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Designers Say You're Making Your Home Look Cheap If You Aren't Doing Any Of These Things

The pros share their tricks.

Designers Say You're Making Your Home Look Cheap If You Aren't Doing Any Of These Things
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No matter how much money you spend trying to make your home look good, there are still little things that can leave it looking cheap. Sometimes those little things are obvious — like having clutter sitting out in the open — whereas others take a trained eye to find. Luckily, with a little effort and some know-how, almost any home can turn out looking like it costs a million dollars.

That’s why I’ve reached out to a handful of designers, all of whom were more than happy to share the things that are accidentally making your home look cheap. From mismatched hardware to an overabundance of cool grey tones, you’re sure to find at least a few tips here that can help out your home. Keep scrolling for more.

Using The Right Picture Frames

Framing your favorite photos is an easy way to decorate your home — the only catch is making sure that you choose the right kind of frame. “It's fascinating how the little things, like choosing a picture frame, can make or break the ambiance of a space. [...]” says Anthony Roebuck, the founder of Watercolor Affair and a home decorator. “I'd dare say choosing the wrong or outdated picture frame for your art can make your home look cheap.” While you may not think an outdated frame is that egregious of a home decor mistake, Roebuck goes on to say that “it's akin to serving a gourmet meal on a chipped plate; the dish might be exquisite, but the presentation leaves much to be desired.”

Luckily, this trio of picture frames is available for less than $45. The faces are made from sleek glass — not plastic — and the floating style makes them a modern addition to any home. Plus, the metal border has been soldered by hand to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Showcasing Warmer Tones, “Such As Greige”

There’s nothing wrong with having grey walls or floors in your home — though you may want to consider switching to warmer shades if possible. “Cool greys have been popular for interiors in the last few years, but we're seeing a shift to warmer tones, such as greige,” explains Amber Shay, National VP of Design Studios, Meritage Homes. So if you’re looking to stay on trend? She goes on to say, “I expect to see a lot [of] gold tones and warmer browns used in homes this fall.”

However, if replacing your floors and painting your walls is out of your budget, consider layering this throw blanket across furniture for a nice pop of warmth. It comes in navy, grey, and off-white, as well as a warm shade of taupe, which is very similar to greige. Though if that isn’t enough to convince you that it’s worth a look? The soft polyester fabric makes it just as comfortable as it is stylish.

“Layering Textures” Within Your Decor

Can’t quite put your finger on why your home feels stale? It could be that you have too much of one texture throughout each room. Shay tells Bustle, “Layering textures such as mirrors and woven baskets with strong rich warm tones and cozy elements such as candles and lamps are trending once again for this season.” And since there’s no painting or DIY-ing involved, you can easily take all those pieces down once they cycle out of style.

With that in mind, this wall mirror is a versatile decoration you can add to practically any room. Hang it up across from a window, and it can help bounce around natural light to make your home feel light and airy. Plus, the gold-colored frame adds some much-needed warmth wherever you decide to place it.

Speaking of warm tones, this woven rope basket comes in six colors to suit any home, and three of them (glaze, misty rose, and harvest gold) are perfect for adding a pop of warmth to any space. It’s made from high-quality cotton, with double-stitched handles for added durability — and many reviewers even wrote about how it’s “well made.”

Instead of buying regular candles that you’ll eventually have to replace, why not invest in these LED ones? The bulbs flicker just like real flames, giving them an incredibly realistic appearance — even up close. And since each order includes a remote, you can easily turn them on and off, as well as adjust their brightness without having to get up from the couch.

Harsh overhead lighting can make any room feel stale and uninviting — instead, incorporate some coziness with this lamp. Its gold-colored finish brings warmth to plain nightstands or tables, while the compact base makes it perfect for tight spaces. Plus, the rocker switch is incorporated into the power cable, so there’s no need to stretch awkwardly in order to turn it on or off.

Incorporating “Clean, Simple Finishes” Like Marble

When in doubt, opting for classic, single-tone finishes is an easy way to help keep your home from feeling cheap — even when trends start to change. According to Shay, “Clean, simple finishes are making a comeback and multi-tonal finishes are taking a back seat.” She goes on to say that “marble finishes and flooring can help homeowners make more of a statement in their homes, especially in bathrooms.”

And while replacing your countertops can be an expensive upgrade, this roll of white marble contact paper is available for less than $10. It works similar to a giant sticker — simply peel off the adhesive backing, then press it right into place. And since it’s made from water-resistant vinyl, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll hold up when installed around your sink.

