Common Interior Design Mistakes
And How to Avoid These Mistakes in Your HomeEven the most well-intentioned design plans can go off track, and in a place like Montana, where climate, lifestyle, and space planning all play a role, the little choices matter. Whether you’re DIY-ing a space or working with a professional designer, knowing what not to do is just as important as what to include.
We’ve seen it all so here are the most common interior design mistakes, especially in Montana homes, and how to fix them with confidence.
Rugs That Are Too Small
One of the fastest ways to make a room feel disjointed is with a rug that’s too small for the space. In open-concept or large living rooms (common in Montana builds), it’s especially important to anchor your furniture properly.
How to fix it:
Choose a rug that allows at least the front legs of all major furniture to rest on it. For living rooms, 8x10 is often the minimum and 9x12 or larger is better.
Designer note: Starting with a slightly larger rug and layering with the smaller rug will also work in most instances.
Image Source: Pinterest
Ignoring Lighting Layers
Too often, lighting is an afterthought, and one overhead fixture rarely does the trick. A lack of thoughtful lighting leads to flat, cold spaces (especially during Montana’s long winters).
How to fix it:
Use three layers:
Ambient (overhead or recessed)
Task (pendants, sconces, reading lights)
Accent (lamps, under-cabinet, or strip lighting)
Dimmers are your best friend!
Designer note: Layered lighting makes your home feel warmer and more luxurious.
Image Source: Top Tier Construction
Over-Matching Furniture or Finishes
Matching every piece of furniture or sticking to one metal tone makes a room feel like a showroom and not a home.
How to fix it:
Simply mix materials and finishes. In Montana homes, this might mean blending iron hardware with brass sconces, or pairing leather and linen in a living room. Just make sure tones complement each other across the room.
Image Source: Pinterest
Designing for Trends, Not Longevity
It’s tempting to jump on design trends, but what feels fresh now can feel tired fast, especially if it doesn’t match your home’s personality or the Montana lifestyle.
How to fix it:
Use trends for easy-to-swap items (pillows, art, paint) and keep the foundational pieces timeless. Think: wood cabinetry, neutral tile, natural textures, and heirloom-quality materials.
Designer note: Montana homes are built to last—your design should be too.
Image Source: Pinterest
Skipping Function for Looks
That stunning open shelf? It might not work in a mud-heavy entryway. A beautiful chair? Worthless if it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t fit the space.
How to fix it:
Design should always follow function. Start with how you live (or plan to live), then choose furniture, layouts, and finishes that support your routine.
Designer note: In mountain living, practicality is luxury.
Image Source: Pinterest
No Flow or Furniture Planning
One common mistake we see: rooms that look “nice” but don’t work in real life because the furniture blocks natural traffic flow or doesn’t relate to other pieces.
How to fix it:
Measure your space before purchasing anything. Map out walkways (at least 30-36”), visualize conversational groupings, and make sure doorways aren’t blocks. Use painter’s tape to test layouts before committing.
Image Source: Pinterest
Hanging Art Too High (or Too Small)
Art that’s hung too high or sized too small can throw off the balance of a room, especially in homes with tall ceilings or log accents.
How to fix it:
hang art so the center is about 57” from the finished floor, or align it with furniture edges when grouped. Go bigger than you think or group smaller pieces into a gallery to create the right scale.
Image Source: Pinterest
Forgetting Montana-Specific Needs
Designing for a Montana lifestyle requires weather-conscious, durable choices. Mistake here include:
Upholstery that can’t handle wear and tear, mud, snow, dogs, livestock, etc. If you are wondering why I said livestock… spend some time on a ranch during calving season and you’ll realize quick that maybe you should not have put your favorite linen bench in the mudroom.
Entryways without proper storage
Flooring that isn’t up to the seasonal changes
How to fix it:
Use performance fabrics, wool rugs, and natural stone or engineered flooring that can take heavy wear. Design mudrooms and drop zones with real life in mind because Montana homes work hard.
Image Source: Pinterest
Final Thoughts:
Avoiding these design pitfalls doesn’t mean playing it safe—it means designing with intention. Every home is different, and every client has unique needs, but the core principles remain the same: balance, function, flow and a touch of soul.
And if you’ve already made on or two of these mistakes—don’t worry! That’s what design is: a process of refining, adjusting, and learning what works for YOU.
Be honest—have you made any of these design mistakes?
Let us know in the comments (no shame, we’ve all been there). Or tag us on Instagram: @MontanaInteriorDesign
Ready to rethink your space? - Let’s work together. ↗️
All of your support is amazing, and I am so thankful you are here! I really hope this has helped you with your projects or future ideas. Please follow along for a deeper look into the design industry and what I’ve learned working on my own house projects. Send me projects you are currently working on in the comments below! I love seeing what you are up to.
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