Decorating your home is like baking a cake—it’s all about the right ingredients, balanced proportions, and a little flair. But let’s be real: not all of us are born with Martha Stewart’s eye for detail!
Sometimes, what starts as a dream to create a stylish, welcoming space ends up looking, well… a little less than chic.
But here’s the good news: turning things around doesn’t mean you need to win the lottery or become a certified interior designer!
So, whether you’re sprucing up a studio apartment or tackling your dream house, these tips will help you avoid the “bargain bin” look and create a space that feels polished, cozy, and uniquely yours.
Ready to elevate your space? Let’s get into it!
1. The Wall Art Epidemic: Too Much or Too Little
We get it—bare walls feel sad. But covering every inch with mismatched prints and motivational quotes isn’t the solution. And let’s not even talk about that giant canvas of Live, Laugh, Love.
Fix It: Choose a focal piece, like a large painting or an oversized mirror, and build around it with smaller, cohesive accents. Think “art gallery,” not “dorm room on steroids.”
2. The Overload of Fake Plants
Sure, real plants take effort, but overloading your home with dusty faux greenery isn’t fooling anyone. Those plastic leaves are practically shouting, “I gave up!”
Fix It: Mix in a few real plants (snake plants and pothos are low-maintenance champs) to balance things out. If you must go faux, invest in high-quality ones that don’t look like they came from the dollar store.
3. Matchy-Matchy Everything
Buying an entire furniture set might seem like a good idea, but it can make your home look like a catalog spread from 2002. Nobody’s fooled by that cookie-cutter vibe.
Fix It: Mix and match textures, colors, and styles to create a curated, lived-in look. Pair that sleek leather sofa with a boho rug or a vintage coffee table.
4. Poor Lighting Choices
Are overhead lights so bright they make your home feel like an interrogation room? Or maybe you’re relying solely on fairy lights that make everything look like a teenage girl’s Pinterest board. Neither is ideal.
Fix It: Layer your lighting. Combine overhead fixtures with table lamps, floor lamps, and even sconces for a warm, inviting glow. And please, invest in some dimmer switches!
5. Rugs That Are Way Too Small
A tiny rug in a large living room is like a napkin trying to pass as a tablecloth. It throws the entire space off balance.
Fix It: Choose a rug that’s big enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on. The bigger the rug, the more polished the space will feel.
6. Overloaded Shelves
We know you’re proud of your collection of ceramic owls, but cramming every inch of your shelves with knick-knacks can make your home look cluttered and chaotic.
Fix It: Embrace the concept of negative space. Group items in odd numbers, vary heights, and leave some empty areas to let your statement pieces shine.
7. Skimpy Curtains
Curtains that barely graze the window frame or stop halfway down the wall can make your space look unfinished and, frankly, a little sad.
Fix It: Go big or go home! Hang your curtains high and wide to give the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows. And always opt for floor-length panels—they add instant elegance.
8. Furniture Pushed Against the Walls
It might seem logical to shove all your furniture to the edges of the room, but it creates a weird void in the center that makes your space feel awkward and uninviting.
Fix It: Pull your furniture inward to create intimate conversation areas. Anchor the arrangement with a large rug to define the space.
9. Too Many Trends, Too Little Timelessness
Yes, that neon pink velvet couch looks cool right now. But when the trend fades (and it will), you’ll be stuck with a giant reminder of your impulse decision.
Fix It: Incorporate trends in smaller, interchangeable ways—think pillows, throws, or art. Keep your larger pieces neutral and classic for a look that won’t date itself in six months.