What Designers Never Do – Habits to ditch for a better looking space

You’ve bought the trendy mirror, rearranged the sofa three times, and still—something feels off. The room doesn’t look bad, but it’s not giving that pulled-together, effortlessly stylish vibe you were aiming for. You start wondering… What would a designer do differently?

Here’s the thing: great design isn’t about following every trend or spending a fortune. It’s about avoiding certain habits that quietly sabotage the look and feel of your space. The kind of habits professional designers never fall into—because they know better.

And that’s what you’ll learn in this article: the common design missteps to ditch, and what to do instead. No fluff. No judgement. Just clear, inspiring advice to help you see your home through a designer’s eyes—and finally get that space you love walking into.

Habit #1: Playing It Too Safe

You want your space to feel calm and cohesive—but somehow, it’s ended up looking… bland. Beige walls, grey sofa, white cushions. Everything “matches,” yet nothing stands out.

Here’s the truth: designers never play it this safe. Why? Because rooms without contrast, texture, or personality fall flat. Safe can quickly slide into forgettable.

If you’ve gone all-in on neutrals or avoided bold choices out of fear, it’s time to shift gears. Designers balance calm with character. That might mean:

• Adding a statement piece—a bold rug, an oversized artwork, or a pop of colour on a single wall.
• Mixing materials—linen with leather, wood with metal—to bring texture and warmth.
• Letting your personality show. Whether that’s vintage finds, quirky sculptures, or a stack of books you actually read.

What to do instead:
Start small. Pick one thing in your room that could use a little personality boost. Swap out a plain cushion for a patterned one. Hang an artwork you love. Layer in something unexpected.

You don’t need to go full maximalist—but you do need to give your space a pulse.

Habit #2: Hanging Art at the Wrong Height

You found the perfect print. You hung it. You stepped back… and something felt off. Here’s why: designers never hang art too high.

It’s one of the most common mistakes people make—positioning artwork closer to the ceiling than to eye level. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

The fix is simple:
The centre of your artwork should sit roughly 145–155 cm from the floor—aka average eye level. In gallery settings, 150 cm is the gold standard, and designers follow that rule religiously.

If you’re hanging art above a sofa or console table, keep it close. Aim for about 15–20 cm above the furniture, not floating halfway up the wall.

Why it matters:
When art is hung too high, it disconnects from the room. It feels like it’s shouting from above instead of being part of the space. Designers know that good placement makes artwork feel intentional—and effortlessly elegant.

What to do instead:
Grab a measuring tape and reassess your wall. Lowering your art (even slightly) can make a room feel more grounded, more cohesive—and instantly more designed.

Habit #3: Hoarding Décor

You’ve got candles, vases, books, trays, trinkets—all your favourite little bits and pieces. But together? It feels cluttered. That’s because designers never keep everything out at once.

When every surface is covered, your eye has nowhere to rest. The room feels busy, even if it’s tidy. It’s not that designers don’t have décor—they’re just ruthless about editing it.

Why less really is more:
Designers curate. They let each piece breathe, giving it space to shine. Instead of five candles, there might be one sculptural one next to a stack of books. Instead of a shelf crammed with knick-knacks, they’ll display three standout objects with room between them.

You don’t have to get rid of your things—just rotate them. Store some away and switch them out seasonally. That’s what designers do to keep a space feeling fresh, not chaotic.

Habit #4: Ignoring Lighting Layers

You walk into the room, flip the switch, and boom—blinding overhead light. If that’s your only source of illumination, you’ve just committed a design sin. Designers never rely on a single ceiling light.

Lighting isn’t just functional—it sets the mood, defines zones, and adds depth. Without layers, a room feels flat and sterile. Think of lighting like music: one note gets boring fast, but a layered track? That’s where the atmosphere lives.

Designers use three layers of light:

1. Ambient – general lighting (ceiling lights, recessed lights).
2. Task – focused lighting (desk lamps, reading lights).
3. Accent – mood or decorative lighting (table lamps, wall sconces, candles).

What to do instead:

• Add a table or floor lamp in a dark corner.
• Use warm bulbs to soften the vibe.
• Place a lamp on a console or bedside table, even if you rarely use it—just the glow makes the room feel inviting.

Bonus tip: use dimmers wherever you can. They give you instant control over how a space feels, day or night.

Habit #5: Choosing Style Over Comfort

That sculptural chair looked stunning online. But now it’s in your living room, and no one wants to sit in it. Sound familiar? Designers never sacrifice comfort just to tick a style box.

Yes, aesthetics matter—but not more than how a space feels to live in. Designers are constantly thinking about the human experience: how you sit, move, stretch, and relax in a room. If it doesn’t work for your daily life, it doesn’t work—no matter how pretty it is.

What this really means:

• That ultra-minimalist sofa might look sleek, but if it feels like a stone bench? It’s a no.
• A statement dining chair that makes you shift every five minutes? Also a no.
• Materials that look gorgeous but stain at the slightest touch? You get the idea.

What to do instead:

• Prioritise comfort first, then find your style within that.
• Mix in soft textures, ergonomic shapes, and fabrics that feel good to the touch.
• Sit-test before you buy, or read real reviews that mention comfort.

Designers want spaces that work—not just for photos, but for people.

Habit #6: Pushing Furniture Against Every Wall

It seems logical: more floor space = better room flow, right? So you push the sofa against one wall, the chairs against another, and the TV across the room. But here’s the kicker: designers never default to lining furniture along the walls.

When everything’s hugging the perimeter, your space can end up feeling disconnected, like furniture stranded at opposite ends of a dancefloor. Designers know that good layouts create intimacy and flow—not just empty floor space.

Why this matters:
Bringing furniture in—even just a little—creates conversation zones, defines purpose, and makes a room feel more intentional. You stop just “furnishing a box” and start shaping a lived-in experience.

What to do instead:

• Pull your sofa or chairs off the wall by 10–15 cm. It instantly feels more styled.
• Use rugs to anchor your furniture groupings.
• Think about how people will move through the room and place pieces accordingly—not just where they fit.

Even in small spaces, floating furniture slightly can make it feel bigger because the layout breathes.

Final Thoughts: Design Like a Pro (Without the Price Tag)

You don’t need a design degree—or a massive budget—to create a space that looks and feels amazing. You just need to start thinking like a designer. And that means breaking a few old habits:

• Stop playing it too safe—let your personality show.
• Hang your art where it belongs: at eye level.
• Clear the clutter and let your best pieces breathe.
• Layer your lighting to create warmth and depth.
• Choose comfort first—style should serve your life, not complicate it.
• Float your furniture to bring your room to life.

Here’s the good news: design is a skill, not a mystery. And every smart choice you make adds up to a better-looking, better-feeling space. So if your home hasn’t felt quite right, now you know where to start.

Ditch the habits. Keep the heart. And design a space that finally feels like you.