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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
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.

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

Really... now I'm starting to think any practical solution is going to be called cheap.

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

This is utter nonsense. We have them in both our bathrooms and it looks just absolutely normal.

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

Oh no, I'm a cheap a*s b***h because I don't own my home, I rent a small flat and my landlady asked me not to drill additional holes in the walls (not that there is a lot of usable walls to begin with) so I use over the door hanger and it is a huge help.

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

I live in a 1920's house with small closets, can never have enough hooks!

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

The only reason this is bad is it will slowly chip away at the lacquer on the doorway. Solution: repaint the stupid doorway once a year.

sae84 avatar
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Frequently used in rented accomodation to avoid having to drill holes in the walls.

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

I have one but not because I can't drill holes in the wall. Why can't you drill holes in the wall of a rental? We all do that. We also paint the walls and put new carpet in or whatever you want on the floor. We actually do what we want with it, as long as you don't take a wall out without permission.

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wonderful3382 avatar
Wonderful
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So just leave my drying towel on the floor in a pile to get moldy and stinky instead of hanging it to dry for my next wash. This post is basically don't be poor and have everything made by the gods. My tacky poor a*s is going to use my over the door hooks til I die!

fallfun12 avatar
annam_g_novkvanclov avatar
Krásnoočko
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

because f**k people who live in small apartments, f**k people who rent and f**k poor people in general, I guess. horrible, horrible post full of entitled out of touch bs.

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mnewell333 avatar
Michelle Newell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, really? Are we talking the front door because this has been a lifesaver for my bedroom. No more pile in the corner of clothes I've worn for an hour and had no place to go.

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

If mounted inside an inward-swinging bedroom door, who else will notice?

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

disagree on this one. Some people don't have many options when it comes to storage and space. these can be a life saver, and some are really pretty and decorative. The only issue with these is, they eventually damage the DOOR/Finish. :P

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

As well as utilitarian (next it's going to be visible trash receptacles) your home is where you LIVE not the display case for how a human would/could ideally exist....

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

I have that. It's easy, when I don't use it anymore I'll take it away. In my new place I can't use them anymore though. The door are far too high and I have enough place to hang many coats.

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

Guess I'm low class. I just pinned this cute over-the-door hanger!

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

I have one in my bedroom for backpacks that we take on trips,one in my spare bathroom with hooded towels hanging on them for when my oldest grandson is over and on the backs of the bedroom or closet doors for coats. I don't care who likes them they are useful.

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

Not good - strictly for the Batchelor pad and in the spare room only.

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

Nope, just drive a couple big ol' spikes into your wall an' hang c**p offa those. 'Cause that don't look lazy and cheap. Sheesh, not everyone has room for cabinetry.

ducklin58 avatar
Rosemary Moreland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We bought an over the door shoe hanger. It’s so handy for all those shoes that clutter up the hall. And we bought over door hooks for all the other rooms. I hang my spare handbags on mine. It saves space and is handy for visitors too.

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

Sorry the Butler is off today. However the self-Butler is available for your coat.

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

Some of us ha e next to no storage, so these are a necessity

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

The stuck up rich girl who wrote this article needs her account deleted.

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

Hmmmm I have them cause of limited space & small closets & no linen closet in the bathroom for bathrobes

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

Where else am I supposed to put the things on my door hanger....? On the floor?

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

I have these on almost every door in my house. They're functional and we use them. Just stop.

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

this list is ridiculous! maybe the style of the one shown but not over the door hooks in general

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

When you for some reason can't drill holes into walls or do not have any available walls, you just have to do with whatever you can, it's not cheap, it's using space to the maximum

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

Take a breath. Again, real people living in a real home. I have these on 2 doors. On holds my shawl and is near the front of the house and looks much better than having my shawl as a permanent fixture on the back of the chair. The other one is in my bedroom and it holds my bathrobe, nightclothes and current-day clothes.

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

Don't like them, don't have them but if you have no space you might need them!

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

I have a 5X7 bathroom with almost no storage or racks. I put one of these on the door as a place to hang towels. Don't get one if you don't like them, but for many of us, it is an affordable solution.

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

I don't need anyone to tell me what's cheap and what's tasteful

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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
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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?!

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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
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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
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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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