I am a certified interior architect and have been running the Estilo Design studio for many years. With 15 years of professional experience, I have truly seen it all. I often work on apartment renovations that were previously “designed to suit personal taste.” This is when I listen to what did not work, what was overlooked, and I can see the mistakes firsthand. Renovating an apartment is a complex process, and budgets have a curious tendency to run out faster than the contractors can apply the final coat of plaster.

So what are the most common apartment renovation mistakes – the ones that cost the most in terms of stress, time, and, above all, money?

Let’s start at the beginning. You buy an apartment and receive a beautifully designed brochure. On the floor plan, everything looks perfect – a bedroom with a generous bed, space for a desk, and a large sofa in the living room. The interior feels open and spacious. The problem is that developers are masters of optical illusion… on paper.

It’s worth remembering that furniture shown on floor plans is often not drawn to scale. In reality, it is much larger and may simply not fit into the finished room. If the building is still under construction, this is the moment to consider developer layout changes. Moving a partition wall by a seemingly insignificant 15 centimetres costs very little at this stage. Later, once the plasterwork is complete, the same change becomes far more expensive, as it usually involves modifying installations as well. Without a professionally designed functional layout, it is easy to end up with a bedroom where a real, upholstered bed – not just a simplified mattress on a drawing – completely blocks access to the wardrobe.

A mistake that quickly becomes apparent – often within the first month after moving in – is the lack of well-thought-out storage solutions. We buy individual dressers because they are charming, only to discover that the ironing board permanently lives behind the door and half of our belongings are left out because they have no proper place. One well-designed built-in unit from floor to ceiling is worth more than five mismatched designer cabinets, which create visual chaos rather than order.

Ergonomics is the key word. A missing functional layout during the stage of moving walls can lead to later problems. You may find there is no space for a home office, or movement in the bedroom is awkward because of those critical 15 centimetres that seemed unnecessary in the adjacent room. Another classic? Light switches positioned behind wardrobes or the absence of an outlet where the kettle happens to sit.

Expert tip: Choosing furniture that is inappropriate for the size of the room disrupts both ergonomics and visual harmony. Always check the actual dimensions of a piece and see how it fits in the space before buying.

It’s also worth looking ahead. Smart home technology and high-efficiency LED lighting are now standard, not a luxury. Ignoring these solutions can be a mistake that may reduce your apartment’s value if you decide to sell in the future. Plan your installations for smart systems now – even if you only intend to use them later.

Often, we try to fit every Pinterest inspiration into a single apartment. We attempt to combine a raw loft style with cozy Japandi and a touch of glamour. The result? Stylistic chaos.

The biggest aesthetic mistakes:

• Color chaos: Five different types of wood in one room is at least three too many. Choosing pieces individually, without checking how their textures and tones work together, is rarely a good idea.
• Inappropriate wall colors: Too dark or overly bright shades on large surfaces can overwhelm even the most spacious interiors. On the other hand, don’t be afraid of wallpaper – it adds warmth and elegance, as long as it isn’t too loud.
• Incorrect focal points: If the first thing you notice upon entering the living room is a huge black fridge, that’s not elegance. In an interior, not everything should demand attention. Ideally, only one or two elements should stand out (for example, a beautiful sofa corner or a table with a designer lamp) – the rest should provide a subtle backdrop.
• Fragmented flooring: Different tiles in every room visually break up and shrink the space. If you have porcelain tiles in the hallway, consider continuing them into the bathroom, toilet, or kitchen. In bedrooms, use the same parquet as in the living room. A uniform floor “enlarges” the apartment.
• Neglected accessories: Lack of curtains makes a room feel unfinished. A curtain rod hung too low visually lowers the ceiling. A single tiny picture on a large wall simply looks sad. Scale matters!
• Avoid ready-made furniture sets from catalogs: An apartment should have character, not look like a 1990s furniture showroom.

Interiors on Pinterest are often AI-generated or depict spaces twice the size of our own. There isn’t always room for a dream kitchen island, even if it looks amazing in the photo. Be cautious of micro-trends that quickly become passé.

Functionality comes first: black or white glossy countertops and floors may look stunning – for about five seconds after cleaning. After that, every fingerprint shows. And most importantly: don’t design your home according to the wishes of neighbors or in-laws. Everyone has a different lifestyle and different needs. This is your space – you should feel good living in it.

The lack of a budget buffer is mistake number one. Unexpected expenses will always arise, so it’s wise to plan for them. Where should you not skimp? Invest in items that are not easily replaceable. Flooring, doors, built-in furniture, and concealed plumbing fixtures are long-term elements. Tables, chairs, rugs, or lamps can be bought more affordably and replaced over time. And please, be cautious with “the cheapest contractors” – corrections usually end up costing twice as much as the work of a reliable team.

Skipping the help of an interior designer is often an economic mistake. A professional will not only ensure aesthetic appeal but also protect you from costly errors. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, take a look at my comprehensive interior design services – I would be happy to guide you through it stress-free.

Remember, your home is your safe haven. It should be comfortable, functional, and above all… for you.

If you need professional support that will give you peace of mind and save you valuable time during your project, I invite you to get in touch.