Interior design ultimately comes down to individual taste, and every homeowner ought to craft a space that genuinely reflects their own character and preferences. That said, if you are thinking about selling your property down the line or hoping to boost its market value, it is sensible to consider how specific design decisions might resonate with prospective buyers. This becomes particularly important when it comes to furniture choices, as viewers typically want to envisage themselves living in the space as it is.
Caroline, an interior designer who posts her expert advice on TikTok, recently uploaded a video highlighting three decor errors she encounters repeatedly. The specialist revealed that these straightforward mistakes are 'easy' to remedy but can make your entire home 'look cheap'.
She said: 'If your home feels a little flat, a little cheap, like it is missing that layered, collected feel, this might be why. Here are three decor mistakes that I see all the time and how to fix them.'
Lighting
Caroline explained: 'First, lighting that is all on one level. When everything comes down from the ceiling, the room starts to feel flat and even nice, and expensive furniture can start to look sad. So instead, layer your lighting at different levels, like a floor lamp, a table lamp, maybe a smaller accent lamp or a wall sconce. Basically, lamps everywhere and lamp shades really help to diffuse the light into these little pools of light around the room instead of bright, fluorescent, terrible lighting flooding everything.'
Matching Furniture Sets
The interior designer explained that having every piece of furniture match perfectly is a major decorating blunder. Spaces and properties typically feel more expensive and luxurious when furnishings are deliberately curated over time. She added: 'A good rule of thumb is to mix your wood tones. Choose one deeper and one lighter for contrast. For example, maybe a darker walnut coffee table with a lighter oak console.'
Undersized Furniture
Caroline advised steering clear of furniture that is too small for the space. For instance, tiny rugs, diminutive lamps and compact coffee tables. She continued: 'A simple fix is choosing one or two anchor pieces that are slightly larger, like a bigger rug or a more substantial coffee table. I promise you that one strong piece instantly makes the room feel intentional. Most homes that feel expensive aren't perfect. They just get a few things right.'
