5 Design Mistakes That Make a Home Look Cheap (And How to Fix Them)

Sharing is caring!

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt that something was just… off? Even the prettiest pieces of furniture can lose their impact when surrounded by common design mistakes that instantly cheapen the look of your home. The truth is, there are subtle details and seemingly minor choices that can make your space feel less polished and expensive, whether or not it’s intentional.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a house full of expensive furniture or a professional designer to fix these issues. A few easy, simple tweaks can dramatically upgrade the look and feel of your home, transforming it from amateur to sophisticated without breaking the bank.

Professional interior designers consistently point to the same handful of mistakes that homeowners make repeatedly. These aren’t complex design theories or expensive renovations—they’re straightforward issues with equally straightforward solutions. By understanding what makes a home look cheap and learning how to address these problems, you can elevate your space to look curated, intentional, and expensive.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the five most common design mistakes that make homes look cheap, backed by expert insights from leading interior designers. More importantly, we’ll provide you with practical, actionable solutions that you can implement immediately to transform your space. From lighting choices that create ambiance to furniture arrangements that feel collected rather than purchased all at once, these fixes will help you achieve that coveted high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or simply want to maximize the impact of your existing pieces, these expert-backed strategies will help you create a home that looks and feels more expensive than it actually was. Let’s dive into the specific mistakes that might be undermining your home’s potential and discover how simple changes can make a dramatic difference.

Mistake #1: Poor Lighting Choices

Perhaps no single element has more power to make or break the atmosphere of a room than lighting, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of home design. Poor lighting choices can instantly make even the most beautifully furnished space feel cold, sterile, and cheap. The harsh reality is that many homeowners rely too heavily on overhead lighting or choose fixtures that are completely wrong for their space, creating an unwelcoming environment that lacks the warmth and sophistication found in professionally designed homes.

The Problem: Harsh, One-Dimensional Lighting

The most common lighting mistake is depending solely on harsh overhead fixtures, particularly the dreaded “big light” that floods a room with unflattering illumination. As interior designer Benjamin Vandiver puts it, “No one looks good in harsh overhead lighting—I would live in candlelight if I could.” [1] This sentiment is echoed throughout the design community because overhead lighting alone creates a flat, institutional feeling that immediately signals amateur design choices.

Fluorescent lighting presents another major problem, casting an unflattering, cold tone that makes everything in the room appear washed out and lifeless. Similarly, choosing light fixtures that are too small for the space creates an unbalanced look that feels cheap and poorly planned. Many homeowners also make the mistake of installing “daylight” bulbs throughout their homes, thinking brighter is better, when in reality these harsh, blue-toned lights create a sterile atmosphere that lacks warmth and comfort.

The old-fashioned “boob lights”—those basic dome fixtures commonly found in builder-grade homes—are another dead giveaway of amateur design. These fixtures provide harsh, unflattering light and immediately date a space, making it feel generic and cheap regardless of how much money was spent on furniture and decor.

Why Poor Lighting Makes Homes Look Cheap

Lighting affects every other element in your room, from how colors appear to how textures are perceived. When you rely on harsh overhead lighting, you eliminate the depth and dimension that make spaces feel expensive and professionally designed. Interior designer Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes Interiors explains that rooms can feel “flat and uninviting” when you only focus on overhead fixtures. [2]

The problem extends beyond mere aesthetics. Poor lighting choices signal to visitors that little thought was put into creating ambiance or atmosphere. Expensive homes and professionally designed spaces always feature carefully considered lighting that creates mood and highlights architectural features and beautiful objects. When your lighting is harsh and one-dimensional, it suggests that the space wasn’t thoughtfully planned, immediately making it feel less expensive and sophisticated.

Crystal Sinclair, an interior designer known for her sophisticated spaces, emphasizes the importance of thinking strategically about lighting: “When thinking about lighting, think about layering it. It shouldn’t all be just overhead lighting—it’s not always the answer.” [3] This layered approach is what separates amateur spaces from professional ones.

The Fix: Layer Your Lighting Like a Professional

The solution to poor lighting lies in understanding how professional designers approach illumination. Instead of relying on a single source of light, you need to create layers that work together to provide both function and ambiance. This approach, known as layered lighting, combines three types of illumination: ambient lighting (general room lighting), task lighting (focused light for specific activities), and accent lighting (decorative lighting that highlights features or creates mood).

