Lessons Learned: Things I Will Never Repeat on My Next Projects

As an interior stylist, every project teaches me something new—sometimes the hard way. Whether it’s a shattered mirror, a misleading sales pitch, or a bread-related breakfast disaster, I’ve learned my lessons. To save you from making the same mistakes, here’s my ultimate list of things I will never, ever repeat—ranked by importance.

1. Ordering a Mirror Online (Unless I Want 7 Years of Bad Luck)

It always seems like a great idea. The website promises “fragile shipping,” the packaging looks secure, and the delivery guy even gives me a thumbs-up. Fast forward to opening the box—shattered dreams. I once thought, "It can't happen every time, right?" Spoiler alert: it can. And it will.

Lesson? Buy mirrors in person. No exceptions.

2. Not Checking the Wall Before Hanging Heavy Things

There’s nothing like confidently installing a beautiful, oversized shelf—only to watch it violently detach from the wall, taking part of the drywall with it. I now carry a wall scanner like it’s my best friend because not all walls are created equal (especially on the Costa del Sol, where some walls feel like they’re made of air).

Lesson? If you don’t want to play Jenga with your furniture, check the wall first.

3. Ordering the Exact Number of Items Suggested in the Shop

Sales assistants always suggest just enough tiles, flooring, or wallpaper—but never account for wastage, cutting errors, or transport damage. I learned the hard way when I was one tile short of finishing a floor, only to find out that the specific batch was discontinued. Now? I always order at least 10-15% extra.

Lesson? Better to have extra than to search for a perfect match that no longer exists.

4. Trusting Every “Expert” on the Costa del Sol Over My Own Intuition

Every region has its “experts,” but here, they take it to another level. You’ll find five different professionals giving you five different answers—all spoken with unwavering confidence. I once ignored my gut feeling and went with a so-called “specialist.” Let’s just say...I spent twice as much fixing their mistakes.

Lesson? Experts are great, but my intuition is better.

5. Printing Designs Directly from Canva Without Checking the Colors

Canva designs look fabulous on screen. Print them? Different story. The "soft beige" suddenly turns into mustard yellow, and that chic navy blue? Basically black.

Lesson? Always check the color codes and do a test print before mass printing anything.

6. Not Asking for a Discount on a Late Delivery

I was too polite. I didn’t want to cause problems. “It’s fine,” I told myself as my furniture arrived two weeks late. But you know what’s not fine? Paying full price for something that made my project late. Now, I always ask for compensation. No shame.

Lesson? If they don’t respect the deadline, I won’t respect the full price.

7. Measuring Everything Twice (and Then Again for Good Luck)

You’d think one measurement is enough—until you realize your perfect custom-made cabinet is 2 cm too wide to fit through the door. Or that stunning sofa? Doesn’t even fit in the elevator.

Lesson? Measure. Then measure again. Then triple-check.

8. Letting Sales Staff Trick Me With Basic Info

I once asked a store employee if a fabric was machine washable. “Yes, of course!” they said, with confidence. Turns out, only the cushion covers were washable, not the entire fabric—which was the only part I actually needed to clean.

Lesson? Ask detailed questions. Read labels. Salespeople will tell you what you want to hear.

9. Eating Mortadella for Breakfast With Hot Bread

This has nothing to do with interior styling, but it ruined my entire workday. Warm bread + mortadella = disaster. My stomach was in a war zone all day.

Lesson? Stick to safe breakfast choices when I have a long workday ahead.

Final Thoughts

Mistakes are inevitable, but some mistakes only need to happen once (or in my case, twice before I actually learn). If this list saves at least one person from a broken mirror, a collapsed shelf, or a breakfast-induced stomachache, then my suffering was worth it.

What’s the biggest styling mistake you’ve ever made? Let me know in the comments— I will judge, pinky promise, so bring it on!😆