5 Construction Mistakes I Avoid As An Interior Designer - Charleston Edition
When most people think of interior design, they picture fabrics, paint colors, and beautiful furnishings, and they are not wrong because it is truly a creative pursuit and process. But in Charleston’s unique market—where historic homes meet coastal new builds—interior design is about more than aesthetics. It’s my belief that a strong design must always be backed by solid construction knowledge. Without it, projects can quickly run into costly mistakes that affect both form and function. I’ve seen this personally from the seat of both General Contractor and Designer, but it always results in increases to both the timeline and budget for clients.
As an interior designer with construction experience, I’ve learned that blending these two worlds is the key to delivering spaces that look beautiful and work seamlessly for the long term. Here are five common construction mistakes I avoid when managing and designing projects in Charleston.
1. Ignoring Scale and Proportion During Structural Changes
Knocking down a wall or expanding a room may sound simple, but without a clear understanding of scale and proportion, you risk creating awkward layouts. For example, enlarging a kitchen without considering cabinet spacing, window alignment, or ceiling height can throw off the entire flow. I always approach design changes with an architectural lens, ensuring that proportions remain balanced and functional. A space must live and breathe with the client and in order to do so, it also must have a flow that is sometimes hard to understand pre-studs. This is why my client intake process is detailed and super important, as it allows me to achieve a visual roadmap and incorporate a client’s expectations, habits, and desires.
2. Overlooking Moisture and Climate Considerations
Charleston’s coastal climate brings high humidity, flooding risks, and salty air. I often see construction that doesn’t account for proper ventilation, durable materials, or moisture barriers. These oversights lead to mold, warped floors, and premature wear. In fact, it’s hard to believe but I have been in many bathrooms which do not have proper ventilation, fans…, and client’s wonder why their tile is moldy. My role as a designer with construction knowledge is to specify finishes and layouts that withstand Charleston’s climate—whether that means recommending engineered flooring, better HVAC solutions, or moisture-resistant cabinetry.
3. Not Planning for Structural Support
Open-concept layouts are popular, but removing load-bearing walls without a plan for proper structural support is one of the biggest mistakes I see. Beyond aesthetics, safety and stability are non-negotiable. I collaborate closely with contractors to ensure beams, supports, and framing solutions are both structurally sound and visually integrated into the design.
4. Poor Lighting and Electrical Planning
Lighting can make or break a space, yet many projects treat it as an afterthought. Running electrical lines after construction is not only disruptive but also expensive. I plan lighting and outlet placement from the very beginning, ensuring that pendants align over islands, recessed lighting highlights architectural details, and outlets are discreet yet convenient. Again, I always aim to virtually walk through my projects to ensure that there is a flow with the electrical plan. This review and foresight avoids costly rework later.
5. Skipping the Details That Impact Everyday Living
A project may look beautiful in photos but fail in daily function if small construction details are overlooked. Misaligned tile, uneven flooring transitions, or poorly installed trim can cheapen the look of a home. My design process includes checking construction details and working hand-in-hand with trades to make sure execution matches the vision—because the details are what elevate a space from good to great.
In Charleston, where design and construction often intersect in complex ways—historic restorations, coastal builds, and modern renovations—having an interior designer who understands construction makes all the difference. My goal is to not only design spaces that reflect your lifestyle but also ensure they are built to last, avoiding the costly mistakes that too often derail a project.
If you’re planning a renovation or new build in Charleston, let’s create a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.