Start by addressing your overhead lighting situation. If you’re stuck with existing fixtures, install dimmer switches immediately. This single change allows you to control the intensity of your overhead lights, making them much more versatile and flattering. When entertaining or relaxing, you can dim the overhead lights and rely more heavily on other sources for a warmer, more intimate atmosphere.

Next, add table lamps and floor lamps at varying heights throughout your room. Interior designer Benjamin Vandiver recommends adding “a table or floor lamp in any room at different heights” because this creates visual interest and provides more flattering illumination. [4] Place table lamps on side tables, console tables, and even on bookshelves to create pools of warm light that make the space feel cozy and expensive.

Floor lamps are particularly valuable because they can provide both ambient and task lighting while taking up minimal floor space. Choose floor lamps with fabric shades rather than harsh metal or glass shades, as fabric diffuses light more softly and creates a warmer atmosphere.

Don’t overlook the power of sconces, which can be either hardwired or plug-in versions. Wall sconces add another layer of lighting while freeing up surface space that would otherwise be occupied by table lamps. They also create vertical interest and can highlight artwork or architectural features.

The quality of light itself matters enormously. Interior designer Jae Joo emphasizes the importance of choosing “warm lighting versus daylight bright” because “harsh lights can make the space feel sterile; warm lights add a nice glow and depth to the room, which makes it feel more welcoming and serene.” [5] Look for bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range, which provide a warm, golden light similar to candlelight.

Speaking of candles, don’t underestimate their power to instantly elevate a space. Benjamin Vandiver is “a big fan of collecting vintage candle sticks and adding simple taper candles on surfaces like coffee tables” because “dimming lamps and lighting a few taper candles at night feels like a luxury.” [6] This simple addition costs very little but immediately makes a space feel more expensive and thoughtfully designed.

When implementing layered lighting, aim to have at least three different sources of light in every room, each serving a different purpose. In a living room, this might include a dimmed overhead fixture for general illumination, table lamps on side tables for ambient lighting, and a floor lamp near a reading chair for task lighting. The key is ensuring that no single light source dominates the room and that you can adjust the lighting to suit different activities and moods.

Remember that lighting is not just functional—it’s decorative. Choose fixtures that complement your overall design aesthetic and serve as beautiful objects even when they’re turned off. A stunning table lamp or elegant floor lamp becomes a piece of decor that enhances your room’s style while providing essential illumination.

Mistake #2: Wrong-Sized Rugs and Poor Placement

Area rugs have the power to ground a room, define spaces, and tie together disparate elements into a cohesive design. However, when chosen incorrectly or placed poorly, rugs can have the opposite effect, making a space feel disjointed, smaller, and ultimately cheaper. This mistake is so common that interior designers consistently rank it among the top issues they see in amateur-designed spaces, yet it’s also one of the easiest and most impactful problems to fix.

The Problem: Rugs That Don’t Fit the Space

The most prevalent rug mistake is choosing a size that’s too small for the space. Many homeowners select rugs based on what fits their budget rather than what fits their room, resulting in tiny islands of pattern floating in the middle of large spaces. This creates a disconnected look where furniture appears to be randomly scattered around the room rather than thoughtfully arranged as a cohesive grouping.

Equally problematic is the placement of furniture around the rug rather than on it. When all your furniture sits off the rug, with only the coffee table touching the edge, it creates a formal, museum-like feeling that lacks the comfort and sophistication of professionally designed spaces. This arrangement makes rooms feel smaller and less expensive because it fails to create the unified, grounded look that larger, properly placed rugs provide.

Another common issue is the quality and style of rugs themselves. Interior designer Jae Joo of Jae Joo Designs notes that “new rugs imitating the old world patterns can often cheapen the look of the space.” [7] Mass-produced rugs that attempt to replicate vintage or antique patterns often lack the depth, character, and quality that make spaces feel expensive and collected over time.

In bedrooms, the mistakes multiply. Tiny rugs placed only at the foot of the bed, rugs that don’t extend beyond the nightstands, or worse, no rug at all, can make even beautiful bedrooms feel cold and unfinished. The bedroom is where you start and end each day, and the wrong rug choices can make this important space feel more like a hotel room than a personal sanctuary.

