What I Wish Homeowners Knew Before Starting a Design Project
Many homeowners reach out to me after they’ve already started making decisions - ordering furniture, choosing finishes, or saving inspiration images they love. And while none of this is wrong, it often makes the process more complicated (and more expensive) than it needs to be.
After years of designing homes for real life - not just photos - I’ve noticed a few common mistakes that come up again and again. My goal in sharing these isn’t to criticize, but to help you avoid unnecessary stress and get better results from the start.
1) Buying Furniture Before Having a Plan
One of the most common mistakes I see is purchasing furniture before the overall layout is finalized.
A sofa might be beautiful on its own, but:
It may be the wrong scale for the room
It might limit furniture placement options
It can dictate the design in ways you didn’t intend
Why it matters:
Design works best when the room is planned first, not individual pieces. When furniture is purchased too early, the rest of the space ends up working around it - often awkwardly.
2. Choosing Finishes One at a Time
Homeowners often select flooring, cabinets, countertops, and paint colors in isolation - without seeing how everything works together.
This can lead to
Undertones that clash
Materials competing for attention
A space that feels “off” but you can’t quite explain why
Why it matters:
Design decisions should be made as a group. Seeing finishes together ensures balance, cohesion, and a timeless result - especially in forever homes.
3. Falling in Love With a Photo Without Considering the Context
Pinterest and Instagram are wonderful sources of inspiration - I use them too - but they can also be misleading.
That photo you love may:
Be professionally styled for a shoot
Use custom or oversized furniture
Be photographed in a completely different type of home.
Why it matters:
Good design is about translating inspiration into your space, lifestyle, and budget - not copying something that worked elsewhere under very different conditions.
4. Underestimating Scale and Proportion
This is one of the hardest things to judge without professional help.
Common issues include:
Rugs that are too small
Furniture that overwhelms the room
Light fixtures that feel out of place
Why it matters:
Scale and proportion are what make a room feel comfortable and intentional. When they’re off, even beautiful pieces can feel wrong.
5. Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help
Many clients tell me they wish they had called sooner
Often they’ve already:
Made decisions they’re unsure about
Spent money they can’t return
Hit a point of the frustration or overwhelm
Why it matters:
Involving a designer earlier doesn’t mean committing to everything at once. It simply gives you a clear direction - and often saves time, money, and stress.
Design should feel exciting - not overwhelming or full of second-guessing. A little guidance early on can make a big difference in how your home comes together and how confident you feel along the way.
If you’re planning a remodel, building a home, or simply want help pulling things together, I’m always happy to start with a conversation.
A thoughtful plan always beats a rushed decision.
Blessings,
