Homeowners’ Biggest Renovation Regrets, According To Designers
Transforming your home is an exciting prospect, with bold new colours, reimagined layouts, and dream spaces you’ve spent years mulling over. However, it doesn’t always go according to plan. From a lack of natural light to storage that doesn’t stack up, we ask interior design experts to share the missteps they’re most often called in to fix—and how to get it right the first time.
1. Lack of natural light and no layered lighting scheme
Windows are your home’s natural light sources, and almost all of our experts said they had been called in to bring some much-needed light back to rooms. As one of the most overlooked aspects of interior design, poor lighting can leave rooms feeling lifeless, dull, or unbalanced, and low-light rooms can be particularly challenging.
For a simple, cost-effective fix, focus on the tones of your light bulbs. ‘Using a slightly cooler tone for daytime to match natural light and warmer amber tones for the evening creates an inviting glow that works all day and night,’ says designer Tommy Kebbson.
Taking a layered lighting approach adds another level of ambience. ‘The layering and tasteful washes of light add a wonderful sense of personality to a living space,’ Tommy adds. From table lamps to uplighters, thoughtfully placed lighting can highlight decorative elements and create mood.
For a bigger renovation, Natalie Mitchell, property and construction expert at HomeHow.co.uk, suggests skylights: ‘If you’re looking to brighten up your home and create a more cheerful atmosphere, consider installing skylights – it’s a fantastic way to flood your home with natural light.’
2. Original features and architectural details ripped out
Stripping out original features is another mishap many homeowners wish hadn’t happened. Sometimes fireplaces, cornices, or staircases, all of which are integral to a home’s character, are ripped out, and experts say many find replacing these with modern alternatives erases the charm and value of a property.
Tommy suggests finding ways to modernise these features instead of removing them: ‘We love to draw on Georgian architects for elegant and timeless design, adding features like architrave rosettes or blocks. You can give fixtures a facelift and keep the historical truth of a place,’ he explains.
3. Open-plan spaces with no zones or storage
Open-plan living shifted during the pandemic, and the rise in remote working saw a demand for dedicated rooms and zones. Aside from the obvious lack of privacy many lament in open-plan spaces, storage is one of the most common concerns. ‘Open spaces often lack storage, making it difficult to maintain a clutter-free environment,’ says Victoria Brown, co-founder of Musson Brown Architects, Adding features such as integrated shelving can solve this issue without compromising the airy, spacious feel.
‘Another common concern is that open-plan spaces can sometimes feel cold and soulless,’ adds Julia Kendell, founder of Kendell+Co. ‘Clever design solutions, such as floor-to-ceiling bookcases or glazed panels, help divide the space into zones, adding vertical interest and stops it looking bland.’
Acoustic and practical considerations are also key. Noise travels easily in open layouts, and cooking smells can linger longer than expected. Solutions such as acoustic panels, high-quality extractor fans, and washable fabrics can make open-plan spaces functional and inviting.
4. The wrong colour palette
Picking colours that work with your home’s unique elements rather than chasing trends is something to be mindful of, as interior designers are often called in to overhaul a room’s colour palette. ‘We often pick a colour we love without considering how it works in the overall scheme,’ says designer Phoebe Hollond. A shade that looks beautiful on a swatch, or in someone else’s home, can clash with your furnishings, lighting, or architectural details, creating a disjointed look overall.
It’s not just about the colour – furniture, flooring, and even the direction of light play a role. It’s a good idea to use testers on walls and observe them at different times of day in various rays of light. Introducing colourful accents (from artwork to accessories) can be a workaround for adding vibrancy and injecting personality to a space without going OTT.
Embrace colourful accents
5. Fleeting trends
Trendy designs from TikTok and Instagram might feel fresh today, but experts say they often lose appeal quickly and can have a limited shelf life.
Tommy suggests balancing timeless features with on-trend details that are easy to update. ‘It’s about creating spaces that grow with you, not ones that need a complete overhaul in five years,’ he says. Investing in quality materials and personal touches will ensure your home feels unique and enduring, no matter how trends evolve.
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