By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | June 2, 2025

In the world of interior design, we talk a lot about balance, proportion, and getting everything just right. But sometimes… the thing that makes a space truly special isn’t what’s perfectly placed. It’s the little things that aren’t.

A crooked frame. A faded rug. A dining table with a small scratch that tells a story.

These are the so-called “mistakes” that many people rush to correct—but I don’t always. Because in some cases, what looks like a flaw on paper actually brings soul, warmth, and comfort to a space.

Here’s why a space that feels a little undone can actually be the most welcoming of all.

1. Overfilled Bookshelves

In a design plan, we might aim for symmetry and negative space—but a shelf filled to the brim with books, photo frames, and little objects from everyday life can create instant connection. It's visual storytelling. The slightly messy shelf says, someone lives here. Someone thinks, reads, collects.

It makes the space feel alive.

2. Worn or Patinated Materials

That scuffed leather ottoman or the linen couch with softened edges? Those aren’t eyesores—they’re history. Materials that age beautifully add richness to a space. They remind us that this is not a showroom—it’s a home that evolves, just like the people in it.

Perfection can be cold. But wear—real, honest wear—can be deeply human.

3. Too Many Throw Pillows

Design guides will say there's a limit. But sometimes, a couch covered in mismatched cushions invites you to sink in. It says “stay a while,” not “look but don’t touch.” And that matters—especially in homes where comfort is the priority.

A bit of softness, even excess, can be a form of care.

4. Unstyled Corners

Not every surface needs a tray. Not every wall needs a gallery. Leaving space unstyled—whether by choice or simply because life got busy—can breathe relief into a room. It offers the eye a place to rest. And more importantly, it allows life to fill in the blank space naturally.

5. Mixing Eras and Styles

Combining grandma’s ornate mirror with a clean, modern console? Technically a mismatch. But emotionally, it works. A space layered with time feels collected, not copied. It tells the story of a family, not a furniture catalog.

Design that feels real often bends the rules.

Final Thought: When “Mistakes” Are Just Signs of Life

Yes, there’s value in getting the proportions right and choosing the perfect light fixture. But sometimes, what makes a home truly beautiful are the things that weren’t planned at all.

A little clutter. A quirky layout. A worn piece you can’t bring yourself to replace.

Design isn’t just about what we see—it’s about what we feel. And when a space feels warm, lived-in, and personal, it’s done its job.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you ever embraced a so-called design “mistake” that ended up making your space feel more like you?
Or maybe there’s something you used to think was wrong—until you realized it brought comfort or joy?

Share your story with me. I’d love to hear how you’ve made your space your own.

Drop a comment, send a message, or tag me in your perfectly imperfect corner. Let’s celebrate the homes that breathe, not just impress.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/.  Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio

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