When the seasons change, it’s natural to want to update your home’s design to reflect the new mood. Whether it's swapping out summer decor for fall's warm tones or freshening up your space for spring, seasonal design updates can breathe new life into your home. However, there are some common pitfalls that many people fall into when making these seasonal changes. From overdoing trends to neglecting long-term functionality, these mistakes can leave your home feeling cluttered, mismatched, or outdated.

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most common seasonal interior design mistakes and how you can avoid them. By understanding what not to do, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that feels fresh, balanced, and stylish—no matter the season.

1. Overcommitting to Trendy Colors

It’s easy to get swept up in the latest color trends each season, especially when those hues are splashed across magazines, websites, and social media. However, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is overcommitting to a trendy color that may not suit your home or personal style in the long run.

The Problem: Trendy colors like Pantone’s “Color of the Year” can be fun to experiment with, but when you go all-in—painting entire walls or investing in large pieces of furniture in these colors—you risk creating a space that feels more like a temporary trend than a timeless home.

The Solution: Instead of committing to one bold color, focus on using trendy colors in smaller, more flexible ways. Think accent pieces like throw pillows, art, or small decor items. This allows you to stay on top of trends without overwhelming your space or getting locked into a style that may quickly feel dated.

For example, if the trend is a deep, earthy green, incorporate it with a few throw blankets, vases, or even plant pots, rather than painting an entire room or buying a green sofa. This keeps the look fresh but doesn’t lock you into a color scheme that might not last long.

Expert Tip: As an interior designer, I always recommend sticking with neutral tones for larger items like walls or sofas in residential properties (if you are designing a vacation rental we might want to stand out a bit more). You can then play with color on the smaller details that are easier (and cheaper) to swap out when trends change.

2. Ignoring the Functionality of Seasonal Decor

Seasonal decor is a wonderful way to keep things fresh, but it’s important to remember that your home should still be functional and livable, regardless of the season. A common mistake is adding seasonal items that look great but don't serve a practical purpose.

The Problem: For example, in the fall, it’s tempting to pile on decorative pumpkins, autumn leaves, and other festive items. While these can look lovely in the moment, they can quickly start to feel cluttered and overwhelming, especially in smaller spaces. You may also be putting decor in places that disrupt daily functionality, like on the dining table, where you’re supposed to eat, or on shelves that become hard to use.

The Solution: Seasonal decor should complement your home’s functionality, not get in the way of it. When you add seasonal touches, consider how they will fit into your daily life. You can choose multifunctional pieces, like a seasonal throw blanket that’s cozy and practical or decorative trays that help organize small items while adding a seasonal flair. Think about the space you’re decorating, and avoid filling up every corner just for the sake of seasonality.

Expert Tip: When decorating for the holidays or a seasonal change, I always recommend choosing a few key spots in your home where seasonal decor can shine—without overtaking the space. For example, a fall wreath on the door, a few autumn-themed candles on the mantle, and a throw blanket on the couch can create a cozy vibe without overwhelming the room.

3. Focusing Too Much on Decor and Forgetting About Functionality

It’s easy to get carried away with seasonal decor and forget about the functional needs of your home. It’s important to balance style with practicality, so your home remains comfortable and usable year-round.

The Problem: For instance, as we approach the colder months, many people rush to add fluffy rugs and heavy throws, but forget that these items might create a tripping hazard or clutter your space. In spring, people may focus so much on bringing in light, airy furniture that they neglect the need for adequate storage or seating.

The Solution: Always prioritize your space’s functionality first. Ask yourself what you truly need for your lifestyle during that season. Do you need extra storage for your winter clothes? Is there a need for more seating when hosting family and friends during the holidays? Adding seasonal pieces that fulfill a need—while looking beautiful—is the best approach.

Expert Tip: When doing seasonal updates, I always remind my clients to ensure that decor items are still serving a purpose, whether that’s additional storage, lighting, or improving the flow of a room. For example, a stylish storage basket can be a functional yet decorative piece for storing seasonal throws or blankets.

4. Neglecting to Layer Textures for Depth and Warmth

One of the best things about updating your home for the season is that it gives you an opportunity to add rich textures that bring warmth and coziness, especially during the cooler months. Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of layering textures to create a comfortable, inviting environment.

The Problem: It’s easy to rely solely on color when updating for the seasons, but failing to incorporate texture can leave your space feeling flat and uninviting. If your design is solely based on light, airy fabrics without the grounding weight of textured items, your space can feel incomplete or too stark.

The Solution: Instead of just focusing on color updates, think about layering textures like throws, pillows, rugs, and even different fabrics like velvet, wool, or linen. These can add richness, warmth, and a sense of depth to your space. For example, a chunky knit throw or a woven jute rug can make a room feel cozier and more dynamic.

Expert Tip: As a designer, I love mixing up different textures within a room. In winter, this could mean a plush velvet sofa with soft linen cushions, a wool throw, and a textured rug. In the spring, you could use lighter textures, such as linen throws or cotton cushions, to keep things feeling fresh without losing the sense of warmth and comfort.

5. Overdecorating and Creating Clutter

A common mistake during seasonal updates is trying to decorate every single surface. While it might seem tempting to fill every shelf, counter, and corner with seasonal decor, this often leads to clutter. A room should have a balance of decor and open space to allow the items to breathe and for the room to feel comfortable.

The Problem: Overdecorating with too many items, even if they’re beautiful and seasonal, can make your space feel cramped and disorganized. You might end up with tables full of knick-knacks, mantles overstuffed with seasonal trinkets, and shelves that are hard to navigate. Instead of creating a welcoming, cozy atmosphere, your home can start to feel chaotic and overcrowded.

The Solution: Be selective with your seasonal decor and place pieces in a way that enhances the space, rather than overwhelming it. Choose a few statement items that really capture the spirit of the season, and let the rest of the room shine with its natural features. Remember, less is often more when it comes to seasonal decorating.

Expert Tip: When I’m working with clients on seasonal updates, I always remind them to keep things simple. Choose a few key pieces that will make an impact—perhaps a bold floral vase in the spring or a few carefully placed candles in the fall—and leave space for the room to breathe.

Conclusion: Embrace Seasonal Design with Confidence

Seasonal interior design updates are a great way to refresh your home, but they require balance, thoughtfulness, and a little planning. By avoiding common pitfalls like overcommitting to trends, neglecting functionality, or overdecorating, you can create a space that not only looks great but also works well for your lifestyle.

If you want to make sure your seasonal updates are done right, consider booking a consultation with a professional designer who can help guide you through the process. Together, we’ll create a home that feels fresh, functional, and perfectly tailored to every season of the year. Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your next seasonal refresh today! Contact here.