If you want a home that feels collected, curated, and timeless - stop making these design mistakes. Read on to learn about all the things that make your house look cheap and how to make it look more expensive.
As an interior designer with years of experience, I’ve seen countless homes and can tell you that a cheap-looking home can suggest you don’t value your living space. Whether you realize it or not, your home sets the tone for how people perceive you and it’s a direct reflection of you. Investing in your interior can increase your home’s value for the long run. So whether you plan to sell or stay long-term, these tips will help you to stop making common design mistakes and create a stylish home.
Decor Clutter
Over the years, we collect things without realizing how they affect our homes. Decor clutter can make your home look cheap, even if it’s nice stuff. Knick-knacks with no meaning will always be out. No one needs or wants to see a bunch of dust-collecting figurines. If you want a contemporary, curated home, avoid the mistake of overdecorating.
The Problem
Trying to fill every blank space with decor. Just because you have an empty spot on your wall or mantel doesn’t mean you have to fill it.
The Solution
When it comes to shelf styling or decorating surfaces like console tables or shelves, balance is key. Use pieces with varying heights, create a triangle with decorative objects, and ensure your items are the proper scale for the space. A little too big is better than a little too small.
Matching Furniture Sets
Furniture isn’t cheap, so don’t make the mistake of spending money on a matching furniture set only to find out you’ve committed a design crime. The collected and curated look is about styling pieces that complement each other, whether through colors, materials, or patterns.
The Problem
Rooms with matching furniture lack character. Nothing is more boring to a designer than seeing the same furniture repeated in a space.
The Solution
Mix and match furniture with different colors and textures. Add visual interest with a variety of materials and fabric choices to achieve a high-end look. Mixing furniture is a design concept that should be used everywhere in your home.
Overly Themed Spaces
No knowledgeable designer will suggest using themed decor throughout your home. You can achieve a coastal look without having seashells and pictures of the ocean everywhere.
The Problem
Decor that looks like grandma’s “room in a bag”. Using too many colors or printed motifs can make your home look cheap and tacky.
The Solution
Use colors and materials to create the “theme” in your home. For example, use lighter shades of blue and white to get the coastal style you’re going for. Bring in cozy materials like cotton and linen with driftwood and greenery. Most of your decor should be neutral; if you like animal print, add it in small doses. Think of it like seasonal decor – you sprinkle holiday decor in with what you already have.
Sticking with a Trend That Has Long Passed
Do you know someone who sticks with a hairstyle that became their signature look for decades? Some people do the same with decor. They find something they like and never update. It’s time to get rid of the medallions, scroll art, and anything else that makes your home look cheap and outdated.
The Problem
Either incorporating all the latest trends all the time or not updating your decor at all.
The Solution
If you don’t like what’s popular, skip it! You don’t have to keep up with the Joneses to have a beautifully styled home. Bring in trendy items in small doses. To avoid your home looking like everyone else's, find unique ways to style your favorite pieces.
Decorating with Word Art
There is no need for signs to let guests know you love your family or that friends and family gather in your home.
The Problem
Word art of any kind!
The Solution
Instead, hang a gallery wall with photos of your family to show your love. Place art in unexpected places, like a nightstand or bookshelf.
Multiple Flooring Transitions
Flooring is expensive and the process of installing it can be messy and inconvenient. But having several different types of flooring in an open floor plan makes it feel chopped up.
The Problem
Multiple flooring transitions in the same space or visual line. Your floor plan shouldn’t look like a tri-state area on a map.
The Solution
Use the same flooring materials throughout the main living areas of your home. This prevents tripping hazards at transition points and creates a cohesive design.
Rugs and Furniture Not to Scale
Choosing the wrong size furniture and rugs will make a space look awkward and off-balance. Measuring your space allows you to make better design decisions.
The Problem
An area rug that is too big or too small for the space, giving the impression that you haven’t put much thought into it.
The Solution
In the living room, your furniture should either fit entirely on the rug surface or at least have the front legs of each piece on the rug. When measuring, consider the space to walk around your furniture and potential tripping hazards. For more detailed guidance, refer to my “Guide to Rug Selection and Placement.”
Outdated Window Treatments
Like rugs, window treatments need to be the right size for a balanced look. They should elevate your design, not be an eyesore.
The Problem
Using outdated drapes that are too short or not hung high enough – or nothing at all.
The Solution
Hang drapes higher, closer to the ceiling, and extend them past the window to create the illusion of taller and wider windows. Add stylish woven Roman shades for a well-dressed window. And please add the phrase “kiss the floor” to your vocabulary. Your drapery shouldn’t be more than 1” above the floor, but even better they should hover or barely touch the floor for a more custom look.
Bad Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked until the flaws are pointed out. It’s not just light fixtures that can make your home look cheap!
The Problem
Lighting that feels cold and unwelcoming. Only using overhead light sources. Too much light or not enough light.
The Solution
Avoid daylight bulbs that make everything look blue and cold. Opt for 2700k-3000k bulbs for a cozier look. Use overhead lighting and add ambient lighting with lamps, wall sconces, or under-cabinet lights. Bonus points for dimmer switches to control lighting scenes further. For more on how to layer your lighting, read our “Lighting 101: How to Layer Lighting in Your Home” blog.
Ready to Elevate Your Home Decor?
Your home should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a space that looks expensive and curated. Invest in timeless pieces, pay attention to details, and let your home evolve with you. With these tips, you’ll have a beautifully styled home that you’ll love coming back to every day.
If you need help elevating your home, don’t hesitate to contact Amy Rebekah Interiors. We’re here to help you create a space that truly reflects your style and needs. Email us to get started on transforming your home today!
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