11. Common Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Designing a beautiful home is part inspiration, part intuition—and a lot of intentional decision-making. In today’s episode, Ashley, along with her friend and fellow designer, Alexis Frost Huff, pull back the curtain on the most common design mistakes they see (even in luxury homes!) and offers clear, timeless tips to avoid them. Whether you’re working with a designer, decorating on your own, or dreaming up your next renovation, this episode is packed with practical advice from two seasoned experts. From scale and layout to color and lighting, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective—and a few “aha” moments that just might change how you see your space. If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought something feels off—this one’s for you. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The #1 mistake homeowners make when choosing paint colors How improper furniture scale can throw off an entire room Why lighting is the most overlooked (and most important) element in design The design “trend traps” to avoid if you want a timeless home How to avoid the “matchy-matchy” mistake and create layered visual interest The importance of negative space (and why more isn’t always better) Ashley’s Design Philosophy: Great design isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance, beauty, and function. And a few smart choices can elevate your home in ways that truly reflect your lifestyle and personality. Resources Mentioned: AMI’s monthly newsletter: The Monthly Install Episode 8: Lighting 101: Ambiance, Layers, and Luxury Connect with Ashley: 📬 Subscribe to the Monthly Insider newsletter for design tips & behind-the-scenes glimpses 🤍 Follow Ashley Morgan Interiors ✨ Because creating a well-designed home isn’t just about what you put in it—it’s about what you choose to leave out.