Interior Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Unfinished

Creating a beautifully designed home is a process, and sometimes, small mistakes can make a space feel incomplete or unpolished. If your home doesn’t feel quite “done,” here are some common interior design mistakes that might be holding it back—and how to fix them.

Home takes time!

From planning each room to ordering furniture and adding the finishing touches, it can take months or even years to curate the home of your dreams. But believe it or not, there are certain common design mistakes that can make a home look unfinished or incomplete, even after years of thoughtful curation and decorating.

1. Neglecting Window Treatments

Bare windows can make a space feel stark and unfinished. Window treatments add softness, texture, and a sense of completion to a room. The fabric adds a beautiful touch of texture to each room, while the ability to control natural light adds a level of practicality, privacy, and comfort that can’t be understated.

Another common mistake is to add drapery that is too long, too short, lacks fullness, or is hung at the wrong height, which can make a space feel unfinished and disrupt the room’s visual flow.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to go custom on window treatments to get the custom look, even if your windows aren’t a standard height. You can buy regular curtains that are a little too long and have them hemmed by your local tailor so you achieve the perfect length without the high price tag.

2. Lack of Proper Lighting

Relying solely on overhead lighting can make a room feel flat and uninspired. Incorporate a mix of lighting sources—ambient, task, and accent—to create depth and warmth. Table lamps, sconces, and floor lamps can make a significant difference.

3. Undersized Rugs

A rug that’s too small can throw off the balance of a room, making it look disconnected. Ideally, a rug should be large enough to anchor the furniture, with at least the front legs of sofas and chairs resting on it.

Nothing makes a home feel cold and incomplete, like a tiny area rug that only fits under the coffee table or floats in the middle of the room. Area rugs are meant to provide coziness and texture for an entire space — not a tiny section. Make sure that, at a minimum, the first two legs of each piece of furniture sit on the rug. You’re likely working with an eight-by-ten or nine-by-twelve rug in a spacious living room or bedroom.

4. Sparse or Mismatched Accessories

A lack of decorative accessories—or having items that don’t coordinate—can make a space feel incomplete. Select a curated mix of artwork, vases, books, and textiles that complement your design aesthetic and add personality.

5. Unbalanced Furniture Placement

Pushing all the furniture against the walls or not creating defined conversation areas can make a room feel awkward. Instead, arrange furniture in a way that promotes flow and functionality while maintaining a sense of coziness.

6. Ignoring Wall Decor

Blank walls can make a space feel empty. Incorporate art, mirrors, or wall-mounted decor to add character and visual interest. Oversized pieces or thoughtfully arranged gallery walls work particularly well.

7. Inconsistent Color Palette

A disjointed colour scheme can make a home feel chaotic and unfinished. Stick to a cohesive palette that flows naturally from room to room to create a sense of harmony and intentionality.

8. Lack of Greenery

Plants and flowers bring life and vibrancy into a home. Without them, a space can feel sterile. Adding greenery—please, always plants—introduces texture and freshness.

9. Exposed Cords and Clutter

Visible cords and excessive clutter can instantly make a home look unfinished. Use cord management solutions, storage baskets, and organizational systems to keep things tidy and intentional.

10. Skipping Personal Touches

A home that lacks personal elements can feel impersonal. Incorporate meaningful pieces, such as family photos, heirlooms, or unique finds that reflect your personality and make the space truly yours.

By addressing these common mistakes, you can transform your home into a polished, cohesive, and inviting space.

Need expert guidance? Get in touch, and I will help bring your vision to life!