12 Common Poor Home Decors That Scream “Low Quality”

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Your home reflects your personality and the decor is what makes it a true home. In an effort to decorate, sometimes, we make choices that we don’t realize aren’t helping our spaces. There are so many pitfalls when it comes to your home decor, from outdated trends to awkward arrangements, that can leave your home looking, well, low quality.

The following are some of the most common culprits, and how to avoid them.

Never Changing Flower Vases

Beautiful still life composition with green glass vases and ivy leaves on a table. — Photo Credit: Pixabay

Flowers are supposed to liven up a room. If you have the same wilting petals sitting on your table for months, it’s time for an update. If you desire elegance without having to constantly upkeep, try swapping in fresh blooms or even a minimalist design such as pampas grass. Flowers can make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are like sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.

Bare Walls Behind Appliances

The area behind your appliances is a big blank canvas looking for love. If you’re like me, you don’t want the wall behind your refrigerator, stove, or washer and dryer to remain stark white. Peel and stick backsplash, fun pattern, or even a small shelf for cooking essentials or decor items.

Outdated Liquor Cabinets

Liquor cabinets often have a sophisticated reputation, however that will quickly go from sophisticated to tacky if outdated or over stuffed. Dusty bottles and mismatched glasses put in a cabinet make a bad impression. A clunky old cabinet can easily be replaced with a sleek bar cart or some floating shelves to bring some modern flair to your space. Quality always wins here, remember that.

Too Many Products in Your Medicine Cabinet

Never let your shelves be overloaded with expired products and half used toiletries. Having a clean organized cabinet not only makes your mornings easier but it’s also calming. In fact, according to an NIH study, over 40 percent of Americans have expired medication in their homes, so begin by clearing those out. A tidy, easy to navigate setup is created using bins or dividers.

Faux Plants Everywhere

If you have a black thumb, faux plants are a lifesaver, but too many of them can look cheap. You can certainly have one well placed artificial plant, but a jungle of fake greenery? Not so much. When possible, go with real plants, snake plants and pothos are forgiving, or get great quality faux plants that look real.

Inspirational Quotes Everywhere

Bright desk setup featuring a motivational quote, potted plant, and cup of pens. — Photo Credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels

The occasional sprinkle of motivational quotes here and there can be cute, but when every wall is screaming Live, Laugh, Love, it’s too much. Instead, use personal touches, such as family photos, artwork, or even something framed from a trip that’s a favorite. Quotes should be minimal and meaningful i.e. think one, well placed quote that really speaks to you.

Cheap-Looking Light Fixtures

Properties with Poor Lighting — Image Credit: Emrah Tolu via pexels

A room can be made or broken by lighting, and cheap, builder grade fixtures will always bring everything down. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a dramatic chandelier or trendy pendant light; a quick spray paint coat on an existing fixture can work wonders. Nate Berkus, an interior designer, says lighting is ‘one of the most important elements’ in a home. It’s the jewelry of the room,” he says. Treat it as such.

Pushing Furniture Against Wall

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It might be a natural inclination to have your furniture pushed all the way to the edges of the room, but that will rarely make the space feel warm and connected. Pull the furniture inward and add a rug to anchor the arrangement, and you now have cozy conversation areas. This layout trick makes small spaces feel more inviting.

Overloaded Bookshelves

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When you overload bookshelves with books and knick knacks, you end up with visual clutter. Leave some breathing room in between items and group items by either color or theme. A few decorative pieces, like a small sculpture, or maybe some framed photo can really bring the whole thing together.

Mismatch of Styles

Mishmash of completely unrelated styles can be chaotic, even if eclectic decor is exciting. When you mix mid century modern with rustic farmhouse or sleek minimalism with ornate Victorian decor, you need something to bring them all together. If you pick a dominant style, let other influences be the supporting roles.

Rug Size Gone Wrong

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A rug that’s too small for the room will leave your space disjointed. Ideally, it is a good idea to have a rug big enough to allow the front legs of your furniture to sit on it. If you aren’t sure, size up; a larger rug will make a room feel bigger and more cohesive.

Ignoring the Entryway

The most neglected part of your home is your entryway, which sets the tone for your home. A bare or barren entrance is uninviting. To make it functional and inviting, add a small console table, a mirror or a stylish coat rack. It’s a bit of a small space, but it’s got a big punch.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.