Starting your journey as an interior designer is a mix of excitement, creativity, and a little bit of nervousness. With so many details to manage, it’s easy to fall into some common traps along the way. But don’t worry—these are mistakes that almost every designer makes at some point.

Let’s break down five pitfalls you’ll want to dodge, with examples that show how these lessons play out in real-world projects.

1. Prioritizing Your Personal Style Over the Client’s Needs

Imagine designing a boutique hotel lobby. You love industrial design, so you fill the space with exposed pipes, concrete walls, and dark, moody tones. But the hotel’s concept is a cozy, welcoming retreat for travelers. The end result? A stunning lobby… that completely misses the mark.

This happens when you get too caught up in your personal aesthetic and forget to prioritize the client’s vision.

💡 Why this matters: Design isn’t just about what you like; it’s about solving a problem and meeting the needs of the project. Your style is your tool, not the goal.

What to do instead:

Focus on asking the right questions during the briefing stage:

• What’s the purpose of this space?

• What kind of atmosphere are we creating?

• Who will be using it?

Let the answers guide your design choices. Your role is to blend your creative flair with the client’s goals to create a space that works.

2. Forgetting to Differentiate Between Clients and Users

Here’s a common mistake: you assume that the person hiring you is the only one you’re designing for. But often, the client and the people who use the space aren’t the same.

For example, you’re designing a coworking space for a company. The client wants bold branding elements front and center, but the people using the space might need quiet zones, ergonomic furniture, and natural lighting. If you only listen to the client, you risk overlooking what makes the space functional and comfortable for the people who’ll spend hours there.

💡 Why this matters: A successful design doesn’t just impress—it works. Addressing the needs of both the client and the end users ensures the space serves its purpose.

What to do instead:

During the research phase, dig deeper:

• Who will spend the most time here?

• What do they need to feel comfortable, productive, or inspired?

Balancing both perspectives will make your design stand out.

3. Skipping Space Planning or Neglecting Programming

Designing without a plan is like cooking without a recipe—you might end up with a mess. Space planning is what ensures a design is functional before it’s beautiful.

Take an office project as an example. You focus on selecting stylish furniture and trendy finishes, but you forget about things like adequate storage, breakout areas for collaboration, or soundproof meeting rooms. The result? A space that looks great but doesn’t meet the practical needs of the team.

💡 Why this matters: Without thoughtful space planning, your design can’t deliver on functionality, no matter how stunning it looks.

What to do instead:

Start by creating a programming list—a breakdown of the spaces and functions required for the project. Ask yourself:

• Does the layout support how people will move and work?

• Are critical spaces like storage, restrooms, or private areas accounted for?

• Have I left room for flexibility and growth?

4. Taking Feedback Personally

Getting feedback can be tough, especially when you’ve poured your heart into a design. But every designer faces revisions—it’s a normal part of the process.

Picture this: You design a trendy retail store with bold displays and open shelving. The client comes back saying they want softer lighting and more storage in the back. It’s easy to feel defensive, but feedback like this is what helps you grow and create a better final result.

💡 Why this matters: Feedback isn’t a critique of your talent—it’s a tool to help you deliver a design that aligns with the project’s goals.

What to do instead:

Stay open-minded when feedback comes your way. Ask for specifics:

• “What changes would you like to see here?”

• “Does this adjustment better meet your vision?”

Collaboration is key, and handling feedback well will make you a stronger designer.

5. Assuming Clients Can Visualize Your Ideas

As designers, we’re trained to visualize a space before it exists. But most clients don’t have that same skill. Expecting them to understand a design based on a 2D floor plan or verbal explanation can leave them confused—or worse, disappointed when the final result doesn’t match what they imagined.

For example, you propose a vibrant restaurant interior with bold patterns and layered textures, but the client just can’t picture it. Without visual aids like 3D renderings or mood boards, you risk miscommunication.

💡 Why this matters: Clear communication is everything. Helping clients see your vision early on builds trust and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

What to do instead:

Invest time in creating visuals:

• 3D renderings that bring the design to life.

• Concept boards showing color palettes, materials, and inspiration.

These tools don’t just clarify your ideas—they make the design process more exciting for the client.

Final Thoughts

Every designer makes mistakes, especially when they’re just starting out. The key is to learn from them and use those lessons to grow. Whether you’re designing a cozy café, a sleek office, or an inviting hotel, keeping these tips in mind will set you up for success.

What mistakes did you relate to most? Or do you have one I didn’t cover? Let’s chat—leave a comment or reach out, and let’s keep the conversation going!