When designers say that a home looks ‘cheap,’ they’re not referring to the price. This common statement means that the elements aren’t cohesive. When you don’t pick all the details correctly, they can look visually jarring. If you think that your home looks cheap but can’t put a finger on the exact reason, we have you covered. This post explains the most common reasons a home doesn’t look well put together!

Basic light fixtures

Light fixtures aren’t there only for their functionality. They also bring style and sophistication into a space. With so many light fixtures to choose from, you should ditch the basic ones that look tacky.

A stylish pendant will help transform the space (from Unsplash)

Cluttered shoe racks in the entryway

A cluttered shoe rack isn’t the most pleasant sight in the foyer or entryway. When you own dozens of pairs of shoes, organizing them might be a hassle. If you aren’t ready to downsize your collection, opt for hidden storage solutions to conceal the clutter. You can install drawers under the stairs for a clutter-free entryway. Or, get wall-mounted shoe cabinets to save space.

Shoe organization cabinet to conceal the clutter (from Unsplash)

Matching furniture sets

While furniture sets used to be pretty popular during the ’90s, they are considered outdated now. Designers tend to avoid the matchy look to add visual interest. Even though getting a set is more straightforward than completing your own, it can end up looking unfashionable. If you are going after an expensive look without spending much money, it is better to mix and match.

Check your local furniture store, visit thrift shops, or see what the flea market has to offer. Although mixing and matching might appear tricky, there is one simple hack to follow for a cohesive look. Always make sure that there is one common point between the different pieces. They might belong to the same color family, have the same style, or be covered with the same material.

A mix and match set that looks refined (from Unsplash)

Cord clutter

With so many devices and gadgets throughout the home, cord clutter is a real problem. Even if you try to create a stylish space, those electronic cords will still be an eyesore. Gather the cables together and use organizers to keep them tidy. Cord covers will conceal the cords, and you won’t trip over them. Alternatively, you can tuck the cables out of sight in decorative baskets and drawers.

Cord organizer to keep the cords away from sight (from Wayfair)

Wrong layout

Even if you get expensive furnishings, an improper arrangement can make your home look cheap. Always make sure to avoid blocking the windows since this obstructs the natural light. Also, avoid placing the furniture up against a wall.

Oversized artwork brings the high-end feel (from Unsplash)

Mass-produced artwork

Mass-produced art can make a home look cheap, as everyone and their grandma has it. Consider curating your own photography or simply investing in genuine artwork. Check local art shows and craft fairs for affordable originals.

Curated gallery instead of mass-produced artwork (from Unsplash)

The right choice of artwork adds style (from Unsplash)

Wrong rug size

A rug can anchor a space and create a defined area. However, a tiny rug won’t achieve the desired effect. And a too-large rug will look like a carpet. Designers will advise you to offer coverage for at least the front legs of your furniture.

The right area rug adds coziness to the room (from Unsplash)

Fake plants

Greenery will add a touch of freshness to your home. If you don’t have a green thumb and can’t keep any plants alive, you might be tempted to try the faux ones. But no matter how realistic they look, professional designers agree that fake plants can make a home look cheap – especially if they’re dusty! Use real plants instead.

Potted plants add a touch of freshness (from Unsplash)

Oversized plants such as the fiddle leaf fig can make a home look expensive (from Unsplash)

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Matching the interior and exterior of your house creates a cohesive experience. Having a home with too many colors and styles can be visually jarring. In addition, matching the interior and exterior will help define the style of your home. Cohesiveness is an attractive feature for potential buyers, so keep this in mind if you plan to sell your home in the future.

A seamless flow can be accomplished by using cohesive colors, textures, materials, and details. If you want to match your home’s interior and exterior but are unsure how, we have the ultimate guide!

Color

If you want an interior and exterior to flow well, you need to pay attention to color. You don’t have to use the same colors since this will create a ‘matchy’ look. Instead, you’ll want to pick a color scheme. Choose neutral shades and accent colors, and keep the color scheme cohesive. For example, if your living room sofa is white, you can also opt for a white seating area to enhance the patio.

Keep the colors cohesive for your living room and outdoor seating area (from Houzz)

Furniture

The furniture should match the house style for cohesiveness. Suppose your home’s exterior is more on the modern side and you have furniture with a traditional design. In that case, the clashing styles could create confusion. Therefore, make sure to coordinate the architectural style with your furniture design. If your house has Colonial-style features, it is better to stick with traditional designs. For Victorian homes, carved wooden details and high-end finishes will work the best.