Why Poor Rug Choices Make Homes Look Cheap

Rugs serve multiple functions in interior design, and when they fail to fulfill these roles, the entire room suffers. As interior designer Crystal Sinclair explains, “A rug should ground a room. Furniture should sit on the rug, not around it.” [8] When rugs are too small or poorly placed, they fail to anchor the space, leaving furniture looking like it’s floating without purpose or connection.

The psychological impact of wrong-sized rugs cannot be overstated. Small rugs make rooms feel smaller because they break up the floor space into disconnected segments rather than creating one unified area. This fragmentation is the opposite of what you see in expensive, professionally designed spaces, where large rugs create expansive, luxurious feelings even in modestly sized rooms.

Poor rug choices also signal a lack of understanding about how spaces should flow and function. When visitors see furniture arranged around a too-small rug, it immediately suggests that the homeowner didn’t invest time or thought into creating a cohesive design. This amateur approach is one of the quickest ways to make a space feel cheap, regardless of how much money was spent on individual pieces.

Additionally, cheap-looking rugs themselves can undermine an entire room’s aesthetic. Mass-produced rugs with poor construction, synthetic materials, and overly bright or artificial-looking patterns can make even expensive furniture look less impressive. The rug often covers the largest surface area in a room after the walls, so when it looks cheap, it affects everything else.

The Fix: Choose and Place Rugs Like a Professional

The solution to rug problems starts with understanding proper sizing for different spaces. In living rooms, your rug should be large enough that all major furniture pieces can sit on it, or at minimum, the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug. Crystal Sinclair recommends going “wider than the sofa when selecting a rug” to ensure proper proportions. [9]

For most living room arrangements, this means choosing a rug that’s at least 8×10 feet, with 9×12 feet being ideal for larger spaces. The rug should extend at least 6-8 inches beyond the sides of your sofa, creating a balanced, proportional look that makes the seating area feel intentional and well-planned.

In dining rooms, the rug should be large enough that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out from the table. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 24 inches to each side of your table dimensions to accommodate chairs and allow for comfortable movement around the table.

Bedroom rug placement requires special consideration. Crystal Sinclair advises selecting “a rug that’s as wide or wider than the bed with nightstands combined, and positioned slightly in front of the nightstands, not under them.” [10] This creates a luxurious, hotel-like feeling where you step onto soft rug when getting out of bed, while also visually expanding the room by creating one large, unified floor space.

For smaller bedrooms where a large rug isn’t feasible, consider placing smaller rugs on each side of the bed, ensuring they’re large enough that you step fully onto the rug when getting out of bed. Avoid tiny rugs that only cover a small portion of the floor space, as these create the fragmented look that makes spaces feel cheap.

The quality and style of your rug matter enormously. Jae Joo recommends investing in vintage rugs when possible, noting that “investing in a vintage rug is one of the best ways to elevate your space.” [11] Vintage rugs don’t need to be perfect—in fact, Joo loves “the faded colors and the quirky shaped ones too, they make the space feel eccentric” and collected rather than purchased all at once.

If vintage rugs aren’t within your budget, look for rugs with natural materials like wool, which ages beautifully and feels more expensive underfoot than synthetic alternatives. Avoid rugs with overly bright colors or patterns that look machine-made. Instead, choose rugs with subtle variations in color and texture that suggest handcrafted quality.

Consider the rug as a foundational element that should complement rather than compete with your other design elements. Jae Joo notes that “you could have your furniture all white and simple, and with a great rug it could feel perfectly balanced and serene.” [12] This approach allows you to invest in one beautiful rug that elevates everything else in the room.

When shopping for rugs, always measure your space first and bring those measurements with you. Many stores offer return policies that allow you to try rugs at home, which is invaluable for ensuring proper fit and proportion. Don’t be afraid to choose a rug that initially seems too large—in most cases, bigger is better when it comes to creating that expensive, professionally designed look.

Finally, consider the long-term investment aspect of rug purchases. A high-quality rug in the right size will serve you for many years and can move with you to different homes. It’s better to save up for one beautiful, properly sized rug than to purchase multiple smaller, cheaper rugs that will need to be replaced and never quite achieve the sophisticated look you’re seeking.

Mistake #3: Cheap Hardware and Fixtures

The details make the difference between a space that looks expensive and one that looks cheap, and nowhere is this more evident than in the hardware and fixtures throughout your home. Cabinet pulls, window treatments, and light fixtures might seem like minor elements, but they’re actually some of the most impactful design choices you can make. These finishing touches are what visitors notice subconsciously, and when they’re cheap or poorly chosen, they can undermine even the most beautiful furniture and carefully planned color schemes.