Creating Handmade Tile

Now that your counters are looking good, it’s time to take a look at the tile walls that might be making your bathroom feel outdated. Luckily, Shay has an easy fix. She tells Bustle that “[...] subtle tone-on-tone textures have continued to grow, and handmade tile has become more mainstream.” With that in mind, these tile stencils are worth their weight in gold.

Not only are they reusable, but since each one is made from hard PET material, you shouldn’t have any trouble painting neatly inside the lines. They easily wipe clean after every use — and if you aren’t into the pattern you see pictured, you also have the choice of three other trendy styles.

Avoiding Clutter Around The House

Even the most stylish homes will feel cheap if they’re overrun with clutter. According to Shay, “If you have a lot of clutter, it may feel good to get organized and pare down items by only keeping the ones that have a strong meaning or some sentimental value for you.” However, if you had more space to store all those items, you may not need to throw anything away at all.

With that in mind, this hanging organizer is a smart pick for anyone in need of some extra storage space. Five shelves and five drawers give you ample room for all sorts of clutter, while small mesh pockets on both sides are great for smaller items. Choose from four colors: black, grey, java, or white.

Adding Decor Pieces That “Reflect Your Unique Personality”

Decorating your home is one of the many ways you can express yourself, which is why it’s always a good idea to choose pieces that reflect who you are as an individual. Shay tells Bustle, “If you want to add more visual interest to a bare space that may not inspire you, add a couple of accents that reflect your unique personality.” Make sure to take note of how she said to choose “a couple” of accents, however, as she goes on to say that “it'll help to warm up your home without feeling like you have an overwhelming amount of stuff.”

However, if you’d like to combine organization and your unique sense of style, these floating shelves are a fun pick to help you display unique decor pieces. They’re made from lightweight MDF, making them easy to mount for even the most novice DIYers — and you even have the choice of three finishes: natural, grey, or espresso.

Adding “Little Luxuries”

Don’t be scared off by the word “luxuries” — in this context, all it means is that you’re picking decorations that make you feel cozy. “When it comes to luxe décor, the price tag doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it,” explains Shay. “It's all about finding pieces that help you feel great about your space.” Though if you need examples? She goes on to suggest that you “think of items like upscale hotel-style bedding, monogrammed towels, cozy throw pillows or a stylish mirror.”

With its more-than-reasonable $29 price tag, this comforter certainly qualifies as one of the more affordable “little luxuries” that you can add to your home. Its synthetic goose feather filling means it’s just as breathable as it is cozy, making it suitable for use in any season. Plus, the box stitching helps ensure that the fill remains evenly distributed throughout — even if you tend to toss and turn throughout the night.

Sometimes the smallest luxuries make the biggest impact — like swapping out those scratchy towels with these Egyptian cotton ones. They’re thick and fluffy, and they stay that way even after years of washing — so there won’t be any need to replace them in the near future. The best part? You can also personalize them with an embroidered monogram of your choosing, which is sure to leave you as well as guests feeling like you’re showering in a high-end hotel.

Available in six different sizes to suit nearly any cover, these pillow inserts are sure to bring a touch of opulence to any couch or bed. They’re filled with a cozy blend of feather and down, with a cotton exterior that makes them just as soft as they are breathable. And if they ever get dirty? Simply send them through a gentle wash cycle for a quick clean.

Once you’ve added those pillow inserts to your cart, it’s time to finish the look with these covers. They’re covered in soft polyester velvet, with a hidden zipper that’s unlikely to snag on clothes or hair while you’re napping. And with dozens of colors to choose from — orange, sage, teal, and more — you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that compliments your home.

“Investing In A High-Quality Area Rug”

Bare floors can leave any room feeling cold. Thankfully, Shay has an easy fix: “[...] consider investing in a high-quality area rug that's designed to look like a priceless heirloom — it can set the tone for the entire space.” Just make sure to keep in mind how warm tones like greige are currently in style, as a cool-toned rug may leave your home feeling flat.

And once you’ve picked a rug, make sure to grab these grippers to go with it. Not only do they help keep your rug lying flat, but their V-shaped design also makes it less likely that it’ll get twisted out of place, which can happen with straight pieces of tape. The best part? They’re suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use.

