Let your walls speak for your wealth.
No matter which way you spin it, the home is a space that reflects its owner, and while you certainly don’t need to be wealthy to flaunt a flawlessly-decorated home, there are some visually-detestable details that can bring any space down.
In an article for Business Insider, interior designer and content creator Bri MacDonald recently offered a few tips and tricks to avoid “cheapening your space.”
From micro-trendy elements like organic, curved furniture to fake plants, see all of the interior design elements that signal your home could be destitute in the decor department.
Low-quality hardware
If items like cabinet handles, doorknobs and sink fixtures are mismatched or super standard-issue, it may be time to revamp your rooms and replace them.
This interior design faux pas is a fairly easy fix, all things considered. Whether you go for high-quality picks like polished nickel or brass, or venture out of the ordinary with marble, glass or ornate carved pieces, this small change can prove to be a simple solution for instantly elevating a room, MacDonald declared.
Sloppy wiring
In the digital age, when we’ve got more cables, cords and plugs than ever before, wire management is a very real concern for those desiring a clean, organized home.
In some instances, exposed wires from lamps and electronic devices, among other things, are simply unavoidable, but hiding the cables under rugs, behind couches or with strategically placed decorative organizers, like baskets, can do a surprising amount of heavy lifting.
When putting a fixture or appliance in, consider rerouting pesky plugs within the walls of your home in order to elevate its look.
In a pinch, cable organizers that attach to your baseboards or walls will typically do the trick as well.
Generic-looking curtains
Thin, mass-produced curtains can make your place look poor, so shell out the few extra bucks for fitted, proportional curtains and window treatments that actually keep the sun out and protect your privacy.
MacDonald also recommends layering heavier drapes with sheer panelled curtains underneath for a super-chic, luxe look.
Ultra-trendy details
Micro trends aren’t just for fashion. This year has brought forth plenty of briefly buzzy decor trends like statement ceilings, color-drenched rooms and over-the-top maximalism.
However, if you’re in the market for a timeless, elegant space, stay away from whatever the latest and greatest viral trend may be.
Instead, opt for classic finishes like wood and marble, and if you must, incorporate of-the-moment fads in small, easily interchangeable details.
Clutter
Keep the knick-knacks, trinkets and tchotchkes out of high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, and any other entertaining areas. Coffee tables, bookshelves, and other surfaces should strike a balance — thoughtfully curated is key to keep in mind in order to emulate the rich,
Artificial plants
We don’t all have green thumbs, but don’t cheapen your space with $5 flora. Instead, go for a higher-quality fake.
Or, give your nurturing side another chance and invest in low-maintenance vegetation like snake plants, fiddle leaf figs, or palm plants to add some life to your home, MacDonald advises.
Widely available wall decor
Bargain prints and posters are fine for a college dorm room, but in the home of your dreams, impersonal, unsentimental mass-produced pieces are a big no-no.
Family photos, local art, or personalized prints prove to be much better options, and are often favored by MacDonald’s high-end clients.