Are you making these 5 design mistakes that make your home feel smaller? (Here’s how to fix them this weekend)
5 Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Feel Smaller (And How to Fix Them This Weekend)
You don’t need to knock down walls to make your home feel bigger—whether you’re in a brand-new build that still feels unfinished or a well-loved older home with quirks of its own.
As a Lakeville-based interior designer, I work with homeowners across the Twin Cities and southern suburbs who often feel stuck in a space that’s technically large… but still feels small, cluttered, or awkward.
Whether your home is fresh off the blueprint or full of character and charm, these 5 common design mistakes can throw off your space—and the good news? They’re easy to fix.
1. Your Rug Is Too Small
(Yes, even in a Rosemount new build—or a cozy 1950s rambler in South Minneapolis.)
In open-concept new construction homes, it’s easy to choose a rug that’s too small, leaving your living room feeling like it’s floating in space. In older homes, smaller rugs often get layered over carpet or hardwood in a way that breaks up the room visually.
🛠️ Fix it:
Choose a rug that anchors your furniture. In living rooms, the front legs of all seating should sit on the rug. In dining areas, the rug should extend at least 24" past the table. A well-placed rug brings everything together and makes the room feel larger and more grounded—no matter your home's age!
2. You’re Hanging Curtains Too Low
This is a big one, and a mistake I see most people making in their homes whether they’ve got soaring windows in a new suburban build or standard-height ceilings in an older two-story, low-hung curtains shrink your space visually. Trust me you all. This is a game changer.
🛠️ Fix it:
Mount your curtain rods higher—ideally 4–6 inches above the window frame or just below the ceiling line—and let the panels kiss the floor. This simple trick adds height, elegance, and that polished designer look you’ve been craving.
3. Your Furniture Is Fighting the Room
Open layouts in new homes can feel empty without structure. Older homes with multiple rooms and less square footage can feel cramped with the wrong furniture scale or placement. And I know, I know… there’s a lot of love out there for lazy boy recliners and over-stuffed sectionals, but they aren’t always the right choice for your space if you’re looking to achieve a balanced space. I might even go as far to say, they aren’t ever the right choice. (Don’t hate me.)
🛠️ Fix it:
In open-concept homes, float a sofa to define a conversation zone or use area rugs to ground spaces. In older homes, make sure furniture is scaled to the room (sorry friends, no oversized sectionals in a 10x12 living room!). Always prioritize flow—especially in high-traffic areas.
👀 Pro Tip: If you’re dodging a chair every time you walk into the room, it’s time to re-think the layout.
4. Your Lighting Is Working Against You
Even brand-new homes are often built with just overhead lighting. Older homes? Dim and dated fixtures. Neither brings out your space’s full potential.
🛠️ Fix it:
Layer your lighting. Add floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, or pendants. Use warm white bulbs (2700–3000K) to make your space feel cozy and inviting. Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s one of the fastest ways to make a space feel bigger and better. And yes, nowadays there are lots of options in the lighting isle at your local Hy-Vee or Home Depot store, so make sure you’re not purchasing “daylight lightbulbs”. They’re just a no in my book.
5. You’re Styling Every Surface Like It’s a Pinterest Contest
Even the most beautiful accessories lose their impact when there’s no breathing room. It’s true.
🛠️ Fix it:
Edit, edit, edit. Leave blank space on shelves and counters. Group items in sets of 3, vary height and texture, and rotate seasonal items. Whether you’ve just unboxed a whole haul from Target or inherited Grandma’s treasures, remember: less visual noise = more impact.
🛋️ The Bottom Line?
Your home—whether brand new or beautifully broken in—deserves to feel intentional, functional, and 100% you.
These simple updates are quick to implement and can completely shift how your home feels. Want to take it a step further?
📥 Download my free guide:
👉 How to Make Your Home Look Like You Hired a Designer (Even If You Haven’t Yet)
Or let’s work together to bring your space to life, one room at a time.
Book your Discovery Call here.
