
Why Renovation Feels So Difficult – And How to Avoid Common Mistakes
, by Magico Home, 3 min reading time
, by Magico Home, 3 min reading time
Renovating a home is rarely easy. The real challenge often lies not in money or materials, but in lack of knowledge and experience. Without the right ideas, it’s easy to make decisions that later become regrets.
At Magico, we’ve long believed that new design concepts act as tools—they help you avoid unnecessary detours. Today’s article isn’t abstract philosophy; it’s practical advice. Below, we’ve summarised some of the most common mistakes people make during renovation. If you can avoid most of them, you’ll reduce costly rework—and in renovation, rework almost always means wasted money and time.
1. Walls Too Plain, No Character
Many people now know that coloured paint or wallpaper can add life to walls. But few realise that walls don’t have to be finished uniformly. Paint can be applied partially, and wallpaper can be used in sections.
If your entire home is painted one solid white—or even just one solid colour—it can feel flat and outdated. Try using different tones in different rooms, or add dividing lines and panels. Even simple linear details can transform a wall into something with rhythm and depth.
2. Skipping Timber Flooring
Wood flooring remains one of the most comfortable and timeless choices for a home. It feels warm underfoot, softens the atmosphere, and ages beautifully.
Tiles, especially the common beige ceramic tiles once popular for decades, are cheap but cold. Even faux-wood tiles struggle to match the tactile comfort of real timber, especially during colder months. In our experience, whether solid wood or engineered wood, timber flooring almost always feels better to live with than tile.
3. Forgetting a Desk by the Window
One of life’s small pleasures is a window-side table. It might be a work desk, a reading table, or just a little breakfast nook. Ideally, it faces east or north for gentle daylight (south- and west-facing windows can bring harsh sun).
This isn’t the dining table—it’s a personal spot. A window desk becomes a private retreat where you can work, sip coffee, or simply watch the world outside.
4. No Lounge Chair or Reading Chair
Big sectional sofas are losing favour, while demand for individual lounge chairs is rising. Pairing a main sofa with one or two accent chairs instantly makes the living room more dynamic, encourages conversation, and creates a sense of balance.
Don’t settle for one oversized sofa. Break it down into smaller seating groups and invest in at least one comfortable, stylish lounge chair.
5. Only Relying on Ceiling Lights
The era of “one main ceiling lamp” is long gone. Good lighting design is layered: ceiling lights, wall sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps working together.
Accent lighting doesn’t just provide illumination—it creates mood. A single floor lamp in the evening can define an intimate corner and make the whole room feel warmer. Without these layers, even a beautiful interior will look flat and lifeless.
6. Skipping a Rug
Rugs are quick problem-solvers. If you don’t love your flooring, a rug can instantly transform the mood of a space. They also add colour, warmth, and acoustic softness.
Persian rugs with rich reds or Moroccan rugs with soft neutrals can both anchor a room beautifully. Cleaning is easier than many fear: a vacuum for daily care, and professional cleaning every few years.
7. Ignoring Furniture for Hobbies or Collections
Every family has hobbies and collections. Whether books, records, crafts, or memorabilia, they all need thoughtful storage.
A bookshelf wall neatly displays years of collected books. A custom cabinet might hold ceramics, toys, or sewing supplies. Without dedicated storage, hobbies can turn into clutter. With it, they become part of your home’s identity.
Final Thought
Renovation is challenging—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By learning from others’ regrets, you can avoid many of your own. At Magico, we see mistakes as lessons: every decision shapes not just a house, but the quality of daily life inside it.