Transform Your Home: Fixing Design Mistakes That Make Your Space Look Cheap
Studies suggest that a well-designed home significantly impacts mood and perceived value. However, many homeowners inadvertently make common design mistakes. These errors can make even beautiful spaces look cheap and unpolished. The good news is, simple fixes often make a huge difference. This article expands on Blake’s expert advice from the video above. You will learn exactly how to make your home look expensive. Elevate your home’s style without breaking the bank. Your space can reflect luxury and thoughtful design.
1. Ditch Those Grommet Curtains for Tailored Elegance
Grommet curtains often scream “mass-produced.” Their large metal rings punch through the fabric. This creates an awkward, bunched-up effect at the top. The rings rarely match your existing hardware. This detail instantly detracts from your room’s sophistication.
Instead, choose curtains that offer a smooth, fluid drape. Pinch pleat curtains provide a custom, tailored look. Simple rod pocket or back-tab styles also offer cleaner lines. Ensure your curtains skim the floor for an expensive appearance. Even a 10-minute fix can help: remove grommets and add clip rings. This simple swap instantly upgrades your window treatments.
Achieving the Perfect Curtain Look
- **Focus on Length:** Curtains should touch or just kiss the floor. This adds height and drama to your room.
- **Consider Fullness:** Use panels that are 2-3 times the width of your window. This creates a lush, gathered look.
- **Choose Quality Fabric:** Even affordable linen or cotton blends look better. Avoid flimsy, sheer materials for privacy and elegance.
- **Install High and Wide:** Hang your curtain rod several inches above the window frame. Extend it beyond the window’s width. This makes windows appear larger.
2. Avoid the Matchy-Matchy Syndrome: Embrace a Color Story
Picking one accent color can feel safe. Yet, using the exact same shade everywhere looks flat. It often makes a room appear uninspired or like a paint sample exploded. Your turquoise pillow, vase, and lamp make a monotone statement. This lacks visual interest and depth.
Instead, craft a richer color story. Combine different shades of a single color. For example, pair deep teal with lighter seafoam green. Introduce a complementary color for contrast. A warm coral could add vibrancy to your cool palette. This approach adds layers and sophistication. Your home will feel curated, not simply coordinated.
Building a Harmonious Color Palette
- **Monochromatic Magic:** Use various tones, tints, and shades of one color. This creates depth while maintaining unity.
- **Analogous Harmony:** Choose colors next to each other on the color wheel. Blues, greens, and teals naturally complement each other.
- **Complementary Pop:** Select colors opposite on the color wheel for high contrast. Think blue and orange, or purple and yellow. Use the bolder color sparingly.
- **Texture as Color:** Introduce texture to add visual interest. A velvet pillow in one shade looks different from a knitted throw.
3. Curate Your Kitchen: Matching Dishware Matters
Your kitchen cabinets house everyday essentials. A jumbled collection of mismatched dishes can create chaos. This visual clutter makes your kitchen feel untidy. It can diminish the whole room’s aesthetic appeal.
The solution is surprisingly simple and affordable. Invest in a matching set of plates, bowls, and mugs. Even budget-friendly options look elegant when cohesive. All-white dishes offer timeless appeal and versatility. All-black sets provide a modern, sleek vibe. Coordinated patterns also work well. You don’t need to splurge; just choose a unified style.
Selecting Your Cohesive Dishware
- **White is Always Right:** White dishes are versatile and always in style. They allow your food to be the star.
- **Consider Your Style:** Modern, farmhouse, minimalist—choose a set that fits your home’s overall decor.
- **Durability Counts:** Opt for stoneware, porcelain, or melamine for everyday use. They resist chips and wear better.
- **Mix and Match Thoughtfully:** Keep main pieces coordinated. Then, add one or two unique accent plates.
4. Banish Budget Bedding: Layer for a Luxury Hotel Look
Your bed dominates your bedroom. A thin comforter barely covering the mattress looks cheap. Sad, flat pillows and a dusty headboard complete the budget motel vibe. This instantly drags down the entire room’s appearance. It severely impacts your bedroom’s luxurious potential.
Elevate your sleeping space with strategic layering. Go up one size for your duvet or comforter. Use a queen duvet on a full bed, or a king on a queen. This creates an overflowing, plush look. The fabric cascades beautifully, like in a five-star hotel. Add layers of blankets and throws for texture. Invest in fluffy, supportive pillow inserts. Your neck will thank you. These simple upgrades instantly make your bed look thrice its actual cost.
Creating a Dreamy Bedscape
- **Oversized Duvet:** The secret to that luxurious, full look. It should drape generously over the sides.
- **Pillow Power:** Use two sleeping pillows, two shams, and one to three decorative throw pillows. Vary their sizes and textures.
- **Layering Throws:** Add a folded throw blanket at the foot of the bed. Another draped casually over a corner adds coziness.
- **Quality Inserts:** Dense, feather-down or down alternative inserts offer plushness. Avoid flat, shapeless pillows.
5. Rethink Cup Holder Furniture: Choose Style Over Convenience
Furniture with built-in cup holders often prioritizes function over form. While practical, it rarely appears in high-end design. You won’t find them in designer showrooms or luxury hotel lobbies. These pieces often look bulky and overly casual. They evoke a “man cave” rather than a sophisticated living area.
Instead, opt for elegant side tables. These provide the same functionality for drinks and snacks. They also offer versatility for books, plants, or lamps. Side tables contribute to a sleek, refined seating area. They maintain your home’s elevated aesthetic. Your living room will feel much more grown-up and polished.
