7 Common Mistakes When Decorating a New Home — and How to Avoid Them

Decorating a new home is exciting and motivating, but it can also be challenging. Forget the idea that hiring an interior designer is only for the rich and famous. In reality, a decorator can save you a lot of money and time, avoid many headaches and, above all, poor choices.

Between layout choices, circulation areas, furniture, colours, lighting, and budget, it’s easy to make mistakes that compromise the final result.

The good news? With the help of a professional interior designer, most of these mistakes can be easily avoided.

Here are the 7 most common mistakes — and how to avoid them:

Mistake: Rushing to fill the entire house right away.

Problem: The result often feels incoherent, with too many unnecessary pieces and wasted money.

How to avoid it: An interior designer creates a global plan, ensuring that each piece fits into a well-thought-out concept.

Mistake: Prioritizing aesthetics over usability.

Problem: Beautiful spaces that turn out to be uncomfortable or impractical in daily life.

How to avoid it: A professional balances design and functionality, tailoring the project to the family’s lifestyle and needs.

Mistake: Not planning light sources or relying only on ceiling lamps.

Problem: Cold, uncomfortable spaces with no atmosphere.

How to avoid it: Develop a layered lighting project — functional, ambient, and decorative.

Mistake: Choosing furniture that’s too large or too small for the room.

Problem: Spaces look disproportionate and feel uncomfortable.

How to avoid it: A designer carefully measures and plans circulation, creating balance between size and proportion.

Mistake: Not defining a realistic financial plan.

Problem: Unexpected costs, frustration along the way, and poor decisions.

How to avoid it: A professional helps set priorities, estimate costs, and find creative solutions that stay within budget.

Mistake: Decorating everything based on current trends.

Problem: The home quickly feels outdated and loses its identity.

How to avoid it: Create a timeless, personalized design that reflects your story, taste, and lifestyle.

Mistake: Thinking hiring an interior designer is an unnecessary luxury.

Problem: Wrong decisions that end up costing more in the long run.

How to avoid it: Work with a specialist who optimizes space, avoids mistakes, and ensures a harmonious, functional, and budget-friendly result.

Decorating a new home should be an enjoyable and inspiring process. Avoiding these common mistakes is possible — and the guidance of a professional can turn the challenge into a smooth experience, resulting in a beautiful, functional, and highly personalized home.

👉 Are you decorating a new home in Portugal? Mint Design can help you create the space you’ve always dreamed of.