Displaying “Books, Scented Candles” & More On Coffee Tables & Bookshelves

Do you have a blank, empty surface that you aren’t sure what to do with? Noted design expert Kathy Kuo, the CEO and founder of Kathy Kuo Home, has a suggestion: “I advise always taking advantage of every possible surface as an opportunity to present a styled vignette — it instantly elevates your overall decor scheme and makes your home look more expensive,” she tells Bustle. If you aren’t sure how to get started, that’s not a problem, as she goes on to say, “I love combining art books, scented candles, framed photos, and chic decorative objects on my coffee table, bookshelves, and console tables to tell a really beautiful decor story.”

With that in mind, this book of Van Gogh paintings is sure to look good sitting out on a shelf, or even placed on top of your coffee table. It contains all 871 of his paintings — and the warm shades of blue and green on the cover bring a pop of color wherever you place it.

Not only does this scented candle come in a beautifully embossed jar, but it’s also sure to look good when placed alongside that Van Gogh book. Lightweight notes of vanilla, red berry, and other fruits give it an uplifting yet relaxing scent — and the eco-friendly soy wax can even burn for up to 90 hours.

Creating a styled vignette is almost impossible if you don’t have somewhere to put it — in which case, take a look at this coffee table. Its sturdy metal frame can support up to 132 pounds per shelf, and assembly only takes a few short minutes. But if that isn’t enough? It also comes in three finishes to suit any home: rustic brown, natural oak, or retro brown.

If you already have a coffee table, however, you can also use these bookshelves to style a gorgeous vignette. Multiple units can be stacked on top of each other depending on how much space you’re looking to fill — and each shelf can easily hold up to 66 pounds.

Prioritizing Personal Style Instead Of Trends

Your home is a reflection of you, which is why it’s always a good idea to decorate it how you want rather than chasing what’s popular. “One major issue I've noticed is people often go for trends over personal style,” explains Karen Miller, an interior designer. “The trending decor may not go well with your space and might end up making your home look cheap.” With that in mind, she goes on to say that you should “always try to decorate your space with what you genuinely love and not what's just trendy.”

If you don’t know what your personal style looks like, however, consider using this vision board to figure it out. Each order comes with 150 image cards that you can use to narrow down your tastes, as well as 20 blank cards where you can paste images printed out from the web. One reviewer also wrote that it’s “super easy to make a cute vision board and interchange the cards when you need to.”

Protecting Your Couches With Sofa Covers

Investing in new furniture is rarely ever cheap. Thankfully, Nicole Abbott, an interior designer for FLOOR360, has an affordable solution. “Cover your old and tattered couches with brand-new sofa covers to avoid making your living room look cheap,” she tells Bustle. And since adding a slipcover means that you can revamp your upholstery with a completely new cover, she goes on to recommend that you “select one of the new neutral colors like olive green, midnight blue, or a rich beige.”

Not only is this slipcover affordable at just $50, but it’s also made from two-way stretch fabric that allows it to fit nearly any sofa. Installation is as easy as stretching it overtop your cushions, then tucking away any extra fabric — and while it comes in the colors that Abbott recommended (albeit with different names), you also have 14 extra shades to choose from as well.

Adding A Duvet Cover To Your Comforter

There’s also no need to buy a completely new comforter when yours starts to deteriorate. “If your comforter is showing wear or cheapness slip it inside a new duvet cover,” suggests Abbott. “Your whole bedroom will benefit from the new item and appear to have a facelift.”

This particular duvet comes in 13 colors, making it easy to pair with however you’ve designed your bedroom. It’s made from double-brushed microfiber for extra softness, while a zipper closure at the bottom helps keep your comforter from sliding out. Each order also comes with two matching pillow shams included.

Swapping Your Blinds With Curtains

If your home comes with Venetian blinds, take this as a sign that it’s time to swap them out with a nice pair of curtains. “Your bent and crooked horizontal blinds are making your inside and outside look cheap,” says Abbott. “Replace the blinds with curtains that flow to the floor.” However, if you aren’t sure what type of curtains to pick? She goes on to recommend that you “use sheers for rooms where you want natural light to flood in like kitchens, and blackout curtains in bedrooms for privacy and warmth.”

Made from 100% polyester, these sheer curtains let just the right amount of light shine through while still giving you some much-needed privacy. The grommet top glides smoothly across any curtain rod with a gentle tug — and with four lengths as well as six shades to choose from, they’re almost guaranteed to come in a combination that’ll look good.

Consider these blackout curtains a must-have in any bedroom. Not only do they block up to 100% of outside light, but they’re so thick that they can also help insulate your room against the sun’s warming rays, as well as those particularly noisy neighbors. One reviewer even wrote, “These are truly 100% blackout, the only light I have coming through is where it hits the wall on the sides and above where the rod doesn’t meet the wall.”

