by Rebs, Founder & Interior Designer at H3 Interiors

We’ve all been there: a paint color that looked perfect in the store now feels too cold, or a rug that seemed “good enough” is clearly too small. Even the most well-decorated homes can fall victim to design mistakes.

As a professional interior designer in Owings Mills, I walk into a lot of homes, and I see the same avoidable mistakes over and over. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix. Here’s how to avoid them, and what to do instead if you’ve already made one.

1. Hanging Art Too High

Art is meant to be enjoyed, not craned at from the couch. Hanging pieces too high is one of the most common mistakes I see.

Fix it: Hang art so the center is 57– 60 inches off the ground (eye level for most people). Over furniture like a sofa or dresser? Leave 6–8 inches between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture.

2. Rugs That Are Too Small

A tiny rug can make an entire room feel disconnected and awkward.

Fix it: Go bigger! In living rooms, the rug should extend under all front legs of your furniture. In bedrooms, it should come out at least 2–3 feet on the sides of your bed. Dining rooms? The rug should allow chairs to stay on it when pulled out.

3. Overhead Lighting Only

Relying solely on ceiling lights flattens the mood of a room.

Fix it: Layer your lighting! Use table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces to create atmosphere and warmth. I often recommend dimmers on overhead fixtures for added control.

4. Matching Everything

Buying entire furniture sets might feel safe, but it often leads to a room with zero personality.

Fix it: Mix textures and styles. Pair a modern sofa with a vintage coffee table. Combine a sleek brass floor lamp with a rustic sideboard. The contrast adds visual interest and soul.

5. Buying Before Measuring

That stunning console you found online? Not so stunning when it blocks your hallway.

Fix it: Measure everything—not just furniture, but doorways, walkways, and ceiling heights. Use painter’s tape on the floor to outline new furniture before ordering.

Design mistakes happen, but they’re rarely permanent. These small tweaks can create a huge impact—and if you want a pro’s eye to help you avoid costly ones, I’m just a questionnaire and phone call away.