10 Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid in Homes

Designing a home comes with its own set of challenges — and opportunities.

While there’s plenty of inspiration out there, from glossy magazines to endless Pinterest scrolls, a lot can go wrong if the design isn’t rooted in practicality. Over the years at Luxe Edit, we’ve seen how small oversights can snowball into everyday frustrations.

Here are ten common design missteps we often see in Indian homes—and how to steer clear of them:

1. Wasting natural light

   We live in a country where sunlight is abundant almost year-round. Yet, many homes end up feeling dark and boxed in. Use sheer curtains, opt for lighter wall colours, and most importantly, plan your furniture and window placement to let the light in and the air flow through.

2. Filling up every corner

   It’s tempting to use every bit of space, especially with furniture that looks great in a showroom. But less really is more. Go for pieces that serve more than one function—think storage ottomans or wall-mounted desks—so your space doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered.

3. Ignoring the weather

   India’s climate isn’t uniform. Leather sofas in coastal cities or thick drapes in hot, dry regions can be a nightmare. Choose your materials wisely—cooler fabrics like cotton or linen for upholstery, or tiles that don’t trap heat, can make a big difference.

4. Not building in enough storage

   Storage is always a challenge, no matter the size of your home. And it’s usually something people think about too late. Plan early. Use the height of your walls, incorporate under-bed drawers, and don’t overlook dead corners—they can be turned into great utility spots.

5. Designing for today, not tomorrow

   Trendy colours and quirky décor might seem exciting, but they can lose their charm fast. Instead, go for timeless finishes and keep trends limited to accents—cushions, art, or even paint that’s easy to change.

6. Flat lighting

   One overhead light isn’t going to cut it. A well-designed home needs layers of light—general lighting, task lighting where needed, and some accent lighting to add warmth. It’s what brings life and flexibility to a room, especially during our long evenings.

7. Playing matchy-matchy

   Matching everything—sofa, curtains, cushions—used to be the go-to look. But design today celebrates contrast and personality. Combine different textures, tones, and finishes to make your space feel more thoughtful and layered.

8. Poor kitchen ventilation

   In Indian cooking, ventilation is non-negotiable. A window is ideal, but at the very least, invest in a good-quality chimney. Also, choose materials that are easy to wipe down—grime loves to stick around otherwise.

9. Forgetting about plug points

   It’s shocking how often electrical planning is left for the end. Think about where you’ll place appliances, charge devices, or add lamps before the walls are finished. It’ll save you from messy extensions and retrofitting later.

10. Losing your roots

    It’s easy to fall for Western design styles, but our lifestyle is different. Whether it’s a pooja corner, space for drying clothes, or a shoe rack by the entrance—design for how you live, not just how things look in a brochure.

At the end of the day, your home should feel like you—comfortable, practical, and a little bit personal. It’s easy to get caught up in what looks good online, but what truly makes a space work is how well it fits into your daily life.

So if you’re planning or redoing your space, take a moment to think beyond trends. A well-designed home doesn’t just look beautiful—it quietly supports your routines, your culture, and the way you live, every single day.