1. Underestimating the Scope (and Timeline)

2. Not Having a Clear Design Vision

A room-by-room approach without an overarching vision often leads to a home that feels disjointed.

A professional interior designer creates a cohesive concept early on so that all elements, from finishes to furnishings, speak the same design language and feel intentional. They also bring fresh, unexpected ideas, creating a unique and memorable vision for your home.

3. Relying too Heavily on Pinterest or Instagram

It can be easy to fall for trends that may not suit your lifestyle or architecture, especially with the amount of images available on Pinterest and Instagram.

Professional designers translate inspirations into tailored solutions, helping you avoid lookalike spaces and curate a home that feels both personal and timeless. Homes that have a little whimsy and unexpected are often the most successful.

4. Choosing the Wrong Materials

Opting for finishes based on looks alone, not durability or context, can be another mistake. Or on the flip side, choosing materials because they are incredibly durable but don’t fit the overall vision for the home.

Designers understand which materials perform well in real life, not just on a showroom floor, and can also guide you when a compromise is a good idea. On the flip side, some very durable materials can be generic and underwhelming. Designers know how to navigate that delicate balance.

5. Working with a Disconnected Team

Hiring a contractor independently of the architect and interior designer can lead to a team that is not cohesive.

Without a clear point person managing the vision and the details, things can easily fall through the cracks. Professional designers thrive on collaboration and act as a central hub, in constant communication with the contractor, maintaining consistency, and ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.

6. Overlooking Permits and Codes

Assuming the contractor will handle all logistics correctly can lead to trouble.

Interior designers may not know all the codes and regulations, but they know what questions to ask early, and when to bring in consultants to ensure code compliance and avoid costly revisions.

7. Trying to Make Every Decision Themselves

Decision fatigue sets in fast—there are hundreds to make and it’s easy to get bogged down in the details or feel paralyzed by too many options.

Professional designers know how to streamline the process, making thoughtful selections that support the broader vision—saving you time and mental load.

8. Buying Furnishings Too Early (or Too Late)

Ordering furniture before finalizing layouts or finishes leads to poor fit and function most of the time.

Remember that dining table you ordered months ago? It may no longer fits because the wall had to move 6 inches. On the flip side, waiting too long can result in extended lead times or empty rooms. Professional designers plan furnishings with intention, and in parallel with construction, ensuring perfect fit, function, and flow.

9. Under-Budgeting for Furnishings

Too often we see this happen: spending the entire budget on construction, leaving furnishings as an afterthought.

A well-designed home isn’t just about walls and finishes—it’s about how you live in the space. A full-service designer can balance your budget across build + furnishings so you don’t end up with a beautiful shell and nowhere to sit.

10. Losing Sight of the Big Picture

Getting stuck in the weeds of tile trims or hardware finishes can feel endless.

A professional designer keeps the end vision in focus, guiding and making decisions quickly to support the overall aesthetic and functionality. They also know when it’s time to move on and let go.