The Problem: Builder-Grade Everything

The most common hardware mistake is settling for the cheap, powder-coated cabinet hardware that comes standard in most homes. These mass-produced pulls and knobs are designed for maximum economy rather than beauty or durability, and they immediately signal that no thought was put into the finishing details of the space. Interior designer Whitney Riter Gelinas of Wit Interiors is direct about this issue: “It might seem like an easy place to save some money, but cheap powder-coated pulls or knobs will instantly make your space look cheap.” [13]

Window treatments present another major opportunity for cheap-looking mistakes. Plastic blinds, thin curtains that don’t reach the floor, and poorly hung window treatments can make even the most expensive furniture look amateur. These elements frame your windows—often the focal points of rooms—so when they look cheap, they affect the entire space’s aesthetic.

Builder-grade light fixtures compound the problem. The basic dome lights, cheap chandeliers, and poorly proportioned fixtures that come standard in most homes lack the style and quality that make spaces feel custom and expensive. These fixtures are often too small for their spaces and made from materials that look obviously inexpensive.

Another subtle but significant issue is the finish consistency throughout the home. Mixing different metal finishes randomly—chrome in the kitchen, brass in the bathroom, black in the living room—without any intentional design plan creates a disjointed look that suggests pieces were chosen without consideration for the overall aesthetic.

Why Cheap Hardware Makes Homes Look Amateur

Hardware and fixtures are the jewelry of interior design—small elements that have an outsized impact on the overall impression of a space. When these details are cheap or poorly chosen, they create a cascade effect that diminishes everything else in the room. Even expensive furniture can look less impressive when surrounded by obviously inexpensive hardware and fixtures.

The problem is particularly acute because hardware is something people interact with daily. Every time you open a cabinet door or adjust a window treatment, you’re reminded of the quality (or lack thereof) of these elements. Cheap hardware often functions poorly, with pulls that feel flimsy, finishes that wear off quickly, and mechanisms that don’t operate smoothly. This daily reminder of poor quality affects how you feel about your space.

From a design perspective, cheap hardware fails to provide the visual weight and substance that quality pieces offer. Well-made hardware has heft, beautiful finishes, and proportions that feel right in the hand and look substantial on cabinets and furniture. Cheap alternatives lack this presence, making cabinets and furniture look less expensive by association.

Whitney Riter Gelinas emphasizes that the opposite is also true: “Conversely, expensive hardware on even a basic cabinet can elevate the whole look instantly.” [14] This demonstrates how much impact these seemingly small details can have on the overall perception of quality and expense in a space.

The Fix: Invest in Quality Details

The solution to cheap hardware problems starts with understanding that these elements are investments in your home’s overall aesthetic. Quality hardware will last for decades and can transform even basic cabinets and furniture into pieces that look custom and expensive.

For cabinet hardware, consider upgrading to solid metal pulls and knobs in finishes that will age beautifully. Interior designer Jae Joo recommends unlacquered brass because it “patinas and ages with time,” creating a rich, lived-in look that suggests quality and permanence. [15] She notes that “polished brass fixtures tend to look harsh with organic surfaces like stone or plaster,” while unlacquered brass “can warm up the space and give it a whole new look” even with simple cabinetry. [16]

When choosing cabinet hardware, consider the scale and proportion carefully. Larger pulls and knobs generally look more expensive and substantial than tiny ones. For drawers, pulls should typically be about one-third the width of the drawer front. For doors, the hardware should be proportional to the door size—larger doors can handle more substantial hardware.

Window treatments deserve special attention because they frame your views and affect how light enters your space. Replace plastic blinds with wood blinds, quality roller shades, or fabric curtains that extend to the floor. The key is choosing treatments that look intentional and substantial rather than like afterthoughts.

When hanging curtains, mount the rods higher than the window frame and extend them beyond the sides of the window. This creates the illusion of taller ceilings and wider windows while making the window treatments look more custom and expensive. Choose curtains that just touch the floor or puddle slightly for a luxurious look.

Light fixtures offer another opportunity to make a significant impact with relatively modest investment. Replace basic builder-grade fixtures with pieces that have more visual weight and interesting design details. The fixtures don’t need to be expensive, but they should look intentional and appropriate for their spaces.

