ADVERTISEMENT

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

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!)."

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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."

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
dorothea avatar
Thea
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
sallyhorrocks avatar
Sally Horrocks
Community Member
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?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
falcondimi avatar
Falcon dimi
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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."

#16

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
p_walerjan avatar
s_r-brainbox avatar
Pizzagirl 91
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the alternative? We've got thermo blinds and I've never seen anything that blocks out the light and the heat so perfectly - at least nothing you could install in a rented apartment.

robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've lost interest in this now. There are some nice roller blinds and some cheap and nasty ones. If you are picking on that pictured, then you really are talking out of your backside.

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

Not cheap when done right. My parents wanted sheer white panels in their room but also something that would block light, so they put this on with sheer panels on top. when they want light, they roll it up, at night they close it. so convenient.

saamaas_1 avatar
WoodenLion
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

good ones are pretty expensive. $400 + for a regular size one patterned and all.

Load More Replies...
michellekaiser avatar
Michelle Kaiser
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually love roller blinds. Especially good if you have dogs and they look simple and clean. Easy to clean! And some printed ones are super expensive.

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

I rather like these. My vote would be for mini blinds (not the old fashioned normal sized wooden ones, especially if they really are vintage) on windows and verticals on sliding glass doors. Both are cheap and tacky looking, and f*****g impossible to keep clean, so they always end up looking dusty and grimy.

l_vanmaanen avatar
Linda Van Maanen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. So the house I'm in now looks cheap because of the blinds?? FAR from it..

narutonobakka avatar
Kantami Blossom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So a blind that you pull down to block all light is cheap but those horrible slatted blinds that have killed children and pets aren't cheap looking.

sj-dumond avatar
Gypsy Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one I can actually believe. The others on this list come off as more - People who like people to know they're rich but aren't actually wealthy enough to not care what people think.

sandrarodriguez avatar
Sandra Rodriguez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Roller blinds are used for different kind of reasons, not just only as a decoration, but for instance as a light filter. Has everyone tried to watch the TV and the only thing you can see is the shadow of the window in the screen? Well, that's my case, so roller blinds are not a decorating item for me, but a necessity.

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

I prefer my bamboo/matchstick blinds but not looking down on anyone with roller blinds.

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

This is not the blind at fault all - its been deliberately pulled down and has a distracting design on it to make the narrative for bad design - another one of these contrived 'eek look at this' things. A plain blind either all white or all black can make a space and has the added advantage of its thermal qualities both for hot and cold times.

samiraperi_1 avatar
Samira Peri
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh the horror, some people want to block the sun! We can't have that! /s Screw this, I have aluminum foil taped to my windows to block the sun. I'll rather be somewhat comfy than adhere to someone's snooty standards.

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

But you're showing "Fancy" roller blinds that definitely match great in the room

carl_schultz_3551 avatar
Carl Schultz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful printed fabric with iron-on roller blind stiffener, topped with a matching valance is elegant and inexpensive, and doesn't smother windows like draperies.

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

OMG again seriously 😳 that's pretty especially when some landlords don't allow putting drapes or sheers up.

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.

emilymulheran avatar
Emily Mulheran
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look, work better, and clean up more easily than my rickety plastic blinds! I’d buy them in a heartbeat if I had someone to help me install them!

angelcop74 avatar
Angella Naasko
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This list should be titled "Things the 1 Percenters hate about poor people's hovels."

chuckanders81 avatar
chuckanders81
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey don F with my roller blinds😡 i live in Norway we have midnight sun 4 months of the year.. i dear you to come critisize them here😂

pixystyx avatar
Kira 7
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OH RIGHT!! These are a CLASS ACT! I had them when I was little and I daily wish for them! I have venetian now and they are a royal PAIN!

vaitonytek avatar
Karolina Vaitonytė
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh cmon, get over that not everything you all have or like is considered stylish for professionals. To me it is obvious that curtains look more luxurious, also as the majority of other listed things here.

aporter avatar
marjet_bosma avatar
Lady Lava
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Really good to keep the heat out in summer. I prefer that instead of being cooked... 😉

Load More Replies...
jnegraham avatar
Janet Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think those patterned rollups look great! I would have a fabric top and sides, but that is my taste. This shows off the great woodwork and maintains privacy. I have seen new homes that have no window treatments like that may be the new style. I think that looks cheap!

keaneye1 avatar
Andrew Keane
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How else am I going to completely block out these judgy people from looking in my house?

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

I think they look cute. Been thinking about getting them for my kitchen window

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

I hate them with passion and I suspect the feeling is mutual. I don't know how but I always manage to break them.

miladyblue avatar
Milady Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I won't have them in my place because they are ANNOYING as hell to deal with.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

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.

#18

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
snorkythepig avatar
Snorky The Pig
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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."

#20

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
julian-mallett avatar
Downunderdude
Community Member
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'?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#21

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
kerriramsay-collins avatar
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?!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

#25

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
dorothea avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

#26

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
s_r-brainbox avatar
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Things-That-Make-Your-House-Look-Cheap

interiorbykrish Report

Add photo comments
POST
joannastruzik avatar
Jo Jones
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda