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Whether you live in your first apartment or dwell in the same house for years, decorating interiors is quite a task. While some see it as a fun and fulfilling challenge, most people instantly feel overwhelmed by myriads of complex and, more importantly, expensive choices when trying to make their humble abode feel more put together.

Of course, there’s no arguing about taste being a matter of preference, and it’s great to make your home feel like you. But interior design is a tricky game to play, and certain solutions may not turn out as expected. So recently, TikToker Krishnan Rajaratnam, who goes by the handle @interiorbykrish, revealed several decor mistakes that might make your home look cheap, and people online are divided.

From crushed diamond mirror furniture to the "Live Laugh Love" type of decorations, we’ve gathered some common faux pas homeowners might want to steer clear of. So take out your notebooks, grab your pens, and decide for yourself whether you agree with them. Also, read on for our in-depth interview filled with handy tips from an award-winning interior designer Linda Merrill. Then if you’re interested in even more questionable home decor trends, then check out Bored Panda's previous piece about it right here.

The task of furnishing and decorating your home can be a daunting experience, especially when you realize how expensive it is. We reached out to an expert in the field, an award-winning New England-based interior designer Linda Merrill. She is a renowned author of the Surroundings blog filled with clever and creative solutions to help anyone lost in the design world to come up with stunning decors.

According to Merrill, there are plenty of simple tweaks for low and even no-cost decorating that are both beautiful and functional. For example, when searching for affordable furniture and accessories, the interior designer suggested looking at second-hand, consignment stores, or Facebook Marketplace — places filled with great pieces waiting for a new home.

"This is especially true if you live in an area with a mix of high-end homes and towns where more affluent people are redecorating more frequently and are more likely to be getting rid of better-quality furnishings," Merrill told Bored Panda. "Don’t be afraid of vintage pieces — they are better quality than low-cost items made today and with a little cleaning, painting or reupholstering, you could have a like new item for a fraction of the cost."

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Another inexpensive solution that can make your pad look and feel more put together is paint. "[It] is relatively cheap for the impact it offers and while it requires labor, touching up tired paint on trim and walls, or repainting entirely will freshen up a space significantly." If you’re in a rental, Merrill has recently written a blog post with some ideas on decorating that will work as well, so be sure to take a peek right here.

Merrill pointed out that fabric is a reasonably-priced decorating option that can instantly make a difference. "I’m a big fan of the magic of fabric. It helps to be able to sew, of course. But when I was young and on a no-money budget, I would use sheets to make curtains, bedding, shower curtains and pillows. They come in such pretty patterns and are available at all price points," the interior designer said.

Of course, there are also several no-cost solutions that can make your residence look more put together. "For no money, spend time re-organizing, decluttering and simply re-imagining how you’re using your rooms and can you move things around. We hang a picture and then stop looking at it. Moving things around will make them feel like new (or at least seen!)."

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The interior designer shared a few common decorating mistakes to have in mind when updating your space. First, she explained that old furniture that looks worn out should be repaired to give it a fresh look. "Rachel Ashwell marketed the Shabby Chic aesthetic, which is a feminine take on aged and used-looking items. It’s a gift to be able to turn chippy furniture and frayed fabric edges into a chic (and also expensive) brand. But in reality, nothing looks cheaper than chipped, tired-looking pieces," Merrill explained, adding that a bit of repairing and touching up will always up the whole look.

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Another mistake some homeowners make is bad lighting. "Regardless of how expensive, or inexpensive, an interior is, if the lighting is terrible, it will look terrible," she told us. "Overhead bright lights are reminiscent of being under investigation. Hard on the eyes and makes you look terrible. Don’t rely on just a single ceiling light wherever possible." Merrill suggested avoiding this by simply adding a few table and floor lamps is key. "Also, dimmers are your best friend when it comes to lighting. Switching out standard switches for dimmers is a relatively easy DIY project that will give all your rooms flexibility in the lighting."

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dorothea avatar
Thea
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one sounds entitled, this is a space saver for people in small spaces, shouldnt be considered anything else but practical.

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Sally Horrocks
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there really people who, when visiting a house, stick their head in the shower and then pass judgement on it?

