One of the things I hear most from clients and friends is: “I’d love to renovate my home, but I don’t want to get it wrong.”

It’s such a common hesitation and one I completely understand. Somewhere along the way, we’ve all picked up a list of unwritten “rules” about what you can and can’t do in your home. The truth? Most of them are myths, and they often hold people back from creating a space they truly love.

Design isn’t about ticking boxes or following a strict set of do’s and don’ts. It’s about how you want to live and more importantly, how you want to feel in your space. Whether you crave cosy evenings by the fire, energising mornings with natural light, or a calm retreat from a busy day, there are endless ways to achieve that.

Let’s break down a few of the most common renovation myths and replace them with practical tips you can actually use.

Myth 1: “Dark colours make a room feel small.”

Truth: Dark tones can actually make a room feel sophisticated, intimate, and incredibly inviting when used thoughtfully.

Tip: Balance darker walls or cabinetry with lighter flooring, textiles, or reflective surfaces (like mirrors and glass) to create depth and balance.

Myth 2: “Everything has to match.”

Truth: Perfectly matching furniture sets, metal finishes and patterns can leave a home feeling flat or impersonal. The beauty of design lies in layering textures, tones, and styles.

Tip: Start with a consistent colour palette, then mix in contrasting materials, think velvet with wood, marble with linen for a look that feels personal and design led rather than leaning towards a show home finish.

Myth 3: “Open-plan living always works best.”

Truth: While open layouts can feel airy and modern, they don’t suit every lifestyle. In larger homes especially, creating defined zones can add comfort, intimacy, and functionality.

Tip: If you love openness but still want definition, consider glass partitions, sliding doors, or clever furniture placement to give the illusion of flow and structure.

Myth 4: “Luxury means spending endlessly.”

Truth: Luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about intentional choices. A single statement piece (like a bespoke dining table or a handwoven rug) can elevate a space more than filling it with expensive items that don’t resonate with you.

Tip: Choose one or two investment pieces that bring joy and build the rest of the design around them. It creates focus and longevity.

Myth 5: “You need to follow trends to keep your home stylish.”

Truth: Trends come and go, but a home designed around your lifestyle and taste never goes out of style.

Tip: Use trends as inspiration, not instruction. If you love a look, adapt it in small accents, like cushions, art, or accessories, so you can update easily when your style evolves.

Final Thoughts

Renovating your home isn’t about getting it “right” according to someone else’s rules, it’s about creating a space that feels right for you. When you let go of myths and focus on how you want to live, design becomes not only easier but far more rewarding. As interior designers, we create homes that are designed around your lifestyle and taste, never one-size-fits-all. If you’d like to explore how we can bring your vision to life, get in touch to arrange a call. We’d love to discuss your ideas further.

Breaking the Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Renovating Your Home