10 Quick Fixes That Are Making Your Home Look Less Expensive
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You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to achieve a stylish and inviting home, but small mistakes can unintentionally make it look worse. Even with the best intentions, some design choices or details you make or overlook can cheapen the entire look.
But first, recognizing these common missteps will help you elevate your home’s aesthetic. Below are some easy-to-fix issues that may deter potential buyers from making an offer.
Uncoordinated Light Fixtures
Mismatched light fixtures in different rooms can give your home an uneven feel that decreases its marketability. A big difference can be made by updating to more cohesive fixtures or at least ensuring similar finishes. Warm toned bulbs will create a cozy feel, as well as the lighting plays a major role in setting the mood. Also, don’t choose fixtures which are too ornate or too cheap looking (not matching your home’s style).
Cluttered Surfaces
Keeping your surfaces filled with knickknacks, papers, or random items makes your room feel chaotic and less upscale. By selecting just a few statement pieces, surfaces immediately become cleaner and more intentional. Put necessary items in style into trays or containers. Organizing and minimalizing surfaces creates a sophisticated and ordered feel.
Too Many Patterns
When you have multiple clashing patterns, especially in one room, it can feel overwhelming, and the space will feel cheap. Use a few bold patterns and balance them with neutrals or solid colors. Classic patterns such as stripes or simple geometric shapes are a safe bet for a timeless look. This way, each pattern can stand out without overwhelming the senses.
Visible Electrical Cords
If you have exposed cords and wires, the space will seem unfinished and an eyesore. Cord covers or discreetly tucking them behind furniture to hide them away are your best options to tidy them up. Also, investing in cordless solutions where possible, such as wireless chargers, helps to keep your work area clean. This gives you a polished, modern look with a sleek, cord-free environment.
Overstuffed Furniture
According to Pretty Simple Ideas, more oversized or bulky furniture that doesn’t fit well in the room can make your home feel cramped and mismatched. Try to find a balance between pieces that fit proportionally in the room’s dimensions. If you’re working with limited space, consider lighter fabrics and slimmer designs. They create an open, airy atmosphere and help with flow.
Outdated or Damaged Hardware
Worn-out cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and door knobs make the whole room seem dated. A budget-friendly way to update the space without major renovation is by replacing hardware. A great look for timeless finishes would be brushed nickel or matte black. You can even get a fresh and sophisticated vibe with minor hardware upgrades.
Ignoring Window Treatments
Bare windows or out-of-date blinds that don’t fit the windows detract from the elegance of your home. Go for tailored curtains or simple shades with a taste that goes well with the colors and design of the room. Curtains from floor to ceiling can increase height and luxury in any room. Well-fitted window treatments, and ones that are as clean as possible, really help to make a cohesive, polished look.
Too Many Family Photos
A little bit of personal touches are nice, but too many family photos will make your house feel too cluttered and personalized. Instead, limit photos to select frames or create a gallery wall just for photos. Hang a few deco mirrors or apply your favorite art pieces to achieve diversity and class. The right balance strikes between letting your space feel personal without overwhelming visitors.
Cheap Rugs
A small or thin rug can leave your space feeling incomplete and detract from the entire decor. Go with rugs that are the right size for each room and help create comfort and warmth. Consider layering a neutral base rug and a patterned top rug for a few more added depth and style. Quality rugs help bring texture and cohesiveness into the room by investing.
Overdone Themes
Rooms that go a little too far with one particular theme — nautical, farmhouse, etc. — can come off as a little too kitschy and cheesy rather than refined. The key is subtlety and using only a few thematic accents rather than overwhelming the room. If you want to (without actually committing), use colors, textures, and decor elements that suggest a theme. Make sure your style is well-balanced.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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