them. 

Mixing too many styles and colours  

Does your home feel chaotic instead of cozy? A common mistake is combining too many styles, hues, or patterns. It’s easy to fall in love with individual pieces, but without a plan, the result can feel disjointed.  

To create a cohesive space, Lee-Anna suggests sticking to a clear theme or aesthetic. If you like specific design styles, focus on their key elements. For example, mid-century modern features clean lines, natural woods, and neutral shades, while farmhouse highlights rustic charm and cozy textures.  

A trending style is dopamine decor, which uses bold tones, playful patterns, and vibrant energy to spark joy. Whatever your preference, consistency is key—use pops of tone, texture, or standout pieces to make it yours.  

Coordinated palettes also help with cohesion. Experts suggest sticking to a maximum of three or four complementary shades. 

Expert tip: If you need help picking paint colours, the experts at Dulux Paints can help you plan a palette for your room. Plus, CAA Members save 25% and earn 3% in CAA Dollars®—a great way to refresh your space for less. 

Poor lighting choices  

Replacing old lighting or adding new fixtures is one of the easiest ways to elevate your home’s design. Lighting is often the unsung hero of home design, yet it’s frequently overlooked. Lee-Ann warns that poor lighting can even make a room look cluttered and uninviting.  

If you’re someone who never turns on the “big light,” you’re not alone—ambient lighting is trending on social media as people embrace using multiple light sources like table lamps, LED strips and wall scones instead of relying on just a single harsh ceiling light.  

When selecting lights, be intentional with placement and purpose. Is this room for relaxing or working? Warmer tones suit cozy spaces like bedrooms because they create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, ideal for winding down and promoting rest. Cooler, brighter lighting works best in kitchens or home offices because it mimics natural daylight and enhances productivity. 

Take time to experiment with layers of lighting—and don’t underestimate the power of dimmers to adjust the ambiance for any occasion. 

Cluttered with stuff 

We all love a beautifully styled shelf or a table full of treasures, but too much decor can quickly feel cluttered. Excessive items create visual chaos and distract from your home’s design.  

Lee-Ann points out that too many decorative items can make a room look cluttered. She advises stepping back and evaluating your decor. Does it bring joy or serve a purpose? If not, set it aside. Keep only items that truly add value to your space. 

And don’t throw everything out! Rotate your decor seasonally. That set of artisanal ceramic pumpkins might look out of place in summer but can steal the show come fall. Thoughtful editing is a skill every home designer masters—so start small and build from there. 

Furniture that doesn’t fit the space  

Have you ever been in a room where the couch overwhelms everything, or the furniture looks tiny and out of place? Lee-Ann suggests that furniture that's too large or too small for a room can throw off the balance.  

For smaller spaces, opt for streamlined, multi-functional furniture like nesting tables or a loveseat instead of a full sectional. While in larger rooms, an oversized sofa or a substantial coffee table is perfect to balance the scale of the space.  

Expert tip: You can find the right-sized furniture pieces at La-Z-Boy Furniture and Home Décor in Ottawa, and CAA Members can save up to 10% in-store, making it a great option for a design refresh! 

Neglecting room flow

A well-designed room isn’t just about looks—it’s about functionality. Lee-Ann notes a well-designed room should have a clear flow. Consider the traffic path and arrange furniture to create a sense of movement. 

To improve flow, consider the main traffic paths in the room. Can people easily enter and exit without bumping into furniture or obstacles?  

Open pathways and smart furniture placement make all the difference. For example, avoid putting furniture in the middle of high-traffic areas. Instead, create zones that naturally guide movement, such as grouping seating around an area rug or using a console table behind a sofa to define the space. 

Overlooking texture and depth

According to Lee-Ann, a room with too many similar textures can feel monotonous and flat, lacking the visual and tactile interest that makes a space inviting. To avoid this, it’s essential to mix a variety of materials to create depth and personality in your home. For example, pairing sleek surfaces like glass or metal with softer, cozier fabrics such as velvet or wool can instantly elevate a room’s appeal.  

Designers often recommend layering textures with contrasting elements, such as a woven rug against polished hardwood floors or linen cushions on a leather sofa. Spaces that successfully combine different textures not only feel more dynamic but also evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. 

Forgetting to anchor with a statement piece  

Every room deserves a focal point—something that instantly catches the eye. A statement piece, as Lee-Ann says, like a rug or a piece of art, can help anchor the room and create a sense of cohesion. Whether it’s a bold area rug, a piece of art, or a unique piece of furniture, anchoring your space with a statement piece can pull your entire design together.  

Choose something that aligns with your aesthetic while offering that little extra. A patterned rug with rich colours can ground a room, while a striking piece of artwork can add personality and a touch of drama. 

Expert tip: CAA Members can pick up statement pieces and other décor items from Bouclair and save an extra 5% in-store and online. 

Looking to refresh your home? 

Avoiding common design mistakes can help you create a space that feels intentional, stylish, and beautifully put together.  

As a CAA Member, you can save on paint, furniture, home accents, and more. Take advantage of exclusive discounts and browse the full list of CAA Rewards partners online.