Interior designers say these common mistakes are making your home look bad

Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G., likes to use “a simple ceramic or glass vase instead of faux plants and slogan signs [...] they don’t look luxury, they look dated.” With its minimalist design and gorgeous handblown glass construction, this vase will look great for years.

Add this paintable trim to your baseboard to give any room a more finished look. Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, says “trim is often overlooked, but it can make an enormous difference.” This strip can be cut with a standard pair of scissors, and thanks to the built-in adhesive, no other tools or glues are necessary. When it’s time to clean, the waterproof and dustproof surface can be wiped clean with a cloth.

If your counter and tabletops are littered with electronics and appliances, Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G., recommends a decorative box like this one to minimize clutter. The acacia wood container can accommodate power strips and chargers, and the slots on the sides are ideal for routing cords.

Online interior designer at Spaces by Dee, Daniela Alilovic, says, “When it comes to choosing colors, people are often hung up on having everything ‘match’ when it really should be about coordination.” These corduroy pillow covers come in different shades of the same color, allowing you to coordinate without looking like you’re trying too hard. Packaged in a set of four, the 18-inch by 18-inch covers feature a soft, ribbed exterior, and a hidden zipper closure for a seamless look. They’re available in several coordinating color options.

Illuminating your artwork can make a big difference, but interior designer and host of Around the House with Eric G., Eric Goranson, cautions, “On expensive pieces, be careful with lights that put off UV (some halogen) that can damage art.” This cordless LED lamp offers three color temperatures and five brightness modes for the ideal customization, and it comes with all the hardware you need for installation. The rechargeable battery can run for up to 11 hours at a time, and the lamp comes with a remote control so you can adjust settings from anywhere in the room.

Kate Smith, principal designer for interior design firm k.smith x, encourages you to take advantage accent lights, rather than relying solely on overhead fixtures. If you want to increase the ambiance of your home, consider something like this battery-operated table lamp. It doesn’t need an electrical outlet, so you can place it anywhere you need a warm glow. Thanks to the cut-glass shade, the light also creates beautiful patterns on the table beneath.

When choosing pieces for your space, look for things that also offer storage, such as this padded ottoman. The principal designer for the interior design firm k.smith x, Kate Smith, says “Dual purpose furniture is always a win.” This ottoman is great because in addition to assembling quickly and offering 660-pound weight capacity, it also folds down for compact storage. You can also choose between a chest with a hinged lid or detachable lid.

If you feel like there’s too much stuff in your space, you can use decorative baskets to stylishly tuck items out of sight, says Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G. This cotton rope basket comes in dozens of colors, and it features a durable weave and sturdy handles so you can load it up with extra linens, toys, or even books. When the basket isn’t being used, it can be folded for convenient storage.

Kate Smith, principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm says, “Layering is key.” She adds, “You can get a great, basic curtain rod and some ‘linen’ look sheers to add dimension to any room.” These machine-washable linen-blend panels are a no-brainer because they come in dozens of color and size options to best suit your decor style.

If your space is too cramped for a nightstand on each side of the bed, consider floating shelves. Jacqueline Paredi, owner and chief designer at SRQ Interior Design, says that she recently styled a bedroom with space for only one nightstand. “There was 13 inches of space on the other side of the bed, so we put an 11-inch deep custom floating shelf a few inches away from the headboard wall.” These wood floating shelves are a great option if you decide to go that route. They come in four finish colors and each shelf holds up to 22 pounds.

If you’ve been putting up with a builder-grade light fixture, this wallet-friendly ceiling mount can transform the look and feel of your room. Kate Smith, principal designer for interior design firm k.smith x, reminds you to consider a room’s "fifth wall" aka the ceiling. This modern light fixture gives you an easy way to add visual interest to the space. It features six lighted globes, each mounted on adjustable arms so you can customize the lighting angle, and the fixture uses standard E26 bulbs.

When it comes to throw pillows, “If you're not using it for your head/every time you sit, you don't need it!” says Kate Smith, the principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm. Streamline your throw pillow collection and give them an upscale look with these velvet covers. Featuring a soft exterior and invisible zippers, these pillow covers can give your couch or bed a bougie upgrade — and they come in a ton of colors.

If you’ve ever wondered if your frames are the right size for your space, you’re not alone. One of the biggest mistakes people make is “not investing in the framing and poor scale; if you love a smaller piece, do a large matte/frame,” says Kate Smith, the principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm. You can’t go wrong with an option like this 11-by-14-inch frame. Featuring a classic woodgrain finish, the frame offers a 5-by-7-inch mat — the perfect size for displaying photos while still making a large design impact.