Utilizing Cabinets For Organization

If you’re looking to upgrade your home while sticking to a budget, decluttering may just be the most affordable way to make any space look nicer. “Take your time to declutter your space and organize your belongings either in cabinets or in a way that they are part of an interesting composition,” recommends Paola Camarena, an architect and interior designer. “A clutter-free room looks more spacious and attractive, not to mention that it will look more elegant.”

Speaking of clutter, these plastic bins are a clever way to get all that closet clutter looking neat and tidy. Handles in the front and back make it easy to carry them around, while the stackable design helps you save space in tight areas. They’re also shatter-resistant, BPA-free, as well as safe to use for storing food.

Finding The Right Color Palette For Your Space

The colors you incorporate throughout your home are the foundation of how you’ll want to decorate, which is why it’s important to pick shades that represent you. “Finding the color palette that represents you is key since this will be the screenplay for your design decisions,” explains Camarena. “A cohesive color scheme can make a significant difference in how your home looks and feels.” While bold colors may look fun at the moment, she goes on to say that “neutral and soft tones as well as muted colors would be your allies when looking for a timeless ambiance.”

The only trick is figuring out which colors look good together — thankfully, this collection of color palettes takes out all the guesswork. Every order comes with 35 cards containing four color combinations on each one that have already been tested to ensure that they pair well. Once you’ve found a color combination that you like, simply place all the cards back inside the included hardcover case for safekeeping.

Incorporating “A Variety Of Lighting Sources”

Fluorescent lights may work great in industrial settings, but they can leave your home looking rather crummy. “Fluorescent or harsh lighting are unwelcoming, and I would call them the first enemies of an upscale space,” Camarena tells Bustle. “Using proper lighting could transform your home from dull to inviting when you incorporate a variety of lighting sources, soft ambient lighting, task lighting, and decorative fixtures.”

With that advice in mind, these under-cabinet lights produce a soft, inviting glow that’s sure to make any kitchen look high-end. A built-in motion sensor automatically turns them on whenever someone enters, though each order also includes a remote — just in case you want to turn them on without getting up from the couch.

As far as task lighting versus ambient lighting goes, this desk lamp can be considered the best of both worlds. Three light temperatures give you options when reading, relaxing, or working from home: neutral white, bright white, and warm white. But if that isn’t enough? It also features two power outlets as well as one USB port, making it easy to charge all your devices in one place.

Few lights set a relaxing vibe as well as this Himalayan salt basket lamp. It emits a soft amber glow, making it great for use in bedrooms, as decor, or even as a night light. The power cable features a dimmer switch so that you can easily adjust its brightness — and many reviewers even raved about how it “looks beautiful.”

Investing In Quality, Stylish Furniture

While cheap furniture may seem like a good choice at the moment, opting for pieces that reflect your personality — even if they may be a little more expensive — will almost always be better in the long run. “Authentic pieces of furniture talk about our personality and could be a nice centerpiece and contrasting object that may start conversations over a reunion with friends or family,” explains Camarena. “Invest in quality pieces that are not only stylish but also durable and will make a long-lasting impression instead of bringing down the overall aesthetic of your home.”

Not only is this ottoman gorgeous to look at, but the top also lifts off to reveal hidden storage space inside, making it just as fashionable as it is functional. Smooth polyester velvet on the outside makes it look more expensive than it is — and don’t worry if teal doesn’t suit your home’s color scheme, as you also have 15 other colors to choose from.

Displaying Original Art Around The House

Hanging up art is an obvious choice when decorating, but choosing pieces that represent you as a person can add an extra layer of depth to your home. Camarena recommends that you “add some pieces that tell your personal story, could be art or attention-grabbing accessories to elevate your home design and to make it feel unique, but remember ‘less is more.’” She goes on to explain that you should “avoid generic art pieces and better invest in original artwork that represents you, you could even make your own and this will be even more meaningful.”

If the idea of making your own art sounds fun, consider taking a look at these canvases. The acid-free cotton material has already been primed, which means they’re ready to paint right out of the box — and they’re even suitable for oil, acrylic, as well as watercolor paints. Choose from 12 different sizes.

Showcasing Family Photos

When in doubt, a room that feels stale can almost always benefit from some family photos. “Personalizing the spaces with family photos, heirlooms and items that hold a sentimental value will give the coziness and welcoming feeling we all look forward to having at home,” explains Camarena.

