The Top 3 Interior Design Mistakes New Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)
You’ve got the keys, the boxes are unpacked (mostly), and now you’re staring at a sea of blank walls and empty corners wondering: Where do I even start?
First—congrats! Buying a home is a huge milestone. Second—take a breath. You don’t need to get it all perfect overnight.
As an interior designer and decorator working with homeowners across Red Deer and Central Alberta, I’ve seen it all. And while every space and client is unique, there are a few very common (and totally fixable) design mistakes new homeowners tend to make.
Here are the top three—and how I help you get it right from the start.
1. Rushing to Fill the Space
We get it—you’re excited. You want the place to feel finished, like, yesterday. But rushing into big purchases or grabbing everything from one store “just to get it done” often leads to a home that feels disjointed, generic, or full of regret-buys.
✅ What I Recommend Instead:
Take your time. Start with key pieces (think: sofa, bed, dining table), then layer in decor and accents gradually. I help clients create a room-by-room design plan that works within their budget and grows with them over time. It’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about doing the right things first.
2. Ignoring Lighting (AKA Living in the Dark)
New builds, in particular, often come with builder-grade lighting—functional, yes. Beautiful? Not so much. Many homeowners forget how much lighting affects the mood, warmth, and functionality of a room.
✅ What I Recommend Instead:
Lighting isn’t just about fixtures—it’s about layers. I help homeowners build in ambient, task, and accent lighting that’s both practical and beautiful. Bonus: I source unique fixtures that fit your style and your space (no cookie-cutter here)
3. Playing It Too Safe with Colour and Personality
When you first move in, it’s easy to default to all-beige-everything or keep things ultra-neutral out of fear. But if everything is the same shade of oatmeal, your space can feel flat, sterile, and not at all you.
✅ What I Recommend Instead:
Your home should reflect your style, your story, and your life. I guide clients to add character in intentional ways—whether that’s bold paint in a powder room, mixed textures in the living room, or vintage finds layered with modern pieces. Even a subtle accent wall or styled shelf can change the whole feel of a space.
*ALSO: Don’t DIY It All (Unless You Love Overwhelm)
There’s no medal for figuring it all out on your own. Working with a professional doesn’t mean giving up control—it means gaining clarity, strategy, and confidence. As a designer based right here in Red Deer, I understand local styles, suppliers, and spaces—plus, I know how to bring the real-life factor into design (yes, the kids and dogs can still exist in a beautiful space).
Ready to Create a Home You Actually Love?: Whether you’re in a brand-new build, a mid-century gem, or a fixer-upper with potential, I’m here to help you avoid the missteps—and design a home that feels like you.
📩 Let’s chat! Book a design consult or check out my services to see how I can help bring your vision to life (minus the stress and second-guessing).