Consider the finish consistency throughout your home. Choose one or two metal finishes and use them consistently throughout connected spaces. This creates a cohesive, intentional look that suggests professional design planning. Brass and black are particularly popular combinations that work well in most homes.

For budget-conscious upgrades, prioritize the hardware and fixtures in your most-used spaces first. Kitchen cabinet hardware, bathroom fixtures, and living room lighting will have the most impact on your daily experience and visitors’ impressions. You can upgrade other areas over time as budget allows.

Don’t overlook the power of simple swaps. Replacing basic switch plates and outlet covers with more substantial versions in coordinating finishes is an inexpensive way to elevate the overall look of your spaces. These small details contribute to the overall impression of quality and attention to detail.

When shopping for hardware and fixtures, feel the weight and examine the construction quality. Well-made pieces will feel substantial and operate smoothly. Avoid anything that feels flimsy or has finishes that look like they might wear off quickly. Remember that you’ll interact with these elements daily, so quality matters for both aesthetics and function.

Consider the long-term value of these investments. Quality hardware and fixtures will last for decades and can move with you to different homes. They’re also elements that potential buyers notice when you eventually sell your home, making them investments in your property value as well as your daily enjoyment of your space.

Mistake #4: Improper Art Placement and Cheap Frames

Artwork has the power to transform a space from generic to personal, from cold to inviting, and from amateur to sophisticated. However, when art is hung incorrectly or framed poorly, it can have the opposite effect, making even the most beautiful pieces look awkward and cheap. This mistake is particularly frustrating because it’s so easily corrected, yet it’s one of the most common issues interior designers encounter in homes across all budget levels.

### The Problem: Art That Floats Too High

The most pervasive art-related mistake is hanging pieces too high on the wall. This error is so common that interior designer Benjamin Vandiver identifies it as “one of the most common mistakes” he sees, noting that “too often, I see art hung entirely too high.” [17] When artwork is positioned too high, it loses its connection to the furniture and people in the room, creating an awkward, disconnected feeling that immediately signals amateur design choices.

This problem is compounded by the tendency to hang art based on nail placement or wall space rather than considering how the piece relates to the furniture and the people who will be viewing it. Art that’s hung too high forces viewers to crane their necks upward, creating an uncomfortable viewing experience that makes the space feel unwelcoming and poorly planned.

Gallery walls present their own set of challenges. Mismatched frames, inconsistent spacing, and poor composition can turn what should be a sophisticated display into a cluttered, chaotic mess. Many homeowners create gallery walls by simply filling empty wall space without considering the overall composition, resulting in arrangements that look random rather than intentional.

Frame quality represents another significant issue that can instantly cheapen even beautiful artwork. As interior designer Crystal Sinclair warns, “A poorly constructed frame will cheapen whatever you put inside.” [18] Cheap frames with thin materials, poor construction, and low-quality glass or acrylic can make expensive art look amateur, while quality frames can elevate even inexpensive prints to look sophisticated and intentional.

The size relationship between art and furniture is frequently overlooked, with many homeowners choosing pieces that are too small for their spaces. Tiny pieces of art scattered across large walls create a fragmented, unfinished look that lacks the impact and sophistication of properly scaled artwork.

### Why Poor Art Placement Makes Homes Look Amateur

Art placement affects the entire visual balance of a room. When pieces are hung too high, they create dead space between the artwork and the furniture below, making rooms feel disconnected and poorly proportioned. This breaks the visual flow that characterizes professionally designed spaces, where every element relates harmoniously to the others.

The psychological impact of poorly placed art extends beyond mere aesthetics. Art should create connection and conversation, but when it’s positioned incorrectly, it becomes background noise rather than a focal point. Visitors subconsciously register when art placement feels wrong, even if they can’t articulate exactly what’s bothering them about the space.

Poor frame choices compound the problem by signaling that little thought or investment went into the presentation of the artwork. Since frames are often the most visible element of an art display, cheap or inappropriate frames immediately suggest that the homeowner didn’t prioritize quality or attention to detail.

The cumulative effect of these mistakes is a space that feels unfinished and amateur, regardless of how much money was spent on the actual artwork. Even expensive pieces can look cheap when they’re poorly placed or framed, while thoughtfully presented inexpensive art can look sophisticated and intentional.

