Let’s get real—DIY design can feel so tempting. You've watched the YouTube tutorials. You’ve pinned a hundred "neutral-but-bold" rooms on Pinterest. Maybe you've even dropped a small fortune at HomeGoods only to walk into your space and think, Why doesn’t it feel right?
If you’re a homeowner drowning in design decisions—or a short-term rental (STR) host desperate to make your Airbnb property stand out—this post is for you.
I’m Laurie Mattson, a multi-award-winning interior designer, vacation rental design expert, and the no-fluff friend you need when your space is screaming for help.
You don’t need more stuff. You need a strategy.
Here are the 10 most common DIY design mistakes I see—and how to fix them fast.
Too many people dive into decorating without a solid plan. They buy on impulse, guided by sales or what's trending—not by what's cohesive. This leads to cluttered spaces that lack a unified look.
Fix It: Start with a design plan or mood board that reflects your overall vision. Consider your color palette, function, layout, and style goals. Planning like a designer avoids mismatched furniture, unnecessary purchases, and design regret.
One of the most common design blunders? Using furniture that's the wrong scale for the space. Oversized sofas in small rooms or tiny rugs under large sectionals throw everything off.
Fix It: Measure your space and create a scaled layout before shopping. Use space planning tools or schedule a virtual design consultation to get proportions right. The right scale balances function and flow while maximizing every square foot.
Neutrals can be timeless, but going all-beige (walls, floors, furniture) can suck the life out of a room. In short-term rentals, this can lead to bland photos and uninspired guests.
Fix It: Introduce contrast through bold art, colorful textiles, painted accent walls, or even a single standout piece like a navy sofa or emerald velvet chair. Choose a palette with at least one grounding neutral, one accent, and one "pop."
Most DIY designers rely solely on overhead lighting. But good lighting design uses layers to create depth and ambiance—especially important in bedrooms, living rooms, and STRs.
Fix It: Incorporate all three lighting types: ambient (overhead), task (lamps), and accent (wall sconces or LEDs). Warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) mimic natural light and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Art is meant to anchor and elevate your space—not confuse the eye. Hanging pieces too high or choosing undersized art makes a wall feel off-balance.
Fix It: Hang artwork so the center sits at eye level (about 57-60 inches from the floor). Over furniture? Make sure it spans at least 2/3 the width of the piece below it. For gallery walls, map them out before hammering nails.
Designing for Instagram is one thing. But STRs need to deliver real-world comfort and usability. Poorly placed outlets, limited luggage space, or fragile furniture can frustrate guests.
Fix It: Design with guest habits in mind. Include charging access near beds, dedicated spaces to unpack, and durable materials that withstand wear. Style it smart—so it looks great and works.
Trying to go it alone can lead to decision fatigue, expensive missteps, and incomplete projects. And yet, many homeowners and hosts resist asking for expert help.
Fix It: Invest in a virtual design consult or full-service design plan. A designer brings fresh perspective, avoids common pitfalls, and helps bring your vision to life—faster and more effectively.
If you’re local in MN – Schedule an in-person consultation…Book here.
If you’re out of our area, schedule a virtual consultation via Zoom…Book here.
Free Resource: Download “What Will It Cost to Furnish Your Home?”
Wall-hugging furniture makes a room feel empty and impersonal. It kills flow and eliminates natural conversation zones.
Fix It: Float furniture where possible to create intentional layouts. Define areas using rugs, lighting, or open space. Even in small rooms, pulling pieces off the wall can make the space feel bigger.
Rugs ground a space. When they’re too small, they make the entire room feel disjointed.
Fix It: Use an 8x10 or larger for living rooms and under dining tables. In bedrooms, rugs should extend at least 18-24 inches beyond the bed on each side. Front legs of all major furniture should sit on the rug to tie the space together.
Sure, a space should photograph well—but guests (or you!) have to live in it too. Fragile furnishings, impractical fabrics, or trend-chasing choices can backfire fast.
Fix It: Choose materials, furnishings, and layouts that balance aesthetics with comfort. Focus on long-term function and experience over one perfect Instagram shot.
Whether you're creating a forever home or styling a short-term rental to book out months in advance, design matters. Not just in how it looks—but how it lives.
If you’ve been second-guessing your design choices or avoiding that room you meant to finish last year, now’s the time.
If you’re local in MN – Schedule an in-person consultation…Book here.
If you’re out of our area, schedule a virtual consultation via Zoom…Book here.
Design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. But it does need to be intentional.
Let’s make your space work harder for you—and look good doing it.
Laurie Mattson is a multi-award-winning interior designer, vacation rental design expert, and luxury home stager with nearly two decades of experience creating unforgettable spaces that not only look beautiful—but perform. From Minnesota to Mexico, she helps homeowners and STR hosts design with purpose, so their spaces don’t just photograph well—they sell out.
Learn more about Laurie and her design services
