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Mismatched furniture -

While mismatched furniture is a classic faux pas when it comes to interior design, furniture sets can also look cheap. The solution is to curate it yourself harmoniously. 

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Uncoordinated color schemes -

Color schemes are key when it comes to home décor. This doesn't mean everything needs to match, but colors should complement each other. 

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Phrase and word art -

Posters or prints with generic phrases and mottos or individual letters are a big no-no. 

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Cluttered spaces -

Cluttered spaces can affect anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus. It can also impact productivity levels, so if you work from home, your office should be kept neat and tidy.

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Neglecting small details -

A crack on the wall? Chipped paint? These make a place look untidy and should be touched up before they get worse.

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Too much DIY furniture -

There is nothing wrong with some DIY furniture, except when there's too much of it. And by too much, we mean a whole room full of it, not just one piece. 

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Wrong sized rugs -

There are a few rules with rug sizes and placement: one of the most common mistakes is to place a rug that's way too small for the room.

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Visible cables -

There is nothing stylish about cables hanging from a TV. Luckily, there are accessories on the market to keep them organized and out of sight.

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Cheap flooring -

Nice flooring can make all the difference when it comes to the look and functionality of a space. 

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Overlooking transitional spaces -

Transitional places, like the entrance to the home, should be kept organized. One common mistake is having a pile of shoes and coats by the front door.

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Poor lighting choices -

Good lighting makes a huge difference in terms of atmosphere, perceived dimensions, and comfort. Poor lighting choices can ruin the feel of a room and even an entire house.

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Poor wall art quality -

Hanging a piece of wall art can make or break a room. Make sure it fits with the color scheme and style of the room, and avoid generic images. 

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Too many cushions or pillows -

When it comes to cushions and pillows, less is more, so ensure your couch and bed are not completely overwhelmed with them, allowing for both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

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Not varying textures -

Using different materials in a room can make it look interesting; sticking to just one type of texture will have the opposite effect.

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Animal print -

A well-thought, strategically-placed piece with animal print is acceptable; however, a huge zebra rug, leopard print pillows, and tiger print couch are not.

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Neglecting outside space -

A nicely maintained yard can really make a difference; a neglected outside space will make your house look cheap. 

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Relying too heavily on trends -

Trends come and go, which is why it's important to base décor on your personal taste rather than the latest fad. If you incorporate the latest craze into your space, it will look cheap and outdated as soon as the next big thing appears.

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Using substandard textiles -

Opting for low-quality bed sheets, blankets, and throws is a mistake that can make your home look cheap. 

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Covers -

Couch covers can look pretty tacky if they're not made of quality materials.

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Improper scale and proportion -

When decorating a room, it's important to consider the dimensions and the size of the items you're placing inside it. Remember to leave some space; it's okay to see a bit of the wall!

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Excessive use of patterns -

Consider using bold patterns carefully. While they can really make a room pop, too much and too many will only make it look cheap.

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Overdoing themed décor -

Having a themed room is fine, as long as you don't overdo it to the extent it looks tacky. A different touch here and there will soften everything up and make it look more sophisticated.

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Popcorn ceilings -

These bumpy ceilings were all the rage years ago, and they are still present in many houses nowadays. Not only are they hard to clean, they look outdated. 

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Generic gallery walls -

Gallery walls can look great, but when they're comprised of generic, mass-produced images, it will make your room look cheap and lacking in personality. 

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Outdated window treatments -

Window coverings can affect how expensive or cheap your home looks. Drapes, for instance, should be hung higher above the window and never be too short. Plastic roller shades and vertical blinds will also make your home look cheaper. 

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Faux finishes -

Spray-painted gold or silver can make a house look tacky. You can use more affordable metals, like brass, to achieve the same effect without cheapening a room. 

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Cluttered bathroom -

Having an organized bathroom will make your home look so much better! Find ways to keep stuff out of sight, like a medicine cabinet or drawers.

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Ready-to-assemble furniture -

Ready-to-assemble furniture companies often sell affordable and stylish items. Just know that their budget-friendly ranges are very popular, and as a result, your home will end up looking like millions of others.  

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Too many personal touches -

While you want your home to reflect your personality, it's unlikely all the styles you like will go together.

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Overlooking room functionality -

While there is nothing wrong with a minimalist style, your house still needs to be functional and cater to your needs. A house more akin to a commercial building or an art gallery might not be the best place to live. 

Sources: (Family Handyman) (Critical Financial) (Life Hacker) (Stefana Silber) (MyDomaine)

See also: Home upgrades that are a waste of money

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