As designers, we’ve all faced our fair share of “oopsies.” Whether it’s ordering the wrong size for a custom sofa or forgetting a rug pad, mistakes happen—even to the best of us. But how often do they really occur? And more importantly, how do we learn from them?
In this post, I’ll share insights into how often designers encounter errors, the types of mistakes we typically make, and strategies to minimize them. Plus, you’ll hear from other talented designers in the community about their own experiences and lessons learned.
Mistakes Are Inevitable
Let’s be honest—mistakes are part of the process in interior design. No matter how experienced you are, things can (and will) go wrong occasionally. The real test isn’t in avoiding errors altogether (impossible!) but in how we handle them.
Mistakes aren’t just missteps; they’re opportunities to grow. As I often remind myself: mistakes make us human and are a natural part of learning and growing. The key isn’t avoiding mistakes completely—it’s making new mistakes, not the same ones over and over.
Common Types of Mistakes Designers Face
From small slip-ups to more costly errors, here are some of the most common challenges interior designers encounter:
1. Mismeasurements
This is the classic design error. A sofa doesn’t fit through a doorway, or a custom cabinet conflicts with an unexpected architectural feature.
2. Communication Breakdowns
Changes made by clients or contractors that aren’t communicated clearly can create a domino effect of issues. It’s a reminder to always stay updated and ask the right questions.
3. Overlooking Details
Sometimes, missing a small specification—like the type of snaps on drapery or the color of hardware—can lead to costly reorders.
4. Supplier Errors
Even when designers do everything right, vendors and suppliers can make mistakes that you’ll need to address. This highlights the importance of having backup plans and strong relationships with your partners.
How to Minimize Mistakes
Reducing mistakes doesn’t mean eliminating them altogether but rather implementing strategies to catch them early or prevent them entirely. Here’s how to improve your process:
1. Double-Check Everything
For high-value or custom items, ensure every detail is reviewed multiple times. Two sets of eyes on orders, especially for upholstery, custom rugs, and expensive items, can make a world of difference.
2. Own Your Mistakes
Transparency builds trust. When errors happen, inform your client promptly and offer a clear plan to resolve the issue. Owning up to mistakes and presenting a solution goes a long way in maintaining strong client relationships.
3. Improve Communication
Frequent check-ins and written confirmations can prevent many errors from escalating. Always ask, “Has anything changed since our last conversation?” to ensure you’re working with the latest information.
4. Invest in Tools and Processes
Leverage technology like project management software or create detailed checklists for orders to minimize oversight.
5. Learn and Adapt
As mistakes arise, document them and adjust your systems accordingly. Every error is an opportunity to refine your processes.
Insights from the Interior Design Community
Here’s what other members in the community had to say about mistakes and lessons learned:
- lizmacphailinteriors: “Mistakes make us human and are a natural part of learning and growing. The key is making new mistakes—not repeating the old ones.”
- ahrdesign: “Currently sitting with a few lights that we missed specs on and had to reorder. I now ensure two sets of eyes check every order over $1,000. Always get a CFA for everything and triple-check that you ordered a rug pad!”
- girlpaints: “It’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it! By now, I should be the smartest woman alive lol.”
- merkel_interiors: “I ordered a custom sofa in the wrong dye lot. Now I have a $7,000 sofa to offload. Lesson learned!”
- kim__diesel: “The biggest mistakes come from a client making changes or decisions with the contractor that aren’t relayed to me. Now, I always ask: ‘Has ANYTHING changed since last we spoke?’”
- zuhause_interiors: “Eight years ago, a $100 mistake sent me into a tailspin. Now, larger mistakes happen, but I take the feelings out of it, fix the issue, and move on. If mistakes happen a lot, it’s time to review your processes.”
- https://www.instagram.com/cielo.and.oakcielo.and.oak: “Own up to the mistake and always have a plan to fix it when notifying the client. Luckily, it doesn’t happen too often.”
These stories remind us that mistakes are universal—and that every designer, no matter how seasoned, has room to grow.
Turning Mistakes Into Opportunities
While mistakes may feel like a crisis in the moment, they’re often the catalyst for improvement. Here’s how to turn your missteps into stepping stones:
- Document and Analyze Mistakes: Keep a log of errors and their solutions to identify patterns.
- Enhance Client Relationships: Clients appreciate honesty. By taking responsibility and solving problems effectively, you can strengthen trust.
- Refine Processes: Use every mistake as an opportunity to tighten your systems.
Remember, even the most successful designers make mistakes. The difference lies in how they handle them.
Final Thoughts: Mistakes Don’t Define Us
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that mistakes don’t define our success—our response to them does. As designers, we’re constantly growing and refining our craft. Each error is an opportunity to improve, to communicate better, and to deliver even greater results for our clients.
So, let’s embrace our imperfections, learn from our challenges, and continue to support one another as a community of professionals.
Your Turn!
What’s a memorable mistake you’ve made, and how did you grow from it? Share your story in the comments below—we’re all human, after all!