5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Forever Home

You’ve found the one—the home that checks all the boxes. It has good bones, the right location, and the potential to be something truly special. But before you start renovating your forever home, let’s talk strategy.

Buying a new home often comes with the urge to make it perfect right away. But rushing into renovations (or investing in the wrong updates) can lead to costly mistakes and major headaches. I’ve seen it happen too many times: homebuyers eager to transform their space end up making choices they regret (or worse, spending money in areas that don’t add long-term value).

Let’s avoid those pitfalls and set you up for renovation success—so you can create a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when designing your forever home.

Mistake #1: Renovating for Resale (Instead of Designing for You)

When you’ve just bought a home, it’s tempting to think about how updates will impact resale value. And while that’s important, you also need to consider what you want. After all, this isn’t just an investment—it’s your home. And you’re planning to stay a while!

What to do instead: Prioritize renovations that enhance your quality of life, not just what might appeal to future buyers. A high-end kitchen remodel? Worth it if you love to cook. A stunning but high-maintenance outdoor space you’ll rarely use? Maybe not. Smart upgrades balance beauty, function, and long-term livability.

(PS. If you are selling a home and want to know how to make the most of your renovation investment, check out Macon realtor Joanna Jones’ guide to the best pre-sale renovations that actually increase home value.)

Mistake #2: Jumping Into the Fun Stuff (And Ignoring Bigger Issues)

It’s easy to want to jump straight into choosing the pretty things – hello, gorgeous lighting and bold wallpapers! But before you start on aesthetics, it’s essential to make sure the bones of your home are solid.

What to do instead: Take the time to assess the foundation, electrical, plumbing, and structural elements before diving into cosmetic upgrades. Not fun, I know, but there’s nothing worse than investing in an awesome renovation, only to realize that your home needs major repairs and you’ve gotta tear down those new kitchen cabinets to access the plumbing inside the walls.

Mistake #3: Designing for Right Now

Your home should work for you today, and five, ten, twenty years down the road. Too often, homeowners design with only their current lifestyle in mind, without considering how their needs will change. You may have kids in elementary school now, but in 10 years they’ll be out on their own – and how you use your home will be vastly different.

What to do instead: Think long-term. Will this home be your forever home, or is it a stepping stone? Do you need a dedicated home office, more functional storage, or a kitchen that can handle big family gatherings? Investing in flexible, well-thought-out design now will save you from costly re-renovations later.

Mistake #4: Trying to Manage It All Yourself

You’re a busy professional with a full plate – so why add “overseeing a major renovation” to your to-do list? Even the most organized and capable homebuyers can underestimate just how many decisions, timelines, and moving parts go into a large-scale remodel. (It’s literally a full-time job – mine!)

What to do instead: Bring in experts early. A full-service interior designer can streamline the process, manage contractors, and ensure every design choice is intentional and aligned with your vision. Instead of scrambling to make last-minute decisions, you get to enjoy a stress-free experience.

Mistake #5: Rushing the Process

I get it – you’re sick of transitions and ready to make your new house feel like home rightnowplease. But rushing renovations can lead to decisions you’ll regret, whether it’s choosing materials too impulsively, cutting corners on quality, or skipping over the design details that make a space truly special.

What to do instead: Try to pull yourself out of the proverbial trees and see the whole forest. Give yourself time to settle into your home before making major changes. Live in the space, notice how you use it, and make thoughtful updates that enhance both form and function. And when you’re ready to get started, make sure you have a solid plan in place (that’s where I come in).

Buying a home is just the first step. The next? Turning it into a space that reflects you – your style, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals for your life and your family.

If you’re ready to create a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful – without the stress of managing every decision and dealing with every project headache – let’s talk. I help busy professionals design their forever homes with personality, polish, and zero overwhelm.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.