### The Fix: Hang and Frame Art Like a Professional

The solution to art placement problems starts with understanding the fundamental principle of eye-level hanging. Benjamin Vandiver recommends hanging art so that the center of the piece is 57-60 inches from the floor, which corresponds to average eye level for most people. [19] However, he emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context of each room: “Take a photo of the art while standing and sitting in the room. Don’t be afraid to hang things very low, especially near accent chairs.” [20]

This approach recognizes that art should relate to how people actually use the space. In living areas where people spend most of their time seated, art can and should be hung lower than in hallways or entryways where people are typically standing. The goal is to create a comfortable viewing experience that feels natural and inviting.

When hanging art above furniture, the bottom of the frame should typically be 6-8 inches above the furniture piece. This creates a visual connection between the art and the furniture while maintaining appropriate proportions. For art above sofas or beds, the piece should be roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture to create proper scale relationships.

Gallery walls require careful planning to avoid the cluttered, amateur look that characterizes many attempts. Start by cutting paper templates of your frames and arranging them on the floor until you find a composition that feels balanced. The key is maintaining consistent spacing between pieces—typically 2-3 inches—and ensuring that the overall arrangement has a clear visual structure.

Benjamin Vandiver’s approach to gallery walls emphasizes the importance of previewing the arrangement: “I like to see something in two dimensions on my phone before using the hammer.” [21] This allows you to evaluate the composition objectively and make adjustments before committing to nail holes in the wall.

Frame selection deserves as much attention as the artwork itself. Crystal Sinclair’s warning about poorly constructed frames underscores the importance of investing in quality presentation. [22] Choose frames that complement both the artwork and your room’s aesthetic, and don’t skimp on materials or construction quality.

For a cohesive look, consider using similar frame styles throughout connected spaces. This doesn’t mean everything must match exactly, but maintaining some consistency in materials, colors, or styles creates a more sophisticated, intentional appearance than randomly mixing different frame types.

The glass or acrylic in frames matters more than many people realize. Museum-quality glass reduces glare and provides UV protection, while cheap acrylic can create distortions and reflections that detract from the artwork. If budget is a concern, prioritize quality framing for your most important pieces and upgrade others over time.

Size relationships are crucial for creating impact and sophistication. Instead of using multiple small pieces, consider choosing fewer, larger artworks that can command attention and create focal points. A single large piece often has more impact than several small ones scattered across the same wall space.

When selecting art sizes, consider the scale of your room and furniture. Large rooms with substantial furniture can handle bigger artwork, while smaller spaces benefit from more modestly sized pieces. However, don’t go too small—it’s better to choose one appropriately sized piece than several tiny ones that get lost on the wall.

Lighting your artwork properly enhances its impact and creates a more sophisticated presentation. Picture lights, track lighting, or strategically placed accent lights can transform how artwork appears and make even inexpensive pieces look more valuable and important.

Remember that art placement is not permanent. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and heights until you find what works best for your space and lifestyle. The goal is creating a presentation that feels intentional, comfortable, and sophisticated—qualities that immediately elevate the perceived value and design quality of your entire home.

## Mistake #5: Matchy-Matchy Furniture and Lack of Personality

One of the most telling signs of amateur interior design is a room filled with matching furniture sets purchased all at once from a single retailer. While this approach might seem logical and coordinated, it actually creates the opposite effect, making spaces feel generic, sterile, and obviously inexpensive. Professionally designed homes have a collected, curated feeling that suggests pieces were acquired over time and chosen for their individual merit, not because they came as a set.

### The Problem: The “Bought All at Once” Look

The most obvious furniture mistake is purchasing complete bedroom sets, living room suites, or dining room collections that match perfectly in every detail. Interior designer Jae Joo of Jae Joo Designs explains that “a uniform look and limited furniture options can make a space feel too conventional.” [23] These matching sets immediately signal that no individual thought went into selecting each piece, creating spaces that feel more like furniture showrooms than personal homes.

This problem extends beyond obvious matching sets to include rooms where everything is too coordinated. When every piece of furniture is the same wood tone, every fabric is in the same color family, and every finish matches exactly, the result is a space that lacks the visual interest and personality that characterize expensive, professionally designed homes.

Another related issue is conventional furniture placement that follows predictable patterns without considering the specific needs or character of the space. Jae Joo notes that she likes to “maximize comfort and function when it comes to arranging furniture and try to think outside traditional placements that we’re used to seeing.” [24] When furniture is arranged in the most obvious way—sofa against the wall, matching chairs flanking it, coffee table centered in front—it creates a generic look that lacks sophistication.