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Falcon dimi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no. People can see that I wash my clothes. The horror of having to put the machine where you have space for it.

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When it comes to timeless design choices that can instantly spruce up your home and require little effort, Merrill said that curb appeal is definitely something to consider. "Adding pretty pots of flowers, a fun doormat and a freshly painted front door will up the look overall. The author Edith Wharton said in her book The Decoration of Houses (pub. 1897) that the transition from outside to inside should be as smooth and easy as possible." According to the interior designer, the outside should set up what’s happening on the inside. "If the outside looks tired and lackluster, the inside will feel the same."

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Of course, one of the most important aspects of making your house look stunning is rather simple — declutter. A messy home takes away from the charming space that might be lurking below, Merrill said. "Decluttering and having storage systems in place (such as baskets) to contain toys, clothes, etc., will turn a space around immediately. In the same vein, collections of small items (collectible teapots or action figures) are not elegant unless housed and displayed with intention," she mentioned.

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Snorky The Pig
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, depends on the pattern, I know people with scrolly brocade carpet and it looks luxe in a carved-wood living room.

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If you’re in the middle of redecorating or feel overwhelmed by the daunting process of designing your own home, Merrill advised you to have patience and be flexible. "Everything is more expensive and is taking longer these days. Long-lead times are annoying but unavoidable much of the time. If you love something, it’s worth the wait. If it’s not worth the wait, you might not love it as much as you think."

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Downunderdude
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh? Aren't shelves for putting things on? Otherwise, what's the point of having them? Is this shelf 'cluttered'?

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AbenteurPirat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dunno where you live mate, but i've frankly never been to a country where it seemed they hid them. These days interesting designs for your radiators are actually all the rage?!

pebs_1 avatar
pebs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Italy, sometimes the heating is underfloor radiant panels (a terrifying thing in case of leaks), but there is nothing wrong with exposed radiators.

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LEGOPernille
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't cover radiators in countries where you depend on their funktion...

julian-mallett avatar
Downunderdude
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree the stain is ick, but if your heating is radiators, what are you supposed to do?

bankristel avatar
yxkb
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want maximum from it, you can't cover it. In coming winter a nice warm radiator is certainly a pice of luxury in Europe.

sonozakiblog avatar
ReallyBoredRedPanda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I created this account solely to trash on this list. What kind of entitled dumbums worked on this?? Touch some grass already, you are out of reality.

caseymcalister avatar
Casey McAlister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But they give off more warmth when they are exposed. If you cover them with some panel or whatever you are gonna waste more energy to warm up your room.

cawaran166 avatar
Cawaran
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, the opposite is true. In my country in the 70s covers for radiators were all the rage. People bought these wooden boxes (perforated, because you have to let the heat out somehow) and they are horrible.

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Makajha Banjjjak
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think our whole eastern block had them😅 maybe post communism look is 'rich' now

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Mona Renouf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm really interesting? How can your main source of heat make your place look cheap? So writer suggesting go without heat? Cover it up by hiding with a piece of furniture and be cold. Try to hide it and create a fire hazard and be unsafe? The stain might not be something that can easily or safely be taken care of, unless you have the manufacturer come in and repaint unit or properly remove the stain. I usually don’t comment on things but this writers list seems quite harsh and they must not live in the same world we live in. Life isn’t perfect.

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Roland Gosselin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whaaaaat ? They are exposed in every single home in Europe. They are even part of the decoration sometimes - when they are particularly old (19th century) or when they have a very modern design.

hypoxia avatar
Hypoxia Smurf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure, that old tenement on Manhattan's Lower East side I once lived in was a condemned X-flat, but at least the exposed radiators still worked. Whew!

