5 Common Decor Mistakes That Can Make Your Home Feel Less Inviting, According to Designers

Ever walk into a home that just feels off—but you can’t quite put your finger on why? You’re not alone. According to interior designers, even small design choices can make a big difference in how inviting a space feels.

Below, we’re breaking down the most common decorating mistakes that could be zapping your home’s welcoming energy—and how to fix them.

No Clear Drop Zone

Maria Wu, founder of Studio Wu, stresses that a poorly-thought-out entryway can make your whole home feel uninviting, as it’s the first space your guests see.

To stave off any cold connotations, Wu suggests designating a clear drop zone in your entry. Without a designated spot for coats, shoes, or bags, guests are left guessing, she explains, and that uncertainty can create an awkward first impression.

Whether it’s a bench, a few well-placed hooks, or a simple tray, setting up a purposeful entry area signals intentions and consideration the moment someone walks through the door.

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Ignoring Scale

A spacious living room won’t feel cozy with a tiny loveseat stranded in the middle, just like a studio apartment won’t feel functional—or inviting—if a giant horseshoe sectional dominates the space. The key takeaway? Scale matters.

Melissa Roberts, founder of Melissa Roberts Interiors, emphasizes the importance of matching furniture to the size of the room to create a space that feels relaxing and welcoming.

Even in a large room, she advises caution with oversized pieces.

“While oversized furniture may look cozy, it can quickly overwhelm a space and make it feel less welcoming,” she says. Before purchasing, consider your room’s scale, walkways, and how the space will function day to day.”

It’s not just about size, though—spacing is just as crucial. Roberts recommends keeping your coffee table about 18 inches from seating to make it easy for guests to settle in.

“Intimate settings are more approachable than settings that are spaced apart,” she says.

Under-Layered Interiors

Have you ever felt truly relaxed in a lobby? Probably not, and here’s why: there are few to no textiles.

Underdressed sofas, bare windows, and a lack of texture can make a space feel cold and impersonal—like somewhere you wouldn’t want to stick around. “Layering textiles is key to bringing in the natural comfort your family and guests will be drawn to,” says Roberts.

Soft elements make hard lines feel approachable. Roberts recommends throwing a few pillows on a structured sofa, laying down an oversized rug, and framing windows in some pretty textured window treatments.

Unbalanced Lighting

A home that feels bright and inviting by day can lose its charm come nightfall—and according to Roberts, poor lighting is usually the culprit.

Because lighting can be tricky to get right, Roberts has a few go-to tips for homeowners. Since overhead lighting is important for function but can be dim or harsh on its own, Roberts recommends layering it up. Add ambient light with table lamps, sconces, or pendants to soften the space and make it feel more inviting.

When it comes to bulbs, Roberts swears by warmer tones:

“Bulb temperatures in residential settings should be warm; my preference is 3000-3500K,” she says. “This color temperature seems to give the perfect glow.”

Another simple tip? “Maximize natural light whenever possible,” says Roberts. “One easy way to do this is by placing mirrors strategically to reflect and amplify the light throughout the space.”

A Lack of Curves

It’s easy to get stuck on sharp angles when decorating—think credenzas, bookcases, dining tables, and even sofas, all defined by their rigid lines. But Kristen Thomas, founder and CCO of Studio Thomas, warns that overloading a room with hard angles can quickly make it feel uninviting.

“When everything is boxy, and there’s no softness in the furniture or architectural details, like archways or window treatments, the space can start to feel cold and sterile,” she explains. “It’s similar to walking into a medical facility: cool tones, hard materials, no organic elements.”

She stresses that a welcoming home needs a mix—a tension between strength and softness, which can be achieved by partnering hard-angled pieces with curved items like round mirrors, barrel back chairs, serpentine sectionals, or arched headboards.