The absence of natural elements and personal touches compounds the problem. Rooms filled with matching furniture but lacking plants, books, personal collections, or other elements that reflect the inhabitants’ personalities feel cold and impersonal, more like hotel rooms than homes.

Many homeowners also make the mistake of filling every available space with furniture, thinking that more is better. This approach, combined with matching sets, creates cluttered, overwhelming environments that feel cheap and poorly planned rather than luxurious and thoughtful.

### Why Matching Sets Make Homes Look Cheap

Matching furniture sets create what interior design professionals call the “bought all at once” look, which immediately signals that little thought or time went into creating the space. Expensive, sophisticated homes have a collected feeling that suggests pieces were chosen individually over time, each selected for its specific contribution to the overall aesthetic.

The psychological impact of overly matched furniture is significant. These spaces feel impersonal and generic because they lack the individual character that comes from thoughtful curation. Visitors subconsciously recognize that the room was assembled quickly from a catalog rather than developed thoughtfully over time.

From a design perspective, matching sets eliminate the visual tension and interest that make spaces engaging. When everything coordinates perfectly, there are no surprises, no focal points, and no elements that draw the eye or create conversation. This predictability is the opposite of what characterizes sophisticated, expensive-looking spaces.

The problem is compounded by the fact that furniture sets are typically designed for mass appeal rather than individual style. They tend to be safe, generic choices that don’t reflect any particular aesthetic vision or personal taste. This lack of personality immediately makes spaces feel less expensive and less thoughtfully designed.

### The Fix: Create a Collected, Curated Look

The solution to matching furniture problems lies in understanding how to mix and match pieces while maintaining overall cohesion. The key is coordinating rather than matching—choosing pieces that work together harmoniously without being identical.

Start by identifying a unifying element that will tie your pieces together. This might be a consistent wood tone, a repeated metal finish, or a common style element. However, this unifying element should be subtle rather than overwhelming. For example, you might choose pieces that all feature brass accents without requiring that every piece be identical in style or finish.

Jae Joo demonstrates this principle in her own work, noting that “while the wood bed and armoire match in color, they were bought at different times. And the white nightstands are a great contrast to the dark wood tones.” [25] This approach creates visual interest while maintaining overall harmony.

Consider mixing different materials and textures to add visual richness to your spaces. Combine wood with metal, smooth surfaces with textured ones, and matte finishes with glossy ones. This variety creates the kind of sophisticated layering that characterizes expensive, professionally designed spaces.

Furniture placement offers another opportunity to move beyond conventional, amateur arrangements. Jae Joo suggests thinking creatively about traditional setups: “Built-in sofas or benches along the walls can transform the proportions of the living room to become more distinctive and unique instead of a traditional set up of a sofa, chairs and a coffee table.” [26]

Even in more conventional arrangements, small changes can make big differences. Instead of matching nightstands, Jae Joo recommends swapping “one out to put a [small] desk next to the bed, which is one of my favourite set ups to elevate the look of a guest bedroom.” [27] This unexpected element adds personality and function while breaking up the predictable symmetry of matching pieces.

Think creatively about how furniture can serve multiple purposes. Jae Joo notes that “an antique dresser can be anything it wants—a console, credenza or a side table.” [28] This flexible approach to furniture function is characteristic of sophisticated, well-designed spaces where pieces are chosen for their individual merit rather than their designated purpose.

Incorporate natural elements to add life and personality to your spaces. Plants, flowers, and other organic elements soften the hard lines of furniture and add the kind of natural variation that makes spaces feel alive and welcoming. These elements are essential for creating the warm, inviting atmosphere that characterizes expensive homes.

Personal touches are equally important for creating spaces that feel curated rather than purchased. Books, artwork, collections, and other items that reflect your interests and personality transform generic furniture arrangements into homes that tell a story. These elements don’t need to be expensive, but they should be meaningful and thoughtfully displayed.

Consider the power of editing in creating sophisticated spaces. Rather than filling every available surface and corner with furniture and accessories, choose fewer, better pieces and give them room to breathe. This restraint is characteristic of expensive, professionally designed spaces and immediately elevates the perceived quality of your furnishings.

When adding new pieces to your home, resist the temptation to purchase everything at once. Instead, live with your space and add pieces gradually as you find items that truly enhance your aesthetic vision. This patient approach naturally creates the collected, curated feeling that characterizes sophisticated homes.