kathrynbaylis avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The older ones in buildings like that, which were not only poorly ventilated to begin with, but also where the landlord or the super, and not the tenants, had control of the thermostat, gave off so much heat, people started opening their windows when it got too stifling to sleep (different times, when it was incredibly cheap to run a furnace full blast to heat the water to stream). That’s where the idea of sleeping with an open window in winter came from. Not necessarily for fresh air, but to keep from having to live and sleep in an apartment that was turning into a sweat lodge.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our house is older, and has the old coil radiators in it, the same kind of radiators I grew up with. I like them. I like the way they clank while heating up and cooling down. I like hearing the hiss of the steam passing through them (add to that the sound of the wind whistling through the eaves, a faraway train whistle, and the clanking as it passes over the tracks, all while I’m snuggled in and warm in my bed, and it’s like I’m right back in my childhood bedroom). My cats LOVE sleeping on top of them when they’re warm—-and, believe me, if you turn them up and keep them up for a couple hours so they get good and hot, the house gets toasty, and you can turn them off before you go to bed, yet still have a warm house when you get up. Because, even though they may be turned off, they’re still radiating heat while they cool off, and that can take hours.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine do now. We keep folded fleeces on top of their favorite radiators (they love the one in the upstairs bathroom because it’s semi private, as it’s partially hidden by the sink cabinet), so it’s more comfortable for them.

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Bryan With A Why
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Covering radiators is literally the definition of "fire hazard." Please please don't cover your radiators because this author lives in a warm climate and doesn't know any better.

joelystone avatar
Jojo40
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes and that concludes the tour of the house. What's that you ask? Heating... Of course, there's heating allow me to show you the closet where the radiator is kept. You will of course need to keep this door shut at all times or face the risk of your house being unappealing to your judgmental friends.

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Janet Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are much more effective when they are exposed. Again, whatever is in keeping with the age of the home.

damonhill avatar
Seadog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen some renovations have a cover over the rads. And in some places, people seek out homeowners doing renovations hoping they're removing their rads and just want them gone. I'm 4+ years into a reno on a 1920 bungalow and a guy removed all the rads, associated piping, dealt with the asbestos wrap and removed the inoperable boiler for free in exchange for the rads and scrap metal. System was last operational in the late 70's. I think I get the best end of that deal.

yellowsyringe153 avatar
Yeeters
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where the hell does the person that made it even live??

jermabor avatar
Gabor Jermann
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Radiators MUST be exposed 😃 dude, have you studied any Physics?!? For crying out loud…

miotro avatar
Reinaldo Fuentes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this one is just about whether radiators are even a thing where you live. If you live in cookie-cutter suburbia, they probably look strange and poorly thought out since all your HVAC is hidden behind the walls, but you can't do that in older buildings in urban areas.

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Kelly Hartle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, if you cover them up, it's not only inefficient, it's also a fire hazard.

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Tam hall
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved having these. Nothing better in the winter using a pot of water for a humidifier.

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Lori Fuqua
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as they are kept clean and have good paint job or whatever, it is what it is, heat source, don't always have a way to get rid of them

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Joseph rick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always cover these even outdoor balcony heat pump units have covers.

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ADHD McChick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, but does the author not realize how prohibitively expensive and difficult (involved) it would be, to replace an entire house's heating system?? And covering them, like someone else said, would just make them less efficient. If you could even do that, without creating a fire hazard. You can't always, you know. This list is ludicrous.

threenorns avatar
three norns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't they have to be exposed to, you know, work? I guess that's true: stick them in a box and your heating bill will not be so cheap!

annaclaes avatar
Anna Claes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, exposed radiators are an extremely classic and vintage piece indicative of the original era of the home. Keeping them is a choice by lots of people with early 1900s homes that want to honor the originality of their piece of history!

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heather gray
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you hid them more likely to end up with code violations as apose to offending some snob

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Syringa Wessels
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what do you want people to do with their radiators? brick them up?

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Farmer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better cover that radiator up because we'd rather have a fire hazard than for someone to find out we have a heater

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Ioana Vilcovschi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well then I guess I'll just cover mine with wet clothes then to hide them. 😄

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As long as you keep the radiator clean (to avoid dust/dirt transfer onto your clean damp clothes), that’s actually a good idea. You can also hang clothes over it (if your windows and blinds/drapes are clean too) to dry them, or invest in one of those foldable wooden clothes drying racks to put next to it.

