I’m an interiors expert – 8 mistakes that are making your home look cheap & why you shouldn’t fake it till you make it
WHEN it comes to selling your house, everyone wants to make more than the asking price.
And when potential buyers walk into a home, they make an immediate judgement as to what they think it’s worth based on a few simple things they spot first off.
This means if you’re making interior faux pas that makes your abode look cheap, it could end up costing you thousands.
Interior expert Liv Conlon, who is CEO of ThePropertyStagers, says: “I know what to do to impress buyers – and the mistakes homeowners make when it comes to decor.
“And making a few tweaks doesn’t need to break the bank, either.
“Yes, you can splash the cash on making your abode look uber-luxurious.
“But, with the right guidance, changing a few things – such as making sure your windows are dressed, your accessories are the right size and limiting the amount of colours in one room – you’re on track to make your house stand out for all the right reasons.”
Here, she reveals the top eight mistakes she often notices when it comes to decorating – and why it’s making your home look cheap.
Mishmash of colours
No one wants to feel overwhelmed by an array of colours when they walk in the front door,
Colour-clashing makes your house appear disorganised and inexpensive, as though it’s a hodgepodge rather than a well-designed space.
Remember, potential buyers are imagining whether they could live in your house, so if it’s a startling mix of blues, greens, reds, yellows, it’s going to miss the mark.
Opt for a neutral colour palette that flows from room to room, your home will look more sophisticated too.
Eye-level artwork
If you’ve got pictures or paintings on the wall that are hung at the wrong height, it can instantly throw off the balance of a room and make it feel off-kilter.
The centre of the artwork should always be at eye level, around 57-60 inches from the floor.
Avoid hanging small pieces alone on large walls – group them together or choose larger, statement pieces.
OTT decor
Yes, you might adore all-things nautical, but rooms that are over-the-top in terms of their style can make a home feel kitschy rather than stylish.
A full-on farmhouse kitchen or a lounge that’s covered in different types of floral print can date your home quickly.
Instead, incorporate subtle nods to your theme through texture or colour for a more refined, timeless look.
Dress your windows
Bare windows can make a room feel unfinished, while cheap, plastic blinds or outdated curtains drag the whole look of a room down.
Invest in quality window treatments, such as linen drapes, woven shades, or simple yet elegant roller blinds to enhance the space.
Custom-fit treatments will always look more polished than off-the-shelf options.
The wrong-sized rug
Big is beautiful! Using a rug that’s too small for a room or for the furniture grouping it’s with doesn’t do your style any favours.
Rugs should be large enough to ‘anchor’ the room, with at least the front legs of furniture pieces on the rug.
In living rooms, opt for an 8x10m or larger for more impact.
Under – or over – furnishing
If you’ve put too much furniture in a room, it can make it feel cramped and cluttered, while too little can leave it feeling sparse and unfinished.
Strive for balance – arrange furniture in a way that enhances the flow of the room and makes the space feel functional.
If the room feels empty, add a few well-placed accessories or plants to fill in gaps without overcrowding.
Don’t fake it
Fake plants, plastic furniture, or imitation materials look really cheap.
If you can’t afford the highest-end finishes, mixing in natural materials like wood, stone, and live plants can bring warmth and sophistication.
Even if you’re on a budget, look for materials that feel authentic and avoid too many artificial accents.
Don’t clutter
Style your room so that everything has a place – even if that’s storage.
Don’t include too many accessories, such as photo frames, vases, etc as too many things on show will make it look cluttered.
Edit your accessories by selecting a few key pieces that tie the room together.
Group items in odd numbers and vary the heights and textures for a more curated, professional look.
Tiny tweaks that can add to the value of your home
By Liv Conkon, interiors expert and CEO of ThePropertyStagers
Create a Focal Point:
Bare or badly decorated rooms create an uneasy and directionless viewing.
As a homeowner, you want to draw attention and create a sense of balance and harmony in the spaces – so the viewer feels as though the property is aspirational, and they can imagine living there.
If you don’t have one, use a piece of artwork, or a statement piece of furniture.
Pull Furniture Out from Walls:
Most people push all of their furniture against the walls, but doing this makes a room feel like a hallway or a viewing gallery rather than a space to socialise in with your family.
Instead of doing this, create cosy conversation areas by pulling furniture away from the walls (especially if you’re in a large space) or if in a smaller room, have your central furniture piece against the wall and centre all other pieces around it.
This arrangement promotes better flow and makes the room feel more inviting and spacious.
Touch Up Paint:
Scuffed walls from chaotic family life can make a property look run down and leave a little essence of the owner of the property, making it harder for a viewer to feel as if this could be their new home.
Giving your walls a touch up can help to conceal minor marks such as scuffs and scratches.
Afterwards, your home will look well-maintained and cared for, rather than rundown and unloved. It also creates a brilliant first impression.
Invest in White Bedding:
Investing in high-quality white linens that look crisp and conveys a sense of cleanliness and creates a serene and inviting oasis that appeals to buyers seeking a tranquil retreat.
This versatility allows potential buyers to easily envision their own decor in the space. You can add colour through cushions and a textured throw.