Interior Design Mistakes That Make Homes Feel Smaller
Even the most beautiful homes can feel cramped or cluttered if the design isn’t right. From poor lighting to heavy furniture, small choices can have a big impact on how spacious your home feels.
At Somma Builders, we’ve seen how thoughtful design can completely transform a room — whether it’s a cozy condo in Boston, a colonial in Lexington, or a family home in Waltham. Here are the most common interior design mistakes that make homes feel smaller (and how to fix them).
1. Dark Colors in the Wrong Places
Dark paint tones can be elegant and cozy — but when used excessively, they can make rooms feel closed in.
Fix it:
Balance dark colors with lighter neutrals or bright whites. If you love bold tones, try using them on an accent wall or through decor instead of the entire room. Light-reflecting finishes and trim details can also help bounce light around the space.
2. Poor Lighting Choices
One overhead fixture isn’t enough to illuminate a room. Without proper lighting layers, shadows form and the space feels smaller.
Fix it:
Use three layers of lighting — ambient (overhead), task (lamps, under-cabinet), and accent (spotlights or sconces). In kitchens and living rooms, recessed lighting and pendants add both function and dimension.
💡 Pro tip: Natural light is the best space enhancer — keep window treatments light and minimal.
3. Oversized or Bulky Furniture
Furniture that’s too large for the room makes it feel overcrowded. Even a spacious living room can lose its flow if the proportions are off.
Fix it:
Choose pieces that fit your space’s scale. Modular sectionals, legged sofas, and floating storage options help create openness. Always leave at least a few inches of visible floor between furniture and walls — it tricks the eye into seeing more space.
4. Cluttered Layouts and Too Many Accessories
When every surface is covered in decor, books, or appliances, your eyes don’t know where to rest — making the room feel chaotic and small.
Fix it:
Embrace minimalism with personality. Keep only what you truly love or use. Built-in storage and hidden cabinetry are your best friends for maintaining clean lines and breathing room.
5. Ignoring Vertical Space
Most homeowners focus only on floor area — but vertical design matters too. Empty walls or low-hanging artwork can make ceilings seem shorter.
Fix it:
Use tall shelving, vertical shiplap, or long curtains mounted above window frames to draw the eye upward. This gives even compact rooms a sense of height and airiness.
6. Not Defining Open Spaces
Open-concept layouts are popular, but without thoughtful design, they can feel disorganized and cramped instead of spacious.
Fix it:
Use area rugs, lighting zones, or furniture placement to define each area — dining, living, and kitchen — while keeping the overall flow open and cohesive.
7. Neglecting Consistency in Materials and Colors
Too many competing finishes or color tones can break up the visual flow, making spaces look smaller.
Fix it:
Choose a consistent color palette and complementary materials that carry throughout the home — like matching wood tones or hardware finishes. A unified look creates visual continuity, which naturally makes rooms feel larger.
Bringing Space and Style Together
A well-designed home doesn’t have to be big — it just needs balance, light, and flow. At Somma Builders, our remodeling and design team helps homeowners in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire reimagine their spaces with layouts, finishes, and lighting that enhance every inch.
Ready to Redesign Your Space?
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or transforming your entire home, Somma Builders can help you make the most of your space — beautifully and efficiently.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your design consultation and discover how small changes can make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.
