Never Would I Ever: A Designer’s Take on What to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
When you’ve spent years designing hundreds of homes, you learn a few things you’d never do. For Tanya Hembree, Owner + Principal Designer at Onyx + Alabaster, those lessons are less about trends and more about timeless design principles that shape how we live, gather, and feel in our spaces.
“I’ve seen it all,” Tanya laughs. “Carpeted bathrooms. Red dining rooms. Floor transitions that stop mid-room. After a while, you start to develop your own list of non-negotiables.”
In this installment of our Design Journal, Tanya shares the design missteps she avoids at all costs (and what she recommends instead).
1. Never Would I Ever … Center a Living Room Around a TV
Let’s start with an opinion that’s not always popular!
“One of the best decisions we ever made,” Tanya says, “was not putting a TV in our main living room.”
By removing the screen, her family discovered what that space was truly for: Conversation, laughter, and rest. “We brought out board games, read by the fire, and just talked. It changed the atmosphere completely.”
Instead of designing around entertainment, Tanya designs for connection: facing sofas, layered seating, and a fireplace or art as the visual focal point.
Design Tip: If your family loves having a TV in your primary space, just be intentional about not orienting the room around that screen. It doesn’t have to be the main focal point.
2. Never Would I Ever … Mix Flooring in an Open Plan
Consistency is key. “I would never have carpet in the living room that meets tile in the kitchen,” Tanya says. “Those mid-room transitions visually chop up a space and make it feel smaller.”
Continuous flooring creates flow and harmony, especially in modern homes where kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas blend together. “It’s one of those details that subconsciously affects how calm or chaotic a home feels,” Tanya explains.
3. Never Would I Ever … Ignore Architectural Alignment
Our Design Team often gets called in after a home is built, when small architectural inconsistencies have big visual consequences.
“One of my clients had this gorgeous lakefront breakfast room,” she recalls. “Windows wrapped around three sides, but on one wall, the tops didn’t line up. The builder followed the roof pitch instead of the interior sightline. It looked off immediately.”
The fix? Custom Roman shades hung at a consistent height to “trick the eye.” But Tanya notes that these mistakes are preventable. “When a designer is involved from day one, we catch things like uneven windows, door heights, or awkward ceiling lines. They seem small, but they make or break the final look.”
4. Never Would I Ever … Settle for Low Ceilings
“If I can help it,” Tanya says, “I’ll always opt for taller ceilings. Eight-foot ceilings can make a home feel boxed in.”
Design Tip: If structural limits keep you from going higher, visual height can still be achieved through vertical elements like full-height drapery, tall millwork, or vertically oriented panel molding. “The goal is to draw the eye upward and give the illusion of air and openness.”
5. Never Would I Ever … Design Without Connection in Mind
For Tanya, design has never been just about aesthetics. It’s about how a home brings people together. “I would never not have a table that seats more than my family,” she says.
“Hospitality matters. You never regret making room for more people.”
The same principle applies to guest accommodations. “Even if it’s a pull-out sofa, I always plan for a space that can host a friend or family member. Design should serve relationships.”
6. Never Would I Ever … Skip Outdoor Living
Outdoor Living Room Design by Onyx + Alabaster | Photo by Allison Elefante
After years of designing dream homes, Tanya is always an advocate for outdoor spaces.
“Never would I ever skip a porch or patio again,” she says. “Outdoor living is an extension of your home. It’s where you slow down, breathe fresh air, and connect.”
Design Tip: Think of the exterior as a continuation of the interior. Repeat textures, finishes, and tones so the transition feels intentional.
7. Never Would I Ever … Carpet a Bathroom
This may be obvious, but it’s no less true!
“I literally toured a downtown space recently that still had carpet in the bathroom,” Tanya recalls. “It felt like stepping back into the ’70s, and not in a good way.”
Carpet in a high-moisture area traps odors, bacteria, and humidity. Instead, Tanya recommends stone or porcelain tile with radiant heat for comfort. “There are so many beautiful, durable flooring options now. You can get the warmth and texture you want without sacrificing practicality.”
8. Never Would I Ever … Neglect the Details
From mismatched paint sheens to misplaced lighting, small missteps can quickly become big regrets. “High-gloss walls in the wrong space will highlight every imperfection,” Tanya warns. “And lighting that’s too bright or too cool can flatten even the best design.”
Our Suggestion? Consult with a professional early and often. “There’s a reason we say design is in the details. The earlier we’re brought in, the more cohesive and beautiful the final outcome will be, and the fewer costly re-dos you’ll face.”
Design Lessons Learned
As Tanya reflects on years of design experience, her “never would I ever” list serves as more than just a set of rules. It’s a reminder that good design is as much about wisdom as it is about style.
“People sometimes think design is about having perfect taste,” she says. “But really, it’s about learning what not to do, and then creating something beautiful, functional, and personal from there.”
Whether you’re building from the ground up or refreshing your existing space, take a cue from Tanya’s playbook: Make choices that reflect your values, elevate your daily life, and stand the test of time.
Ready to transform your space?
If you're ready to bring intention and beauty to your own home, we’d love to help. From full-service interior design to personalized buying sessions and one-on-one consultations, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.