I’m an interior designer – 7 mistakes that make your house look cheap, my tips to fix them will look more elegant
AN interior designer has revealed the simple ways to fix style mistakes that could make your house look cheap.
She said a luxurious look can be achieved in any home without splashing the cash.
Kristen McGowan has racked up almost 2 million subscribers on YouTube by sharing her DIY and home decor hacks.
She told The U.S. Sun there are several common mistakes people make that make their homes look cheap.
TACKY THEMES
McGowan said having a clear sense of style can make you look like a “thoughtful” designer, while bold themes have the opposite effect.
“You can use the idea of a theme to capture a feeling you want to create but don’t take your theme too literally,” she said.
“A very common theme I see used is the beach theme, often paired with turquoise accent pillows, shell decor, and rope light fixtures.
“Instead you can incorporate the coastal style by using a lighter color palette giving you that bright beachside feeling, natural materials, light wood finishes, and jute rugs.
“This will capture that beach feeling without being too literal.”
ILL-FITTING BEDDING
The interior designer said buying a duvet the same size as your bed is “the most logical choice,” but it should be avoided.
“Using a duvet one size larger than the bed size allows for a more plush and finished look,” she said.
“Often coordinating sized duvets don’t allow for enough overhang off the sides and definitely don’t allow for enough length to fold the top edge nicely.
“Sizing up will fix all of that and allow for a more comfortable night’s sleep.”
AWFUL ARTWORK
“Large wall art expands the look of your room and creates a custom look,” McGowan said.
“Small wall art on a large open wall can make your space feel small and bare.
“If you only have small wall art to work with, make sure to group multiple pieces together to form a larger gallery wall.
When you open up your kitchen cabinets and see mixed-matched dishware, It can often look messy and cluttered.
Kristen McGowan
“This will make use of these small pieces and create a thoughtful and more elevated look.
“Space the art about 3”- 4” apart maximum to ensure the grouping looks intentional.”
MESSY MATS
Bathroom mats can be decorative as well as useful for preventing slips on wet floors.
McGowan said despite their function “most” aren’t stylish or are the wrong size.
“Instead of using multiple small bath mats around your bathroom creating a cluttered look, opt for a single long washable runner rug,” she said.
“This will give you more of a decorative look and actually expand the look of your bathroom instantly.”
Wayfair is currently selling a slip-resistant long rug for $50.99.
“These rugs are heavy duty and are great for high traffic areas,” one customer said.
Another shopper raved about the rug being “waterproof.”
DATED DISHES
“Don’t forget about the items behind closed doors, like your dishware,” she said.
“When you open up your kitchen cabinets and see mixed-matched dishware, It can often look messy and cluttered.
“Instead go for a matching set of white or neutral dishes.
“This small change can make opening up your cabinets, setting the table, and hosting in your home feel like a more sophisticated and upscale experience.”
A 12-piece classic white dining set is available for $45.86 at Walmart.
According to the manufacturer, the set is “great” for daily dining and entertaining as it includes dinner plates, bowls, and appetizer plates.
METAL GROMMETS
McGowan said metal grommets along the top of curtains are an “instant giveaway” that they are store-bought.
“The best-looking curtains are often custom, pleated, do not have grommets, and can be hung with curtain rings,” she said.
“You can create that same luxurious look on a budget just by choosing affordable curtains without grommets.
“You can then install them high and wide above your window frame to make your space look larger, hang them using coordinating curtain rings, and absolutely make sure to steam them for a crisp and elevated look.”
Budget interior design tips
Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
- Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
- Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
- Invest in classic timeless pieces.
- Set up smart home lighting to save money.
CHAOTIC CORDS
The interior designer raged that cords shouldn’t be hanging from underneath mounted TVs or bunched up under desks.
She said it makes the room they’re in look “messy and cheap.”
“These cords can easily be concealed with a simple cord cover,” McGowan said.
“They are peel and stick and easy to install, can be painted to match your wall color, and can be completely hidden behind decor or furniture around your home for a sleek and polished look.
“This small detail will make your home look tidy, organized, and more expensive in minutes.”
