Scan the web and you’ll find tons of tips on home remodeling and redecorating. But what about what not to do? We asked five of the nation’s top interior designers what they considered the biggest mistakes people make when redesigning their homes. Read on to discover the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them. – Erika Lenkert

Buying all the furniture in one place because it is easy.
Of the many design tips by LA’s Kelly Wearstler, who also a boutique in Bergdorf Goodman, the biggest what not to do was to refraining from splurging in a single spot. She says, “No matter if it’s with interiors or fashion, you never want to look like you bought everything ‘off the rack’ without infusing your personality.”

Showing timidity.
When N.Y.C.’s Jamie Drake, who recently designed the city’s official mayoral residence, divulged his design secrets, he lamented safe, impersonal designs. “I see too many homes that are devoid of any indication of who the residents are. Visitors should be able to tell something about your history from your home, what your interests are. Interiors that express your personality are much more intriguing,” he promises.

Following fads and staging a “look.”
Emma Jane Pilkington, another New York designer darling, has plenty of advice on how to create exceptional interiors, one of which is to avoid following the status quo. “Successful decorating should create a calm within. This is best achieved by following one’s instincts,” she hints.

Mixing too many styles.
L.A. designer Barbara Barry, who has propelled her exceptional interior design career into a burgeoning line of home furnishings and accoutrements, warns against going too many different directions, lest you “end up losing the calm that our homes need to have.”

Thinking you can do it yourself by watching remodeling and
decorating shows.
Sure, you may glean some great ideas from DIY programs. But Larry Laslo, who designs for Royal Limoges, Mikasa, and Robert Allen warns against taking on tasks best left to the pros. Read all of his tips.