The choices we make when designing our homes are not only expressions of our own unique style and personality, but can also make our homes more functional and pleasant to live in. While creating the perfect interior space is much easier said than done, avoiding these five common home design mistakes is a good place to start.

1. Choosing paint before the furniture

These days, it’s relatively easy to find nearly every color of paint imaginable. Matching furniture to paint, however, is a much more difficult and stressful experience. Make things easier for yourself by finding furniture you love first, then finding paint that complements it.

2. Overdoing it with photos and artwork

When it comes to photos and art pieces, less is almost always more. One large statement piece and a limited selection of your favorite photos are much more aesthetically pleasing than several mismatched art pieces and a sprawling cluster of framed family photos.

3. Unorganized multipurpose rooms

Multipurpose rooms often become synonymous with junk rooms due to a lack of forethought and organization. There’s nothing wrong with using a spare room or den as both a home office and an exercise room, but make sure the furniture is placed intelligently with designated areas for each use, and avoid allowing clutter to accumulate.

4. Ill-fitting furniture

Carefully consider the dimensions of the room when selecting your furniture. Oversized couches in small spaces feel cramped and awkward, while having smaller furniture in a large space can make a room feel cold and sterile. Measure your room before going furniture shopping and invest the effort needed to find pieces that fit just right.

5. Unconcealed storage

Nothing ruins the flow of a room quite like unenclosed shelves, open baskets, and transparent cupboards. Unless you’re willing to invest considerable effort into curating the contents of your open storage containers to look presentable, it’s best to avoid them entirely. Opt for concealed yet intuitive storage options instead.