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Dani Bradford
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't know you could hide radiators. I thought they had to uncovered to work (I know squat about radiators).

harrison-ilene2016 avatar
Lucy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously!!!! Um Mr landlord I don't need heat so please remove radiator because it supposedly looks cheap. Sheesh some of these are truly ridiculous 🙄

jeffjansen avatar
Jeff Jansen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Radiant heaters need to be exposed to function. That's how radiation (as opposed to conduction or convection) works.

c_26 avatar
C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never in my life have a seen a hidden radiator. They are hot. They heat the house. They have to be exposed. Omg the person who wrote this is an idiot.

larsm avatar
Lars M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never had a radiator, and so this is not an issue for me. However, I would not want one that had a rust stain dripping down its side.

tbrig avatar
TR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dont know how you hide these in 300 year old houses. This list is stupid

dimardega avatar
DiMardega
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The individual(s) who wrote this opinion appears to have little Interior Design/Architecture/Art History knowledge. An exposed radiator when displayed in good condition, are a unique piece of art, history, not to mention a conversation starter; even those not working.

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rehanne garvey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, just rip them off the wall and put them away you Scoundrels

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Vladimíra Matejová
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in floor heating cannot substitute for normal heating in colder climates. my parents have both

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no_name
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never been in a house or flat where radiators weren't exposed. Oh, wait... I was. But people living there were really, really incredibly poor and they didn't have ANY radiators, just one minuscule heather for two rooms together, so not sure it's a win

renate_stargardt avatar
Awsomemom52
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, then almost all German houses look cheap. 😂 Well, at least not all rooms are the same temperature... some rooms are not even heated at all, when not in use. Strange concept... I know! And there are towel radiators in the bathroom, that provide warm bath towels 😝

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Upstaged75
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My college had radiators. I really don't miss accidentally burning my feet on the one behind my desk. Or the noise they always make at 3 in the morning - like a rhythmless giant with drumsticks rehearsing for his terrible cover band.

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Philipp Bubmann
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"hiding" radiators lower the efficiency, you'd have to add fans ...

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Susannah Williams
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree, I hate radiators and these days you can get amazing covers if you can't have under floor heating. Just don't let your cat knock anything off the windowsill if you have a glass cover 08062022-5...8a3d76.jpg 08062022-5-62d81b28a3d76.jpg

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Linda Lou Jett
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine trying to close a deal on a house but telling them it's no deal unless they hide those radiators. All the old Victorians where I live have exposed radiators for heat. Some are very ornate and quite pretty.

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Kathi Schäffer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, in-floor heating is awesome (my parents have it in their house and it's nice to walk barefoot on a warm floor on a cold winter morning) but I don't consider the radiator in my apartment an eyesore

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Hobby Hopper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess we're all supposed to move to the tropics so we don't need radiators.

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Moreover, when it comes to what you need vs. what you want, she explained that our needs must come first. "For example, if you need a decent sofa and want it to be leather (which can be very, very expensive), this is the time to consider the second-hand furniture route. Genuine aniline leather will last for years. Bonded leather, which comes on cheaper pieces, will not last very long because all it is are micro-thin slices of the leather scraps applied to a paper foundation."

"Try to buy the best quality you can on seating and items that will be well-used. Tables get less physical use (usually no one is sitting on them, moving them a lot, etc.) so cheaper stylish versions can be found that will work quite well," she added.

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Thea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry that my room is so small that I cant fit it in in any other way, does this make me poor? Maybe. Does it make me cheap? Absolutely not.

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No matter your decorating budget, you want to create an aesthetically pleasing space that speaks directly to you. "It’s fun to follow trends, but be sure you really actually like it in the first place. Just because everyone is doing gray doesn't mean you will like it. Don’t spend money on things you don’t love." And, most importantly, enjoy the process but take it seriously. "Whether you’re rich or poor, you don’t want to waste money or time," Merrill concluded.

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Pizzagirl 91
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a place for thick rugs, there's a place for thin rugs. I won't put a thick rug in our nursery, because it's harder to clean and our twins have had diaper accidents sometimes. Similar with the hallways, why would you put a thick rug where people walk in with their shoes on? In our living room, go ahead, I'll take a rug I could lose my keys in.

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Jo Jones
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d have to disagree on that to the extent . Fake well made silk flowers are beautiful , low maintenance and in a long run cheaper than fresh bought every week . Plastic tat is terrible though , I agree wholeheartedly

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