Have you spent enough time thinking about the interior style, and spent a significant amount on renovations and furnishings, but the result is still not particularly impressive or generally looks unpresentable and cheap? We tell you exactly what little things spoil your interior, visually simplifying it.
1. Plastic window sills
A plastic window sill may seem like a fairly practical and economical solution, but there is a caveat: it looks cheap.
There are many alternative options, from natural stone and wood to their high-quality substitutes.
2. Cheap sockets and switches
Many people consider switches and sockets to be insignificant little things that do not catch the eye – and therefore are not worth attention and expense.
However, it is often the little things that create the mood in the interior: stylish switches will instantly become the highlight of the decor, but cheap models will visually simplify it.
3. Economy accessories
Another little thing that seems insignificant to many is fittings. Cheap options can seriously spoil the appearance of your interior in general and furniture in particular.
Always try to replace basic simple handles with more beautiful and stylish ones. This will not only give the space a neat shine but will also make the furnishings more unique (which is especially true if you purchased them in a mass market).
4. Poor lighting scenarios
A single light bulb in the center of the ceiling in the kitchen instantly spoils the entire impression of the decor.
Try to carefully think through lighting scenarios: if the living room has an area for reading and relaxation, it would be logical to place a floor lamp or sconce nearby. Good work light is a must in the cooking area, and a chandelier above the table is an important component of a stylish dining room.
By the way, poor lighting not only reduces the cost of the interior: dark corners also visually “eat up” the space.
5. Decor from the mass market
Recognizable decor from the mass market is the worst thing that can happen to your interior. Agree, it’s a shame to buy a painting, say, at IKEA, and then see it on the wall in every second cafe?
If you think that you can’t do without decorative items from popular home hypermarkets, try to choose less recognizable items and focus on those that you can at least partially change (for example, insert your poster into a photo frame or pick up an original candle holder for a wax candle ).
And of course, you should not purchase inexpensive textiles from mass producers: they play too important a role in the setting, so treat the choice of curtains, carpets, rugs, and decorative pillows with maximum attention.
6. Chaotic placement of small items
Even the most expensive rack will instantly lose its appearance if all kinds of boxes, souvenirs from trips, incompatible photo frames, and other little things are randomly placed on its shelves.
Of course, you shouldn’t give up on things dear to your heart and hide them in a far corner. However, open storage and decor should be as organized as possible and united by one color scheme or stylistic direction.
7. Fridge magnets
Something that many still cannot give up is a collection of magnets on the refrigerator. It looks motley, a bit dirty, and creates visual noise, but is not crowded out of most interiors. What is the reason? In the emotions we get when looking at our “trophies” from trips.
There are two ways to get rid of magnets on the refrigerator without losing the emotional component. The first is to organize a specially designated place for magnets: for example, a large magnetic board in a beautiful frame will help turn this “designer’s nightmare” into a stylish and unusual decorative element. The second is to bring back more functional souvenirs from your trips. Let’s say cups or kitchen towels.
8. Kitchen Area
Kitchen furniture, which is a set of a table and a corner bench, so popular several decades ago, is hopelessly outdated.
It not only cheapens the interior but also makes it extremely old-fashioned and irrelevant.
9. Kitchen apron made of chipboard
A beautiful kitchen backsplash can transform even an inexpensive set.
And on the contrary: a cheap chipboard apron can instantly spoil the impression of even a fairly stylish kitchen.
10. Unorganized storage
Spontaneous “warehouse” on cabinets, messy open storage, shapeless stacks of books – all these little things create a general feeling of chaos and disorder and simplify the situation.
Try to minimize clutter; boxes, baskets, caskets, and containers will help with this.
11. Inattentive choice of dishes
Serving utensils that do not combine in any way with each other or with the furnishings of the dining area reveal the cheapness of the interior.
Try to select dishes in the same style, focusing on the interior and style of your dining room.
12. Plastic curtain rods
You should not buy low-quality plastic curtain rods: they will look cheap.
They will also spoil the impression of your stylish and beautiful curtains.
13. Polyurethane “stucco”
Such a popular “stucco molding” made of polyurethane, contrary to the hopes of many, does not at all look like a worthy replacement for gypsum.
If you still can’t do without this design element, at least paint the polyurethane parts in the color of the walls, so they will look more natural and not so cheap.
14. Like a classic
The desire to decorate an interior in a classic style on a budget often results in the furnishings looking like a fake classic. This style involves very expensive furniture, low-budget natural materials, as well as the use of certain recognizable techniques (the principle of symmetry, characteristic patterns, and free-standing bathtub).
If you are determined to create an interior in a classic style but are not ready to spend astronomical sums, check out our selection of budget life hacks on this topic.
15. Imitation loft
Another style, deceptive in its simplicity and far from budget-friendly in reality, is loft. Those who think that it is worth sticking imitation brick on the walls, and putting together a coffee table from rough boards – and here it is, industrial style, end up with an uncomfortable space that strongly smacks of cheapness.
If you are not confident in your design abilities, turn to calmer, laconic, and neutral styles: Scandinavian, neoclassical, eco-style.
16. Buying all furniture and decor in one place
A common mistake is to purchase all furniture, lamps, and accessories from one manufacturer. You don’t want your home to look like a typical picture from a furniture catalogue, do you?
Be a little creative, combine products from different brands in your decor, and don’t forget about vintage items and handmade decor.
17. Inappropriate details
Elements that instantly simplify the situation are inappropriate details. An abstract poster in a classic interior, a voluminous crystal chandelier in a small, laconic kitchen, and bright African prints in a minimalist space.
Bold combinations are appropriate only in specific styles – eclecticism, fusion – and require serious skill. If you are not particularly confident in your abilities, it is better to turn to more proven techniques.
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