Use these fillable paint pens, and you’ll be able to touch up scuffs or see how a color looks on your walls — before making a big commitment. The founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs, Anisha Deb, encourages readers to test out paint shades before committing to re-doing the entire room. These brush pens can be filled with any type of latex paint, and the vacuum-sealed design can keep contents fresh for years. Plus, the pens have a user-friendly twist mechanism and precision brush head so the paint goes exactly where you want it.

This shoe cabinet boasts a slim profile, so it won’t clutter up your home, and when you open up the doors, you’ll find plenty of storage space for shoes. Online interior designer at Spaces by Dee, Daniela Alilovic, recommends pieces like this because they allow you to “cleverly integrate storage rather than just adding more and more bookcases or storage units.” This particular cabinet features a wood finish, rattan accents on the doors, and sturdy handles. You can flip open the drawers to stash your shoes, and then push them closed when you want things out of sight.

When people add too many pot lights to their space, it can become overly lit, says Daniela Alilovic, online interior designer at Spaces by Dee. She says, “Lighting should be layered to allow for different lighting scenes.” This compact table lamp is a clever way to add a soft glow to accent tables, desks, or even kitchen counters. The neutral-toned lamp comes ready to go with a warm, flicker-free LED bulb.

Whether you want a sofa-size throw or something that will cover a king bed, this cotton blanket comes in an option for everyone. Layering a blanket is an easy way to make your space feel more cozy says Kate Smith, the principal designer for interior design firm k.smith x. She says, “A throw blanket can offer a way to refresh the space or lean into a trend in a low-lift capacity.” This 100% cotton blanket is super soft and breathable, so you can use it all year round.

This decorative vase can display fresh and faux flowers, but it’s also sturdy enough to anchor items on a bookshelf. “Instead of bookends, using pottery, stones ... or other repurposed objects can create fun talking points,” says Kate Smith, the principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm. The vase boasts a nonslip bottom that keeps it in place, and you’ll appreciate that it’s available in a variety of shapes and colors, so there’s a fit for every home.

This decorative tray is made from solid concrete, offering up an unexpected way to show off or tidy up small items. Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, says it’s “better to put one object ... [like] a tray and maybe one accessory than to fill the whole surface with clutter.” If you’re streamlining your space, this minimalist holder is a great option for surfaces like the coffee table.

Anisha Deb, founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs says that not swatch testing paint shades before painting the entire wall or room can cause headaches and extra work — especially if you start building up too many layers of swatch options. These paint test panels are an easy way to see how shades look in different areas. Made from styrene foam, the panels are non-absorbent, so you can paint over them, and each board comes with a label so you can keep track of the paint shade and brand.

This full-length mirror features an arched top and a distortion-free surface, allowing you to clearly see your entire body. If you’re unsure what type of mirror to use in your space, a single statement piece like this one is a good bet. “Add mirrors — but not too many, and not too small — one big mirror is usually better than a dozen small ones,” says Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company.

To maximize space and minimize clutter, Anisha Deb, founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs, recommends a compact coffee table with storage. This particular option features a stylish mid-century design, smooth-lift mechanism that converts the table into a desk, and plenty of space to tuck clutter out of sight.

Kate Smith, principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm, encourages you to think outside the box when sprucing up plain ceilings. This peel-and-stick crown molding can be installed without any complicated tools and can totally change the look of your space. The flexible molding has built-in adhesive, so no additional glues or tools are necessary; just use a pair of scissors to trim it to size.

If you’re looking to tuck away things like extra linens, pillows, and out-of-season clothes, Anisha Deb, the founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs, suggests utilizing compact poufs with interior storage. This fillable ottoman comes empty, so you can stuff it with whatever excess soft items you have on hand — and then use it as extra seating. It features a stylish faux leather shell that’s designed to hold up to 220 pounds, and when not in use, the pouf folds up and can be tucked away.

For a big impact, Kate Smith, the principal designer for interior design firm k.smith x, says that adding wallpaper on the ceiling “can totally change the tone of a room.” This peel-and-stick wallpaper is great for renters or anyone who changes their mind regularly; the paper adheres to any smooth surface and can be removed when you want to switch things up. The printed floral design has a vintage feel, and it comes in eight colors.

Don’t let the wrong mirror ruin the look of your space. The founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs, Anisha Deb, says you can side-step this mistake by choosing “quality accent mirrors that make a space feel larger.” Instead of trendy pieces with asymmetrical or wavy shapes, she advises choosing something more traditional like this arched mirror. This versatile option features shatterproof glass that offers both safety and a clear, distortion-free reflection. Choose from several sizes and three colors.

