Some design mistakes aren’t just bad taste — they’re unforgivable. In this video, I’ll show you the 10 biggest home design mistakes I see all the time as an architect… and more importantly, how to fix them so your home feels bigger, smarter, and easier to live in!
Watch Next:
I’m an Architect — and This Is the SMARTEST Way I Know to DOWNSIZE a HOME: https://youtu.be/hTFbtkVthaI?si=grB3WGOkbx2wPjV2
I’m an Architect – These Are My TOP 10 MUST-HAVES for Every Home: https://youtu.be/edK9yGACA5A?si=Y8rc9MLQcSC2KZ-i
I’m an Architect — And I’d NEVER Do These Things to My Own HOME: https://youtu.be/yCbFQhYKzzs?si=46tccFjvzlS-2jyc
Time stamps:
01:12 – Mistake No.1
02:27 – Mistake No.2
03:02 – Mistake No.3
03:58 – Mistake No.4
04:51 – Mistake No.5
05:35 – Mistake No.6
06:34 – Mistake No.7
07:11 – Mistake No.8
07:50 – Mistake No.9
08:31 – Mistake No.10
09:17 – The Mistake No One Talks About
👋 About Me:
I’m Lorenzo Centioni, the Italian Architect based in London and founder of Centioni Architects. On this channel, I share practical design tips, small-space solutions, and timeless ideas to help you create a home that feels good to live in — no matter the size.
For business enquiries: www.centioniarchitects.com or reach me directly at Lorenzo@centioniarchitects.com
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice. Always consult a qualified architect or relevant professional before making decisions about your home.
#homedesign #designmistakes #homedesign #homedecor #homedesigntips #homeupgrade #interiordesign #livingroom
33 Comments
Great advise, as always. 🪴😊
Best video of Lorenzo so far.
I can really see the improvement in editing (more graphics, etc.)
Besides that, I love that your suggestions are useful, practical and straight forward
😊
Great advice. But olive trees and many succulents are not beginner friendly plants. Do your research before bringing a plant home. I have been keeping house plants for 55+ years and currently have about 80 plants in my collection. I recognize that most people do not own and care for this many plants in their homes, but it works for me and other plant collectors.
You have made a very complete list for us to follow. Correcting a couple of human errors can also be very helpful. First, if it is a new space, do some planning, including measuring spaces. Then buy appropriate furniture for the space. Resist the urge to buy everything at once. Don't buy expensive items, but don't buy cheap items either. Also, most people have way too much stuff. That not only leads to clutter and stuffed closets and drawers but also to credit card debt. I would say spend 90% of your money on things you actually need and only 10% on things that you want. Buy appliances and kitchen gadgets that are well made and avoid "bargains" that break or wear out too soon. Try to put money away each month into savings, too.. Your suggestion to have house plants and succulents that require little water cannot be underestimated.
Is there really a tub next to the kitchen 7:21 – or is that AI?
I'm guilty of more than one, but while some can be as easy as adding a plant, it's more difficult to plan furniture when you're not living alone (if I'm 1.87m tall and my parents are about 1.60, it's going to be tougher to agree on what to use in common rooms…). Other than that, great video as always!
I know what I like, and I like what I know…
Great video, they are getting more slick and professional, and I love your dog! I agree with all your points, though I'm not a fan of having many houseplants. I get round this by having the garden merge into the house, but recognise not everybody has the luxury of a garden.
I used to work in theater, and sometimes also was involved with exhibits construction for museums, galleries and so forth. I am happiest in homes where the social spaces are very open and can "morph" to support your need for a time. A home is a living space, life evolves, so your home should be able to change with you. As long as the shell of a space is neutral and the flooring is consistent throughout, I am free to work my magic. This is why there is one palette of colors in my home, and a consistent mix of textiles, wood finishes and metals throughout. They're not matchy-matchy, but they're all friends that get along with each other.
What drives me crazy is when a home's design ignores sight-lines, has poorly planned lighting, and inhibits the natural flow of movement.
I have mostly furniture that fits the size of my rooms … except I do have two oversized chairs. Fortunately they swivel and I can position them for a flexible fit. . .
Thanks. I think I’ll reduce the number of colors in my living room. It is a bit chaotic,
Thank you Lorenzo for this Relevant information presented concisely!
I did smile…the greys. I have been house hunting and truly, fast losing the will to live. Greige is just so depressing, as we know colour is important to our well being. People have said to me, well, if you like the house, just paint it all out. The problem is, when it looks so unappealing to me, it is unlikely that I will see beyond gloom and it won't make the shortlist.
A designer friend always reminded me: "It's a FEELING, not a THEME"
Hi Lorenzo and Liala!
My pet perve has to be designing for "resale". (Guests) I used to get people asking me should they choose x (neutral) or y (they really loved it). My question was always "how long do you plan to stay here? Less than 2 years? Go neutral. More than 5 years, design how they wanted to live.
This whole thing of people's homes as an asset has to stop. I mean, yes, it is, but mainly because they have a home, a sanctuary.
Omg! Who would want to invite you into their home for a meal? The next day you would be insulting our decor or layout on youtube😬. Some of the warmest and most welcoming homes are the lived in ones decorated over the years.
Some of this is what I call "an advice for cowards".
