The Decorating Mistake Joanna Gaines Wants You To Stop Making

Picture yourself basking in the morning light or sharing laughter with loved ones in a space in your home. Joanna Gaines from "Fixer Upper" says that's where true design inspiration lies. "One of the biggest mistakes [people make when decorating their homes] is designing for other people, rather than designing for themselves," Gaines said in her class on Masterclass (via Parade Home & Garden). "We don't need rooms that just sit and are pretty. We really want our spaces to feel interactive, we want them to feel down to earth, we want them to be livable." When designing a space, she starts by picturing her perfect day in the room to make sure that it functions well for her family. Then, she adds the creative design details around that image. By thinking about function first, you can avoid the biggest mistake Gaines sees: designing a room that's beautiful and impressive but not right for your lifestyle.

Think of ways to make your decor functional. For instance, in the kitchen, you could incorporate hanging racks and open shelving, making your most-used items easily accessible. Think of what you reach for the most. A chic spice rack can transform your favorite spices into a stunning display of functionality and style. Additionally, a pot rack can keep your pans handy or store your favorite mugs, a creative use of a pot rack to transform your kitchen into a cozy cafe. By blending practicality with design, you can create a room that is both efficient and visually inspiring, making it a true reflection of your personal style.

Creating a home that balances style and practicality begins with defining spaces within a room. Follow Joanna Gaines's advice to think of your needs: Do you entertain often? Want cozy conservation nooks or reading spaces? Maybe you're looking for a relaxing bedroom space to put your mind at ease or a home office set up for maximum focus. Consider how you would like the room to function every day.

Then, think about how people will flow through the room. Place your big pieces of furniture in ways that will define walkways — leaving at least 30 to 36 inches, if possible. Next, design spaces within the room that fit your specific needs, using walkways and well-placed rugs to define the different areas. By thoughtfully arranging furniture and tailoring the design to your lifestyle, you can create rooms that feel both functional and effortlessly welcoming.

Another lesson Gaines learned is that it's okay to pivot. Her original plan to have her office next to the kitchen didn't work — her five children were constantly interrupting wanting snacks. Instead, she repurposed that space into a mini living room, which later became a nursery for one of her children and then a butler's pantry. If your space doesn't flow quite how you had hoped, don't be afraid to reorganize it all and start over. Whatever you choose, Gaines would tell you to design a space that works for you and your family.