Use the proper furniture for your home (from Unsplash)

Traditional style (from Houzz)

Light and airy traditional living room (from Houzz)

Texture

Designers will advise you to mirror the exterior textures inside for a sleek transition. Modern houses consist of refined materials, such as glass and metal. The same textures should prevail through the interior in the form of architectural details or accents. Some houses have natural textures, such as a limestone facade. In this case, a large fireplace lined with limestone will bring the organic texture inside.

Modern houses feature glass and metal (from Houzz)

The modern interior implements glass and metal details (from Unsplash)

Pick the same color scheme for the interior and exterior (from Unsplash)

The glass walls make the interior feel more open and connected with the exterior (from Unsplash)

A stone fireplace will complement the stone exterior (from Houzz)

Stone fireplace cohesive with the exterior (from Unsplash)

Decor

Through the decor, you can bring the exterior style to your home’s interior. If you live in a rural area, artwork with natural scenery is an ideal choice for your house. 

Another excellent way to create a seamless transition between the exterior and interior is to bring plants from your garden inside. And for modern houses with straight lines and sophisticated materials, metal light fixtures will work perfectly.

Also, don’t forget that the exterior changes as the season changes. Therefore, seasonal decor that matches the current colors is an excellent way to bring the exterior inside. In the fall, you can decorate with warm colors to better match the trees’ foliage outside. 

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Gray is a versatile color that flatters a wide range of styles. Whether you need a grounding neutral or want to make a bold statement, you can always find a suitable gray in the color spectrum. One of the popular choices is anthracite, a deep gray tone with a dramatic vibe. This color is an ideal fit when you want to add drama but want to stay away from black. As it is the darkest gray, designers often use it in modern and spaced spaces as a statement color. Here are some creative ways to incorporate anthracite gray into your decor.

Accent wall

Painting an accent wall in a dark color will add dimension to the room. The anthracite wall in this living room is a bold focal point that complements the color scheme. If you think a dark wall will make the space feel too small, try introducing some oversized artwork to break up the moody look.

Accent wall in a dark color will add dimension to the room (from Houzz)

Sofa

An anthracite sofa will look fantastic in a modern living room. Its refined vibe is versatile enough to fit your decor and make a remarkable statement at the same time. In addition, it is a neutral choice that can be complemented with many different accent colors. We love how they managed to fit anthracite into an earthy color scheme, creating the perfect balance. Keep in mind that you are free to play with colors. Some choices that go particularly well with anthracite are yellow, muted pink, deep red, sage, and many others.

An anthracite sofa will look great in a modern living room (from Etsy)

Kitchen

Anthracite is an ideal pick if you want to introduce sophistication to the kitchen. Its bold look will flatter modern kitchen styles with a streamlined design. It is bold and neutral at the same time so you can match it with a wide range of finishes. Bronze hardware will add elegant vibes to your kitchen. On the other hand, a wood grain texture will add contrast with its warmth. White countertops will highlight the beauty of anthracite and keep things from looking too moody.

Anthracite cabinets for an ultra-modern kitchen (from Harper Kitchens)

Concrete texture and anthracite in the kitchen (from Houzz)

Tiles

If the bathroom feels too bright and sterile, anthracite tiles will help add drama. Hexagon tiles in dark gray are a popular choice, as they introduce a refined feel. A focal wall with herringbone tile in anthracite is an excellent way to make a visual statement. If you want to let the gray floors steal the show, classic subway tile is the best choice for walls.

Hexagon tiles in dark gray are a popular choice (from Julian Porcino)

A focal wall with herringbone tile in anthracite is an excellent way to make a visual statement (from The Spruce)

Refined and sleek bathroom design (from Houzz)

Classic subway tile is the best choice for dramatic flooring (from Houzz)

Decor

Anthracite radiators add a sleek and modern finish to any space, becoming part of the decor. Their streamlined design and clean lines fit perfectly in contemporary interiors. If you prefer to bring anthracite in the form of details, a shelving unit will also work. This is a simple way to introduce the color to your home and decide whether you want to commit to it.

Anthracite radiators add a sleek and modern finish to the space (from Houzz)

Decorative shelving (from Walmart)

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