Instead of filling up shelves with knickknacks, consider adding this trio of flameless candles to your space. Anisha Deb, founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs cautions that “it's a wasteful exercise to buy things you don't need just to fill up these spaces.” But candles like these are a useful decor option. The trio of battery-operated pillar candles feature realistic flames and the ability to set a timer so that they turn on and off at the same time every day. Best of all, they don’t have any open flames, smoke, or hot wax, so they’re a safer option for your home.

Daniela Alilovic, an online interior designer at Spaces by Dee, recommends staying away from too much overhead lighting, and these sconces offer a gentler alternative. The cordless sconces run on a rechargeable battery, so they don’t need to be installed with wiring or near electrical outlets, and there are multiple color temperatures and brightness settings so you can create a custom look.

The founder and interior design lead at New Leaf Designs, Anisha Deb, says that a timeless vase such as this one is always a good idea for a decor item. This fluted ceramic vase comes in over a dozen color options and is designed to be leakproof and durable. If you want to give your space some seasonal decor, Deb suggests adding dried twigs or other outdoor elements from your yard to the vase.

DIY wallpaper can be a fun way to change up the look of your space, but Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, says that a common faux pas is “using wallpaper that is too busy.” Instead he recommends adding texture to your space, like you can with this peel-and-stick grasscloth paper. To install, just cut the paper to your desired size, remove the backing, and stick it to your wall.

Founder and CEO of the Florida-based interior design company Modern Chandelier, Seymen Usta, says that when it comes to finding the right spot to hang artwork, “The safest place is at the eye level — around the 57–60-inch mark on a wall.” You can use this laser level to plot out a straight line or accurately measure a certain distance. The tool features options for both vertical and horizontal planes, and it also includes an 8-foot measuring tape that has both metric and imperial markings.

As principal designer for the interior design firm k.smith x, Kate Smith advises people to choose the appropriate bulb brightness for your space. “Anything over 3000K feels aggressive,” she says. At 800 lumens and 2700k, these dimmable bulbs offer an ideal amount of illumination and warmth. The bulbs come in a pack of four, and because they’re LED, they can last for longer and use less energy than traditional options.

Windows and their dressings make a statement and a classic curtain rod like this one can go a long way in how your space looks. Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, urges you to “invest in nice curtains and their hardware,” he says. This rod is extra sturdy thanks to its iron construction, and it comes in eight finishes and multiple sizes so you can get the perfect match for your space. It holds up to 30 pounds, so it’s a great option for even heavier curtains, and it has a telescoping design that makes the size adjustable.

Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, advises you to switch up basic drawer pulls with a decorative option to add more personality to the space. You’ll appreciate that these golden flower pulls comes with multiple screws, so they can be used on doors and drawers of various thicknesses.

The principal designer for the interior design firm k.smith x, Kate Smith, encourages you to consider a cluster of frames if you’re displaying smaller images. Sold in a set of seven, these gallery frames are available in a range of finishes and feature durable, shatter-resistant glass fronts. The frames come with hanging hardware, so you can mount them to the wall and start enjoying your gallery ASAP.

Daniela Alilovic, online interior designer at Spaces by Dee, cautions that furniture that’s the wrong size can “easily make a space feel crowded, smaller, and just off.” In these situations, a laser measuring tool helps to visualize items in the space. This one has a rechargeable battery, and it’s packed with eight different measuring modes including distance, area, and volume.

If you’re still living with boring white walls, Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, suggests painting them a more interesting neutral shade that’s “a richer color than the builder-grade white.” This roller kit is just the thing to make the job easier. Featuring 17 pieces, including rollers, brushes, gloves, and trays, this kit includes everything but your paint of choice. And because the rollers are made of microfiber, they’re designed to ensure a smooth finish, without any leftover lint.

“Good quality textiles are obvious, so cheap textiles are also obvious and can instantly cheapen a space,” says Daniela Alilovic, online interior designer at Spaces by Dee. When you dress your bed with these luxe cotton sheets, it’ll be clear that you’ve invested in the right kind of textiles. These sheets come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and the percale weave is designed to keep you cool. Each set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases, so it has everything you need for a good night’s sleep.

Is your home ready for an upgrade? Daniela Alilovic, online interior designer at Spaces by Dee, says, “If someone wants their home to look more expensive without spending too much money, they should firstly change their textiles, which include bedsheets, draperies, rugs, etc.” A handmade area rug like this jute and cotton piece is a good place to start. Thanks to its natural look and neutral shade, the rug works with almost any decor style, and can instantly make a space look more elevated. You can choose from several sizes to best fit your space — just don’t go too small, as that can also look cheap.

