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

This is actually standard in every flat or house in my country

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

To such a degree that one has to bring their flat back to this standard when they move out so the next tenants can have their turn at being disgusted by this.

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ffdave117
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not a cheap fix. I've had to do this for some of my customers. It's only my opinion but I believe this started because it was easier to hide terrible drywall finishing by covering it up with this c**p.

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

Don’t just tear these out w***y-nilly. Most before like the 90s are laden with asbestos.

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

I'm absolutely sent over the fact that BP censored the word w***y. 🤣😏🙄

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

Hey now!! Some of us are attached to our popcorn ceilings (that are still in the house we bought in the 1990s). omg I'm old:(

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

Hate this stuff. But removing it is an unbelievable nightmare of a mess. We had to remodel the master bath, decided to take advantage of the water leak in ceiling and remove the popcorn. No matter what we did, we found popcorn dust in every corner of the house!

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

The near standardized use of this c**p has led to a new industry removing it here lol.

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Kris “ADHD_Carrier” Dudoich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, this isn't something you can really control and most of us don't want to go to all the trouble and labor of scraping all that off

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

We have them in our den and I wouldn't change a thing. It insulates sounds from movies and video games so the rest of the house is relatively quiet.

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

So much dust gets stuck to it. Cannot clean it without it all coming off. Uuggh!!

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

They used to strengthen this type of effect with asbestos fibres in the 80s where I live, nightmare to remove now!

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

This is whatever, it's a B to paint, tho. I don't have them anymore but this is a style that may come back.

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

Paint this in my old condo, used about 3 times the amount of paint and it still looked awful.

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

Textured walls/floors disguise shoddy skim-coating/plastering. And they're nightmare to paint. Learn to skimcoat, and fix this shizz.

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

This is in the stairway at my place. All over the walls and ceiling. I've scraped my elbow on it carrying stuff up the stairs.

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

That is the old-fashioned type of popcorn wallpaper. The newer kinds look better. And also, in several countries, this is a standard wallpaper.

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

I live in a 1971 house and you can pry those popcorn ceilings out of my cold, dead hands!

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

You should have that tested for asbestos, popcorn ceilings often contain it and almost always contain it if it’s that old. If it has it then you should have it removed professionally because your family is likely breathing it in.

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

My ceiling is a textured plaster (maybe applied with a scrunched rag? ) that also has sparkles? ...and some parts are so pointy they can pop balloons and play balls. I like it 😅

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

Again if you live in a rental not always a choice! I have it and hate it!

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

You can probably add fartex to this list. I've got used to it and I'm not paying to have it removed, but it looks a little dated now.

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Mary G----no
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh our house has it.... I removed it in one room (because previous owners painted over it and it was already falling) and it was the messiest job ever... dust everywhere... I've yet to bother in the other rooms. Maybe one day we'll have a lot of money and hire a professional to do it.

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

I live in Sweden (nothern Europe) and it´s standard here. We all have them.

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

American houses are cheap by default, they are made of wood and have plaster walls.

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

It's a stucco-like effect that can be accomplished by adding sand to paint. My girlfriend and I did the walls of a long hallway using the techique.

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

We have it in our new house. It is extremely messy & expensive to have removed - more so if it turn out to have asbestos in it. It's safe as long as you don't try to remove it yourself, then you have to have a certified abatement company do it.

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

I agree with the fact that It does not look good, but it does not look cheap. It just look outdated, but the fact is that many houses come with it as a standard feature like me. I don't like it though, but until I have the money to changed I will have to keep it and in some way accept it and don't get frustrated.

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

Every Apt I've ever lived in has this. I hate it so much. It's so horrible to dust or clean

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

I’ve never heard this referred to as a popcorn ceiling. I’ve got this on just one ceiling in the house, I didn’t choose it, it was done around 40 years ago when my parents bought the house and it was used back then to hide cracks in the plasterwork. I’ve owned the house for over 16 years now and I’ve grown so used to it that I don’t really notice it any more 🤷‍♀️

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

How do you replace a ceiling??? I mean I'm sure you can but it's certainly not a priority.

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

do they know how difficult it is to remove? and disposal is stupid expensive, it doesn’t look cheap, it looks like your house is old

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

Yes but sadly most of us can't afford to get rid of it 🙃

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

Sometimes that's not one you have any control over, like in many apartment buildings and cookie cutter houses

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

I used to have a popcorn ceiling. It was fun to touch because of the texture.

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

Ugh, my world. At least it prevents the "wall stickers" look lol (including NFL Fatheads for my Fan Cave 😭)

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

My house was built around 1940. Most of the walls are plaster and have this. Even the ceiling has stucco type paint on it. Not a fan.

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awingard1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's through our my entire house....I will remove it one day

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

Our house has a popcorn ceiling. My dad HATES it and keeps saying he'll remove it, but never does. I personally don't care.

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

I've toured million dollar houses here in my city and they ALL have popcorn ceilings and textured walls. It's the industry standard here.

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

Never knew this was called 'popcorn' in English language 😂

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

There is a huge difference between an acoustic ceiling (popcorn maybe with sparkles) and texture applied to your walls - which is what you have shown. The textured walls can be light to heavy texture with most homes using a medium texture. Without texture ie having slick and smooth walls, causes light reflection that is horrible on a sunny day as well as showing every flaw in the wall and in the paint.

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

My parents house is full of it and I hate it since I was a baby

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

I would love to un-popcorn my ceiling but I'm not going to throw my neck out doing it. If folks don't like it they can just not look up!

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

everybody "disgusted" by this ... doesn't know enough about buildings to be part of the discussion ;)

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

I live in an apartment which has popcorn ceilings. I actually like them.

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GenericPanda09
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the woodchip wallpaper that used to be in so many UK homes in the 70s.... an absolute f****r to scrap off too.

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

I think it was the law to have popcorn ceiling installed in every house built in 1980s

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

This list stinks, half the stuff isn't cheap, it's standard in houses. Like this ceiling for example??? Wtf do they mean cheap?? Lol you've officially lost my interest

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

While I hate popcorn ceilings, I wouldn't say it looks cheap.

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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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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.

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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?

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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
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.

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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
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'?

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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?!

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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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