Our home reflects who we are. But sometimes, even the greatest efforts and best design choices can unintentionally make it look less picture-perfect.
The good news is that making your home look more stylish doesn’t mean spending much money. Often, it’s the little things that make the difference: clutter or dirty carpets. These little things can make your home look cheap and uninviting.
Here are some easily avoidable mistakes that make a house look cheap. You can make a difference by avoiding these and making a few minor tweaks. After all, your home deserves to look its best, just like you.
1. Furniture That Doesn’t Match
Mismatched furniture without any sense of unity can make your house look cheap and messy. It’s almost as if you’re still figuring out your style or are just too cheap to throw out your roommate’s old futon. Don’t get me wrong — mixing styles can work beautifully if done with a purpose.
The key is to find an element that ties everything together: a color, a similar wood finish, or shapes. This will make everything look more thoughtfully organized than tossed together on a whim.
2. Too Trendy for Comfort
Trends are like fashion; they’re fun for the time being but always end with a feeling of “been there, done that.” Similarly, going overboard with trendy decor can make your home look like a time capsule of whatever was popular when you last redecorated.
Instead of diving headfirst into every trend, try including trendy elements in small, easily changeable ways like pillows, wallpapers, or even a statement chair. This way, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the latest trends and feel stylish at the same time.
3. Clutter
A cluttered room looks messy, smaller, and uninviting. The solution? Invest in smart storage solutions and start by decluttering. Get rid of things that you don’t need. If you have trouble deciding, start with the stuff you don’t need; if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
Now, for the stuff that you do need, find ways to store it in organized and aesthetically pleasing ways. Built-in shelves and furniture with hidden storage compartments are great places to start. And remember, when it comes to decor, less is more.
4. Lights? What Lights?
Lighting is the makeup of your home. Done correctly, it can highlight your home’s best features or, if done poorly, make everything look unflattering. The proper lighting can make a place feel warm and inviting.
Firstly, natural lighting is your best friend, so keep windows clean and clear to let the sunshine inside. Then, layer your lighting: start with overhead, toss in some lamps, and finish with accents to make your space pop. Also, don’t forget dimmer switches, which let you set the mood in any room.
5. Poorly Hung Artwork
Poorly hung artwork can throw a room off balance and make it feel awkward. Have you ever seen a painting hung so high that it seems the homeowner was trying to keep it away from the cat? Or so low you’re afraid someone might trip over it? It’s not exactly a pleasing sight.
A good rule of thumb is to hang posters, paintings, and photographs around five feet from the floor. Remember, the goal is to make your room look put-together, not make people crane their necks whenever they want to look at your walls.
6. Plastic Everything
Plastic furniture and decor may seem convenient at first, but they can make your home look cheap and temporary. Yes, plastic has its place, but it’s usually best to keep it out of your home’s main living areas. Instead, go for natural materials that add quality and taste.
Even small changes like replacing plastic light switch covers or drawer pulls for ceramic, brass, or metal finishes can make a big difference. In addition to looking better, these materials also age well.
7. Fake Plants
Fake plants are the equivalent of the plastic fruits your grandma used to keep on the dining table; everyone knows they’re not real. While fake plants seem like an easy, low-budget option, they often look exactly like what they are: fake.
On the other hand, real plants add life, color, and texture to a space. Plus, they’re great for improving air quality. If you’re worried about keeping them alive, go for plants that don’t require much care, such as cacti, pothos, spiders, and ZZ plants.
8. Dirty Carpets
Carpets take a lot of abuse. They’re walked on daily, spilled on, and often overlooked when cleaning, aside from a quick vacuuming now and then. Given enough time, even the nicest carpet starts to look tired. Dirty and stained carpets instantly cheapen a room, no matter how well-decorated or expensive the rest of it looks.
If replacing the old carpet isn’t an option, consider getting it cleaned professionally. It can do wonders and sometimes even restore its original color and softness. However, if the carpet is beyond saving, try to cover the problem areas with a rug.
9. Bold Paint Choices
Bold paint colors can add a lot of personality to a space, but overusing them can make your home look cheap and overwhelming. While you might want to make a statement with eye-catching and intense colors, going all in can make your home look cramped and downright chaotic.
Use them strategically, like on an accent wall or in a small room, where they can shine without overshadowing the rest of the house. And let things like pillows carry the weight of the color. That way, your bold colors will pop and make your home feel lively, not loud.
10. Out-of-Date Hardware
Outdated fixtures like lights, doorknobs, and faucets can make a home look neglected and cheap, especially when they no longer match current design trends. Cheap and outdated hardware can make a room look stuck in the past and take away from the overall design.
Upgrading them is a straightforward and relatively affordable way to give your home a fresh, modern look. Don’t be afraid to get creative; a perfectly thoughtful blend of finishes can bring out the best in anything.
11. Bad DIY Projects
DIY projects are great! They save money and give you the freedom to customize your place. But let’s be honest, not every DIY project turns out as planned. Uneven paint, crooked shelves, and sloppy craftsmanship can make your home look cheap and clumsy.
If you’re taking on a DIY project, ensure you have the right tools, skills, and time. And if you’re stuck at something, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. Sometimes, the best DIY decision is knowing when not to DIY.
12. Cheap Bathroom Decor
Bathrooms might be small, but they’re one of the most important rooms in your home and deserve more than being an afterthought. I’m talking about flimsy shower curtains that stick to you every time you move and other accessories that scream “college dorm.”
You can elevate your bathroom game by investing in a new, sleek glass shower door and swapping out the sad plastic soap dish for a ceramic one. Small changes like these can be a game-changer. Your bathroom is your personal retreat. Treat it like one.
13. Boring Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. A bland and unappealing entryway doesn’t exactly scream, “Welcome!” More like, “Meh, come in if you want.” But it doesn’t take much to change that.
Start with a stylish console table for keys and decor. Add a bold mirror to reflect light and energy, and hang a piece of art to showcase your taste. This will set the tone for your home and invite visitors to stay a while.