Avoiding Expensive Design Mistakes

Jun 3

How to Design Smart and Save Regret Later

Designing a home can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. With so many decisions (and price tags!) on the line, it’s easy to worry about making costly mistakes. Whether you’re decorating a single room or remodeling your whole space, a few smart strategies can save you money, stress, and second-guessing.

Here’s how to design with confidence and avoid the “wish I had known” moments:

1. Don’t Skip the Plan

Jumping into design without a clear vision is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes. Start with a plan that works for your life, then build from there with mood boards, room measurements, a budget, and a material list. Planning upfront helps you avoid impulse buys and design mismatches. I often encourage potential clients to go to a quality furniture website and add every piece of furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories to their shopping cart to get an idea of the actual cost of designing a room.

2. Know When to Splurge (and When to Save)

Not everything has to be high-end—but some things are worth the investment. Splurge on foundational pieces like a quality sofa, flooring, countertops or great lighting. Save on trendy accents, décor, and things that are easy to swap out later.

3. Measure Twice, Buy Once

It sounds simple, but buying something that doesn’t fit—whether it’s a sofa that overwhelms the room or a rug that’s too small—is a surprisingly common (and frustrating) error. Remember, the larger the rug - the larger the space feels. Measure everything, including hallways and doorways, before you shop.

4. Don’t Follow Trends Blindly

That Instagram-worthy tile might not age well—or suit your style long-term. Choose finishes and furniture that reflect your taste and lifestyle, not just what’s trending. Timeless doesn’t mean boring—it means you’ll still love it years from now.

5. Work With a Pro

Even a consultation with a designer can save you from costly errors. A fresh perspective can help you see layout issues, lighting gaps, or material conflicts before it’s too late. Think of it as insurance for your design investment.

Final Thought

Design mistakes happen—but most are avoidable with a bit of strategy, intention, and a realistic plan. When you focus on what really matters to you and make choices from that place, your home ends up feeling just right—and that’s always worth it.

And remember, we at Kate Dague Interiors are here for you whether your project is large or small. Don’t hesitate, reach out to us now so we can help you make your project a reality.

Avoiding Expensive Design Mistakes: Your Smart Design Checklist

Make confident design choices that save money and look amazing

Before You Begin: Set the Foundation

✔ Define how you use the space

✔ Create a floor plan (or sketch one out!)

✔ Build a simple mood board

✔ Outline a realistic budget

✔ Decide on a color palette or style direction

Design Smart: What to Splurge On

✔ Quality sofa or seating

✔ Durable flooring and countertops

✔ Statement lighting