14 Martha Stewart Decor Hacks That Are So Wrong, Yet So Right

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America’s top domestic authority has been Martha Stewart for years. Often polished, classic, and endlessly elegant are her decor advice. However, even the queen of “good things” has been known to break the rules, sometimes breaking them so far that we have to wonder if she’s joking or if she’s dead serious. Her quirky decor hacks are great reminders that in a world obsessed with trends and perfection…the best solutions sometimes come from the mixing of things that (on first glance) may appear disjointed in weird ways.

Martha’s hacks aren’t your run of the mill Pinterest suggestions — these aren’t your typical suggestions, they go off the beaten path, sparking a bit of shock and awe for every twist, but they somehow work, and in a charming, whimsical and practical way.

Headboards Using Vintage Doors

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Martha is a fan of a good vintage door, and instead of hiding it away, she says to use it as a headboard. It’s a little offbeat, doors are for entryways and not bedrooms, right? However, this can be a great hack to give a house some rustic and unique charm on your bedroom if you like farm house and boho ones. An old door with weathered look and detailed woodwork draws attention to itself both functionally and visually, adding a story all its own to your bed.

Hanging Plates as Wall Art

Why do plates have to be on tables? Martha encourages hanging them up as wall decor, and yes, we mean actual dinner plates. If you have a collection of beautiful plates, put them out in your dining room or kitchen. Mismatches of shape, color, and pattern can make a plain wall into an art piece with a personality and a character. Repurposing items that might otherwise be stashed in a cupboard is a brilliant way to do it.

Garden Tools Repurposed as Decor

No one would think of using garden tools as indoor decor but Martha would. A row of vintage garden tools mounted on the wall of a mudroom or hallway sounds bizarre, but has a quirky charm. Polishing these tools just a bit can make them primitive pieces of decor alluding to functionality and nostalgia. This hack adds a little outdoorsy, earthy vibe to the home without a flower pot in site.

Expanding Small Spaces With Mirrors

Mirrors are Martha’s swears, she knows how to make tight spaces look deeper and lighter using mirrors. Instead of just hanging them on a wall, she suggests putting a group of mirrors of varying shapes and sizes. This ‘mirror collage’ approach can make a space appear larger and brighter, but it’s also a bold statement. In other words, it’s a look that says, “Yes, I’m into self reflection… literally.” According to an Architectural Digest report, mirrors can make rooms look larger, something Martha has been touting for years.

Painting Ceilings Bold Color

Man Polishing the Ceiling — Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Traditionally ceilings are painted white or off white to add openness and airiness. Martha, however, does suggest painting in bright navy or emerald green. Bold choice is a good choice, it elevates the eye upward and creates a room of dynamism and layered feel. Depth is added to a simple room with a colorful ceiling that doesn’t overwhelm.

Using Faux Fruit in Centerpieces

Martha likes to use faux fruit in her centerpieces instead of real fruit because it’s pricey and can spoil quickly. That might sound a little bit kitschy, but there’s a logic to it. Faux fruit comes in a vibrant pop of color, doesn’t fade and, when chosen well, can look surprisingly realistic. If you’re someone that loves a good bowl of lemons, but hate the weekly grocery store restock, this hack is the best of both worlds. And you won’t have to worry about any ‘apple gone bad’ surprises.

Wine Bottles Upcycled Into Vases

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Usually empty wine bottles wind up in the recycling bin, but not in Martha’s world. So, she says, clean them out and reuse them as vases. The clear or green glass bottles sound a bit odd but they give a minimalist, earthy touch to any room. You can have a stylish budget friendly decor piece just by adding a few flowers or branches. .

Layering Rugs for Texture

Martha’s advice? You don’t have to stop with just one rug, layer them! Rugs of all shapes, sizes and colors together may seem like a decorating taboo, but it adds a special warmth and depth to a room. This hack works especially well in a high living room or an open floor plan. It also allows you to mix materials like wool and jute to get a tactile experience underfoot.

Decorating With Driftwood

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Martha has a knack for making driftwood look like a decor item, which might seem strange at first, but this coastal look works. A bit of driftwood strategically placed on a shelf or in its own table centerpiece gives off an earthy organic twist to your decor. It’s a free decor piece, with a fun story, and it has a natural, beachy feel to it but doesn’t come off too forced.

Mixing Patterns Fearlessly

Mixing patterns is a big no no in most decor guidelines. Martha’s a fan of stripes, florals, and plaids in a good mix. She believes that as long as you have a consistent color palette, you can pretty much go crazy. Using this tip enables you to play with your decor a bit, adding a little unpredictability without feeling chaotic. A little clash of patterns is the perfect way to make a whole lot of character to a room, so go ahead and trust your inner designer.

Turning Bookshelves to Mini Gardens

Photo of A Wooden Bookshelf — Photo Credit: Karl Solano/ Pexels

Martha suggests turning bookshelves into little green havens, by planting a variety of small plants alongside your books. The greenery makes what is typically a static space come alive. It sounds unconventional, but it works. Indoor plants can also improve mood and reduce stress, according to studies by ResearchGate, so you’re not just adding decor, you’re adding well being.

Decorating With Empty Frames

Martha has proven that hanging empty frames is an elegant way to make wall art, it may seem counterintuitive but it can be done. If you want to fill your wall with images without overloading it, you can work with intricate frames and choose them to add depth and dimension. This hack adds a little bit of gallery feel to your decor that will add subtle elegance to any room.

Using Bedspreads as Curtains

If you have a beautiful bedspread, why spend money on expensive curtains? For a textured, bohemian look, Martha suggests hanging a lightweight bedspread in place of curtains. Sure, it’s unconventional, but it also allows for more color and pattern choices than standard curtains. Also, the fabric is thicker and gives more privacy and insulation.

Stacking Trunks as End Tables

Trunks aren’t just for storage in Martha’s decor playbook. Instead, she suggests stacking vintage trunks and using them as end tables. This hack is a fun way to add a bit of nostalgia and will be a great conversation starter. Also, it’s a wonderful way to create a functional and unique space while showing again that sometimes tacky decor ideas are just what a room needs.

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