Not all pillows are equal, and once you start using feather-filled inserts like these, you’ll never want to go back. Kate Smith, principal designer for k.smith x, an interior design firm, urges you to focus on quality materials instead of quantity when it comes to pillows. These inserts fit the bill thanks to the goose down filling, and you’ll love that the cotton cover is designed to keep feathers contained. Plus they come in over a dozen sizes, so you can get the right fit for your covers.

Lenka Ilic, the principal architect and interior designer at Apartment Renovation NYC, says, “Heavy, dark curtains can visually weigh down a small room, while lighter treatments helps preserve the available daylight.” Switch to an option like one of these light-filtering roller shades to soften your room. The cordless linen shade is available in several colors and dozens of size options, and it comes with everything you need for DIY installation including brackets, magnets, and screws.

There can be too much of a good thing, and that’s particularly true when using marble in your home. “Covering surface after surface in marble doesn’t make an interior more sophisticated,” says Lenka Ilic, the principal architect and interior designer at Apartment Renovation NYC. If you’re looking for a subtle and thoughtful way to incorporate the material, you can’t go wrong with this marble salt cellar. Available in black or white, the durable container is made from natural marble, and it features a lid to help keep salt or herbs fresh.

SRQ Interior Design’s owner and chief designer, Jacqueline Paredi, says that she commonly sees overstuffed shelves in homes. To make your pieces work together, Paredi suggests styling things in groups and utilizing display stands. “Picture frames look good with tall ones on the outside next to smaller frames, and at the shelf center, a tray or stacked boxes or an upright plate on a plate holder,” she suggests. This sturdy iron stand comes in various size options so you can choose the right fit for whatever you’re displaying.

This acacia wood tray would make a gorgeous serving board, but it can also double as a way to cover up anything unsightly. Jacqueline Paredi, owner and chief designer at SRQ Interior Design, says, “I turn decorative trays on their long sides to disguise those excessive backsplash outlets. Trays are my go to!” This 14-by-10-inch tray features a beautiful wood grain, and it has rounded edges that can keep items contained or simply add a decorative look to your space.

Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G., urges readers to take advantage of lighting opportunities in their homes. He suggests adding a variety of lighting, including things like task lamps, toe-kick lights in the kitchen, and light bars underneath cabinets or on the stairs. These rechargeable lights have a motion sensor mode that saves on battery life, and they can be installed with either the built-in magnets or included adhesive stickers.

The owner and chief designer at SRQ Interior Design, Jacqueline Paredi, says that using too many small cabinet knobs can “make an otherwise beautiful space feel inexpensive.” If you have wide drawers and tall cabinets, consider long pulls instead. Available in eight colors, these matte metal pulls are made from durable stainless steel, and they come in a pack of 30 so there’s enough for your entire kitchen. The cabinet hardware even comes with mounting screws so you can install them easily. Choose from several finish colors.

If you don’t want to rely on builder-bright lighting, Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G., suggests using dimmer switches. If you’re nervous about installation, you’ll love that this smart dimmer switch pairs with an app for step-by-step directions, and that same app will also allow you to control the lights from your phone. You can also set timers, activate the away mode, or pair the dimmer switch with smart home devices for hands-free operation.

Eric Goranson, interior designer, DIY’er and host of Around the House with Eric G., says you can use things like under-bed bins to minimize clutter. These rolling storage bins conveniently slide in and out from underneath beds thanks to their rotating wheels and sturdy leather handles. The bins also feature a clear top so you can see exactly what’s inside, and a label to keep items organized. Each bin has a weight capacity of 66 pounds.

When it comes to incorporating lighting into a space, Seymen Usta, founder and CEO of Modern Chandelier, a Florida-based interior design company, says that people often rely too much on one source of illumination. Instead, he urges you to “combine different kinds of lighting in space — accentuating architectural details [and] bringing in task and ambient lights.” This metal accent lamp features a rotating light and a flexible neck, so you can point the lamp anywhere you need it. It also works with any standard E26 bulb and has a stable, heavy-duty base — so it’s a great option for busy households.

To make your space feel more put-together, intentionally style small spaces like your bar area with timeless accessories like these lowball glasses, suggests interior designer and host of Around the House with Eric G., Eric Goranson. He says, a “focused moment reads more sophisticated than a pile of trendy accessories.” This set of cocktail tumblers comes in a pack of four and each 11-ounce glass is ready for a generous pour of your favorite beverage. And these glasses are anything but basic; the textured glass and sturdy, round bottom can make your next cocktail hour feel more elevated.