Remember that the goal is not to avoid coordination entirely, but to achieve harmony through thoughtful curation rather than obvious matching. The most successful spaces feel intentional and cohesive while maintaining enough variety and personality to keep them interesting and engaging.

## Conclusion

Creating a home that looks expensive and professionally designed doesn’t require a massive budget or a complete renovation. As we’ve explored throughout this guide, the difference between spaces that look cheap and those that appear sophisticated often comes down to avoiding common mistakes and making thoughtful choices about the details that matter most.

The five mistakes we’ve covered—poor lighting choices, wrong-sized rugs and poor placement, cheap hardware and fixtures, improper art placement and cheap frames, and matchy-matchy furniture arrangements—are all easily correctable issues that can dramatically transform your space. More importantly, addressing these problems often costs less than you might expect, making them accessible improvements for homeowners at any budget level.

The lighting in your home sets the mood for everything else, and layering different types of illumination creates the warm, inviting atmosphere that characterizes expensive spaces. By moving beyond harsh overhead lighting and incorporating table lamps, floor lamps, and other sources of ambient light, you can instantly elevate the feeling of any room.

Properly sized and placed rugs ground your spaces and create the unified, intentional look that separates professional design from amateur arrangements. Investing in quality rugs that fit your spaces correctly will serve you for years while making every other element in your rooms look more expensive and thoughtfully chosen.

Hardware and fixtures might seem like minor details, but they’re the jewelry of interior design—small elements that have an outsized impact on the overall impression of quality and attention to detail. Upgrading these finishing touches is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your entire home look more expensive and sophisticated.

Art placement and framing deserve the same careful consideration you give to major furniture purchases. When artwork is hung at the proper height and presented in quality frames, it becomes a focal point that elevates the entire room. These improvements require more planning than money, making them accessible to everyone.

Finally, moving beyond matching furniture sets to create collected, curated spaces transforms generic rooms into homes with personality and sophistication. This approach takes patience and thoughtfulness, but it creates the kind of individual character that money alone cannot buy.

The beauty of addressing these common mistakes lies in their cumulative effect. Each improvement builds on the others, creating spaces that feel increasingly sophisticated and intentional. You don’t need to tackle everything at once—start with the mistake that bothers you most or the fix that fits your current budget, then work through the others over time.

Remember that creating beautiful spaces is a process, not a destination. The most sophisticated homes evolve over time as their owners learn, grow, and refine their aesthetic vision. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you’re building the foundation for a home that not only looks expensive but also reflects your personal style and enhances your daily life.

The investment you make in avoiding these mistakes pays dividends far beyond the initial cost. A well-designed home improves your quality of life, impresses visitors, and maintains its value over time. More importantly, it creates a space where you feel comfortable, proud, and truly at home.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to elevate your current space, these principles will guide you toward creating a home that looks and feels more expensive than it actually was. The key is understanding that good design is about making thoughtful choices, not necessarily expensive ones. With attention to these details and a commitment to avoiding common mistakes, you can create a space that rivals professionally designed homes while staying within your budget and reflecting your personal style.

—

## References

[1] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[2] Good Housekeeping. “14 Design Mistakes Making Your Home Look Cheap, According to Pros.” January 20, 2025. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g63351978/design-mistakes-that-make-your-home-look-bad/

[3] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[4] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[5] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[6] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[7] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[8] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[9] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[10] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[11] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[12] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[13] Good Housekeeping. “14 Design Mistakes Making Your Home Look Cheap, According to Pros.” January 20, 2025. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g63351978/design-mistakes-that-make-your-home-look-bad/

[14] Good Housekeeping. “14 Design Mistakes Making Your Home Look Cheap, According to Pros.” January 20, 2025. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g63351978/design-mistakes-that-make-your-home-look-bad/

[15] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[16] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[17] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[18] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[19] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[20] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[21] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[22] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[23] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[24] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[25] The Turquoise Home. “12 Things Making Your Home Look Cheap (Plus Simple Fixes!).” January 20, 2025. https://theturquoisehome.com/things-that-make-your-home-look-cheap/

[26] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[27] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a

[28] Vogue Australia. “11 design mistakes that can make your home look cheap.” March 2, 2023. https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue-living/interiors/cheap-home-design-mistakes/image-gallery/cefe565d34a543b792c32a7c09d2c99a