Not only does this picture frame feature a shatter-resistant PVC face, but it also lets you record a custom voice message up to 20 seconds long. It only needs three AAA batteries (which are not included) — and the kickstand in the back makes it easy to stand it up on a shelf for display.

Upgrading Your Hardware

A small change can make a huge difference when it comes to making your home look good. “When it comes to design, details matter and they matter a lot!” says Camarena. “Cheap or mismatched hardware could diminish from the overall aesthetics of our home, especially when speaking about faucets and cabinet handles.”

With its sleek design and durable ceramic cartridge on the inside, this bathroom faucet sits right at the intersection of timeless and stylish. It comes in three finishes: gold, brushed nickel, or black — and you even have the choice of a long or short water spout. Many reviewers also appreciated how it was “easy to install.”

If you decide to swap out your bathroom faucet, make sure to grab these cabinet pulls in a matching finish to complete the look. They come in a variety of shades and sizes to suit pre-drilled cabinet door holes nearly any distance apart. And since they’re made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about them corroding inside of humid bathrooms.

“Introducing Plants Into A Room”

It’s almost impossible to go wrong when decorating with plants — though Camarena does have a few tips that it can’t hurt to follow. “Introducing plants into a room is the best way to add life to the interiors [...],” she tells Bustle. “But be careful with your selection, they should complement your existing décor and suit the lighting conditions of the space.”

Luckily, these live house plants do well in partial shade, which means you don’t need to have a home that’s drenched in sunlight in order for them to thrive. The varying shades of green and red are sure to compliment nearly any decor style. Plus, a portion of the profits generated from their purchase are donated to local animal shelters.

Now that you’ve taken some cute house plants under your wing, it’s time to make sure they thrive — and these self-watering planters can help make that happen. A large water reservoir in the base helps keep plants hydrated for up to two weeks, while a small lip on the side makes it easy to fill them up. You also have the choice of 10 different styles, ranging from classic white to black with green speckles.

Incorporating “High-Quality Materials” Throughout Your Home

While plastic does have its time and place when it comes to decorating, using nicer materials will almost always lead to a nicer look. According to Andra DelMonico, the lead interior designer at Trendey, you should “use high-quality materials for furniture, flooring, and finishes.” Though if you could use some more specifics? She goes on to recommend that you “choose natural materials like wood, stone, and metal for a timeless appeal.”

Hand-made from rustic pine wood, these wall planters are a great example of what DelMonico is talking about. While they aren’t meant to hold water, they’re sure to look good when filled with faux greens, or even dried pampas grass — and you even have the choice of two finishes: natural or white.

Organizing Clutter Around The House

A meticulously decorated home will never look as good as it can when there’s tons of clutter lying around. “Another common way of cheapening the look of your home is by having loads of clutter, rubbish, or cables lying around the property.” explains interior designer Rudolph Diesel. He also says, “Try to have an honest look at your property and examine where any loose cables, unnecessary items, or pieces of rubbish could be stored or thrown away.”

Speaking of loose cables, hiding them inside this cable management box is an easy way to keep them hidden from sight. Open slats on the front and back let you thread wires through as needed, while ventilation holes help keep power bricks as well as power strips from overheating. Choose from two colors: black or faux wood.

Hanging Window Coverings Appropriately

While choosing the right type of curtains for your space is important, it’s also a good idea to make sure your curtain rod sits at the right height. “Get the appropriate size of window coverings,” says Chrissy Arsenault, owner and designer for Live Original Design. “To give the illusion of height, hang your curtain rod closer to the ceiling (as opposed to just over the window opening) and allow the fabric to hang just above the floor.”

If your current curtain rod sits too low on your wall, consider swapping it out with one of these modern ones before raising it up higher. At 1 inch in diameter, they’re suitable for nearly any curtain — and you even have the choice of five finishes to suit any style: gold, bronze, black, silver, or white. Plus, the heavy-duty metal can easily support up to 30 pounds.

Displaying Artwork At Eye Level

Hanging up art may be an obvious choice when decorating, but it’s also important to make sure it’s hung at the correct height. “Hang your artwork at eye level,” recommends Arsenault. “Wall art hung too high tends to look awkward in a space. A rule of thumb is to hang wall art and framed pictures at eye level.” However, she does admit that “this can vary from person to person so aim for having the centre of the artwork at about 60 to 66 inches above the floor.”

But before you start adjusting your artwork, make sure you have this picture hanging kit at the ready. It comes with a variety of nails, screws, sawtooth hooks, and more, as well as a small bubble level to help make sure your pieces are hung evenly.