Yes, you do not have to make all your house "trendy", but you do not have to keep it neutral either. What is important is that 1) you did what you really want and 2) you consulted someone who can tell if it is absolutely hideous or not. If you like colorful room (and yes, different colors and styles), as it was in Victorian or Georgian houses – do it. It you really want ceiling with stars or heavily themed interior – go for it. The problem with trends is that they fade out, but if you really create what you want to see than you will not get tired of it.
The same is about open layouts – just really, really plan what you want, and then go for it. Choosing open space just because you might make mistake that will be hard to fix or because sometime in the future you might want to sell house is cowardly choice – you choose fear over what you really want. Of course, if you really want open space there is nothing wrong with it. But walls have lots of benefits too as they really isolate noise/odor/difference in temperature and give real privacy, not just imitation of it like some see-through bookshelf.
Hi Lorenzo – love your video! I hope you will do one on to design a windowless room. My home office looks like a prison 😭
I went to see a friend's newly decorated apartment. I couldn't figure out why it seemed off. When I got home and saw the plants and books I realized that apartment didn't have a single live plant and no real personality (personal items like my books).
Carpets…the British disease. We used to have this disease in Switzerland too, but have grown out of it.
I can also see that I am screwed…as I do not do cushions. Well, that's why I have to paint the walls a bright colour 🙂
Oh – sounds like I'm going to be guilty of a couple of these, mistakes in bad taste – curious to see how many I have!
#1 – I'm a green person – I only have one room in grays. None of the walls are painted, they are original tongue and groove, heart of pine, never painted. My accents are in the colors. Whew – passed that one!
#2 – I have the same furniture I've had for years. I have a few antiques/vintage pieces and I like them. Traditional sofa and love seat, but I have room for them.
#3 – I hate carpeting – I've had hard wood floors for 30 plus years – less allergies, easier to clean and better with pets.
#4 – not guilty. #5 – SO not guilty – I also hate themed rooms and decor. You can tell I like skeleton keys, old locks and door knobs but they're mixed in with books on shelves.
#6 – I like plants, the potted ones I have are outside. I have cats, it's not worth the risk of one getting sick or worse and vet bills are expensive. I'm not a fan of plastic fake plants and don't have any.
# 7 – I think most of us are guilty – unpack a delivery and deal with the packaging later.
#8 – Not guilty – I have pieces that I've collected over many years. Each is unique and individual, antiques, vintage and practical.
I'm not going for a designer look, I have what I like. I still have a vintage, 1950's dressing table that I got for my birthday, when I was 16 – 1966. It's traveled to a few states, would never part with it.
This was a fun video – hope it was ok to play along and test my choices! TY
Even low-maintenance plants need attention – and light. They don't add to the decor if they are spindly with dusty, dying leaves. Only have plants if you will give them care.
Thanks for the video – I've really been enjoying your take on things.
You got me thinking when you were discussing carpets. I'm ripping out flooring in the dated semi-D house I bought. Could I ask if you'd recommend the same flooring for living room, hall and kitchen so that it flows? The problem is there is no separate utility room so I worry about laminate or wood not doing well with washing machines, dishwasher etc in the kitchen. I know a lot of people like LVT but I'm not keen on the idea of a plastic floor.
Nice video and valid points made. I personally am not a huge fan of non permanent dividers in most cases. There might be use cases for it but for me either it’s open plan or not. A divider or a curtain does not provide the same privacy and sliding doors to me feel flimsy and usually divide the place a little even when open. Also while I agree with neutrals on bathroom tiles or whatever I feel like a home should be the place to express yourself (not necessarily the latest trend) and have fun with. Not only by switching up cushions.
Some good advice here. But keep in mind that US homes are meant to be flexible and easily remodeled. Replacing a wall, repainting, and changing carpeting are not complex. That is why these materials are so popular.
Didn’t that gray “trend” last over 20 years? Not a trend . Trust me, it will come back with a flourish just like white came back, beige came back , eggshell came back, Tuscany colors will come back.
Agreed 👍
Thought these were going to be architectural mistakes made in homes and how to correct them – too bad
I love your videos and find most of your tips informative. This time I had to laugh at the tip about decorative themes. Disney World is my happy place, but I can't go anymore for multiple reasons, so I brought the park to my apartment. It's literally and intentionally decorated like a theme park because it makes me happy. Just had to share that since it follows one tip (decorate for yourself, not guests) but ignores another. 😆
An obvious problem is, when planning the rooms, adding a window in the middle of the wall, a door in the middle of another wall, maybe another door in the middle of yet another wall as well.
Now there's only one wall left for big furniture and depending on the size of the room, it becomes kinda useless.
I would add on to number 10. Don't design your home for future theoretical buyers. Tastes change. Markets fluctuate. You live there now. Worry about setting it up for buyers when you're actually ready to sell.
I made the mistake of listening to a friend, who had sensible advice about enhancing value for resale. I wanted to remodel the sole bathroom before I moved in, as I had a delay of a few months. She strongly advised me against removing the small bath tub under the shower because people with little kids want some kind of bath. Short version: I now have to climb into that small tub to shower. Once I moved in I was stuck with it and now can't do without the bathroom while it's renovated.
I agree about the grey paint everywhere, I knew it would go eventually. The one type of colour I would never have are bright primary colours, it looks like a kid’s nursery school. I like to have some colour but prefer muted colours that look sophisticated.