Installing Cheap Cabinet Hardware
If a kitchen renovation isn’t in the cards for you, simply swapping your cabinet hardware could be the next best thing, says designer Whitney Riter Gelinas of Wit Interiors. “It might seem like an easy place to save some money, but cheap powder-coated pulls or knobs will instantly make your space look cheap. We always suggest solid metal hardware. Conversely, expensive hardware on a less expensive cabinet can elevate the whole look instantly.”
Painting a Small Room in a Light Color
While your instincts might lead you to go light in a compact room, interior designer Emily Henderson believes the opposite can make a bigger impact. “This may feel counter-intuitive, but I’ve had to learn this lesson a couple of times. Painting a small dark room a light color will almost always make it feel smaller and lifeless. Go for a dark, rich color instead. The room will feel simultaneously larger and cozier.”
Not Layering Lighting
There’s nothing like a room that’s outfitted with the right lighting choices — a blend of stylish overhead fixtures, paired with other options like sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps.
A room can feel “flat and uninviting” if you only focus on overhead fixtures, says Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes Interiors. “To create a more refined and high-end look, incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Table lamps, sconces, and dimmable options not only enhance functionality but also add warmth and dimension, elevating the overall atmosphere of your home.”
Settling for Poorly Scaled Furniture
Another easy way to make a room feel cheap is picking furnishings with the wrong scale. Furniture and decor shouldn’t be too big or too small. “The scale should relate to the size of the room and surroundings,” says designer and home stager Meridith Baer. “For instance, small art on a large wall is incongruous. A large chair in front of a small desk makes no sense.”
Choosing the Wrong Size Rug
Rug size is one of the most common mistakes designers see in homes. A rug that is too small for the space will make the room feel disjointed, while the right-sized rug anchors the furniture and ties the whole room together. When in doubt, size up — a larger rug almost always looks more intentional and polished than one that leaves furniture legs floating on bare floor.