Stylish Alternatives to Built-In Cup Holders
- **Nesting Tables:** These offer flexible surfaces. Pull them out when needed, tuck them away otherwise.
- **C-Tables:** Slide these under your sofa for easy access. They are perfect for small spaces.
- **Pedestal Tables:** A sleek, minimalist option that adds sculptural interest.
- **Tray Tables:** Portable and chic, ideal for entertaining or changing layouts.
6. Properly Place Your TV: Integrate for Visual Harmony
An awkwardly placed TV can disrupt your entire room. Shoving it into a corner creates an unbalanced focal point. Sitting it on a basic, undersized stand looks like an afterthought. This arrangement can lead to neck strain. It also makes your seating feel disjointed.
Wall mounting is usually the best solution. This frees up floor space. It creates clean lines and allows for proper centering. If mounting isn’t an option, invest in a suitable media console. Choose one that fits your space and style. It should complement your room’s design, not detract from it. Consider integrating it into a gallery wall for an artful touch.
Smart TV Integration Strategies
- **Wall Mount for Clean Lines:** This creates a sleek, modern look. Ensure wires are hidden for a seamless finish.
- **Appropriate Console:** Choose a console that is wider than your TV. It should complement your decor style.
- **Gallery Wall Integration:** Surround your mounted TV with framed art. This makes it part of a larger display.
- **Hidden Projector:** For a truly minimalist look, a hidden projector offers a disappearing act.
7. Declutter Your Closets: Embrace Organized Serenity
Your closet, though behind closed doors, affects your entire home. An overstuffed, chaotic closet creates stress. It makes your bedroom feel cramped and disorganized. Even with doors shut, the underlying clutter permeates the space. You waste time searching for items. Getting dressed becomes a frustrating experience.
The solution is clear: declutter and organize. Remove seasonal items to external storage. Donate anything unworn for a year. Invest in decent, matching hangers. Say goodbye to flimsy wire hangers. Use under-bed storage for out-of-season clothing. Your closet should be functional and peaceful. An organized closet contributes to a serene bedroom environment.
Effective Closet Organization Tips
- **The “One Year Rule”:** If you haven’t worn it in a year, consider donating or selling it.
- **Seasonal Swaps:** Store off-season clothing in vacuum bags or under-bed bins.
- **Matching Hangers:** Slim velvet hangers save space and create a uniform look.
- **Drawer Organizers:** Keep smaller items like socks and underwear tidy.
- **Vertical Storage:** Utilize shelves, cubbies, and shoe racks to maximize space.
8. Edit Your Displays: Less is More for Visual Impact
Crowded shelves and surfaces overwhelm the eye. Displaying too many items cheapens your home’s appearance. Every souvenir, photo, and book competes for attention. This creates visual noise. Nothing truly stands out or gets appreciated. Your space can feel cluttered and busy.
Embrace the design principle of “editing.” Choose a few standout pieces to display. Give them ample room to shine. Think of a single, beautiful piece of art. It creates more impact than twenty cramped smaller pieces. Apply this to shelves, coffee tables, and mantels. Your home will feel calmer and more sophisticated. Each displayed item will feel special and intentional.
Mastering the Art of Display Editing
- **Curated Vignettes:** Group items in odd numbers (3 or 5) for visual balance. Vary heights and textures.
- **Negative Space:** Allow for empty areas around your displayed items. This lets them breathe and stand out.
- **Focal Points:** Decide what you want to highlight in each area. Let that piece be the star.
- **Rotate Your Decor:** Don’t display everything at once. Swap items seasonally to keep things fresh.
9. Infuse Personality: Avoid Generic Decor
On the flip side of over-decorating lies generic decor. Spaces that lack personality feel sterile and lifeless. They resemble a showroom, not a lived-in home. This often happens when people fear taking design risks. They stick to safe, neutral choices. The result is a home without soul, however nice it may be.
Add unique, personal items that reflect your individuality. Incorporate artwork from local artists. Hunt for vintage finds at flea markets. Display books you genuinely read. Nurture vibrant houseplants. These elements make your space feel rich and inviting. They tell your story and create a truly welcoming atmosphere. Your home will feel distinctly yours, not just another house.
Adding Personality Without Clutter
- **Travel Treasures:** Display meaningful souvenirs. Group them together for impact.
- **Family Photos:** Use a cohesive frame style. Create a gallery wall or a single framed statement.
- **Handmade Art:** Support local artists. Choose pieces that speak to your aesthetic.
- **Greenery:** Plants add life, texture, and natural beauty. Select pots that complement your decor.
10. Make Smart Purchases: Prioritize Timeless Over Trendy
You don’t need a massive budget to make your home look expensive. However, you must be smart about your spending. Impulse buys or chasing every trend can lead to regret. Fast fashion for your home often looks outdated quickly. These purchases frequently don’t integrate well with existing pieces. This results in a disjointed, cheap-looking space.
Focus on smart, curated purchases. Invest in timeless pieces for foundational furniture. Think classic sofas, sturdy tables, and elegant lighting. Add trendy elements through easily changeable items. Pillows, artwork, and plants are perfect for this. Do your homework before you buy. Consider how new items fit your existing decor. A few good pieces are better than many cheap ones. These small tweaks make a significant impact. They help your home achieve an effortlessly chic and expensive look.
