The most common request designers get is to create an interior that looks more luxurious than it actually is. But is it possible to achieve this effect when renovating on your own? Absolutely — as long as you avoid common design mistakes.
Too Many Accents
The Problem
Bold wallpaper, a richly colored sofa, and a trendy statement rug — each element looks stunning on its own, but together, this all becomes as bright as the hugest game library at https://22bet.co.zm/casino. An overload of accents makes the space feel cluttered, overwhelming, and cheap. In stylish, well-balanced interiors, the background plays the leading role.
The Solution
You don’t always need a large budget to make a renovation look high-end. More often than not, poor choices and combinations bring down the overall look. The same item can appear luxurious or inexpensive depending on its context. It’s not about money — it’s about smart selection.
- Plan Ahead — Before making any purchases, think through your interior design. Gather references from completed projects you like, and outline your key colors, materials, and decorative elements.
- Use a Visual Guide — A simple collage can help you visualize how shapes and colors will interact in your space.
- Assign Roles — Decide which finishes, furniture, and decor elements will serve as the backdrop (these should be the majority) and which will be accents.
- Shop with References — When buying anything, ensure it fits your plan. Never swap the roles of “background” and “accent.” Remember: an item may look different in-store than in your home.
Overly Basic Colors in Finishes
The Problem
The more complex the color, the more expensive the interior appears — and vice versa. Without experience in selecting paint and wallpaper, people often gravitate toward simple, bright colors because they seem easier to understand. The result? A “childish” palette that cheapens the overall look.
The Solution
- Use Ready-Made Palettes — Reference professionally curated color combinations.
- Test Paint Samples — Buy small paint cans, apply colors to the walls, and observe how they interact with the flooring and change under natural and artificial lighting. A sophisticated color shouldn’t look muddy but should shift subtly depending on the angle. The less it resembles a basic children’s color, the better.
- Consult a Designer — If unsure, seek professional advice to avoid costly mistakes.
Outdated Wallpaper
The Problem
Wallpaper with outdated prints significantly lowers the perceived value of an interior. To prevent your design from looking old-fashioned, avoid heavy textures, glossy finishes, glitter, and wrapping an entire room in wallpaper.
The Solution
- Find Trendy Examples — Look at interior design resources, illustrator blogs, and graphic designer portfolios for inspiration.
- Choose Quality Over Embellishment — A sophisticated color doesn’t need extra decoration, and textures should be visually clear. For example, matte fabric-like wallpaper in a solid color always looks upscale.
- Mind the Scale — A large pattern on a small wallpaper sample won’t look the same when covering an entire wall.
- Balance with Paint — Combine statement wallpaper with painted walls or solid-colored companions to maintain a refined look.
Overused Trendy Solutions
The Problem
If a design trend is both popular and widely available (with the cheapest versions sold on marketplaces and in big-box stores), it will quickly become outdated — taking your interior down with it.
The Solution
- Opt for Timeless Elements — Choose classic, enduring design features. A framed mirror instead of a mirrored wall panel, a metal curtain rod instead of a plastic ceiling-mounted one, and chandeliers or pendant lights instead of basic track lighting. These choices aren’t tied to a specific trend and remain stylish over time.
Excessive Gloss
The Problem
Glossy surfaces reflect light excessively, making the interior appear overly “shiny” and, consequently, cheap. This applies to wall paint, stretch ceilings, flooring, furniture finishes, fabrics, and hardware.
The Solution
- Prioritize Matte Finishes — They consistently look more sophisticated than glossy ones.
- Make Strategic Exceptions — Glass blocks, glazed backsplash tiles, glossy metallic fixtures, and decor can add contrast and enhance the design through light play. A mix of matte and glossy elements creates depth.
Lack of Storage
The Problem
Poorly planned storage leads to clutter, making interiors feel cramped and chaotic. When items don’t have designated spaces, they end up scattered everywhere.
The Solution
- Plan Storage First — List everything you need to store — not just clothes, but also household supplies, kitchenware, textiles, hobby and sports gear, medications, and cosmetics.
- Think About Placement — Decide which rooms are best suited for storing different items and choose appropriate furniture: wardrobes, dressers, nightstands, shelves, etc.
- Use Organizers — Containers, dividers, and trays help keep things neat.
- Style Open Shelves Carefully — A well-arranged display looks chic, but curating it requires investment in decor, which can be costly if done all at once.
Matching Furniture Sets
The Problem
Identical furniture pieces and repeated patterns make an interior look static, artificial, and, most importantly, budget-friendly.
The Solution
- Choose Higher-End Collections — Designers in premium furniture lines ensure elements coordinate without looking repetitive.
- Shop Within a Cohesive Style — Stores that specialize in a single aesthetic make it easier to mix and match without clashing.
- Use Patterns Wisely — If you love a certain print, incorporate it in just one furniture or decor piece, pairing it with solid-colored items that match its palette.
- Mix and Match — If you enjoy experimenting, blend furniture, decor, and patterns from different brands and styles — but always refer back to your initial plan. A well-balanced mix creates a unique, high-end look.
A Single Ceiling Light
The Problem
One ceiling light as the sole source of illumination is outdated. In the past, lighting was purely functional, prioritizing cost efficiency over ambiance. Modern interiors use overhead lighting only for specific purposes: cleaning, entertaining, or replacing daylight on gloomy days.
The Solution
- Layer Your Lighting — Incorporate medium-level lighting in each functional area. Hang a pendant over the dining table or bar counter, add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, and install wall sconces near the bed for reading. These elements enhance daily life, create atmosphere, and serve as decorative features.
- Upgrade Existing Interiors — New technology allows you to add lighting even where there are no outlets, making it easy to improve any space.
- Think Beyond Recessed Lights — Don’t rely solely on LED strips and spotlights — choose statement lighting fixtures that double as design elements. This approach always looks more upscale.
Poorly Chosen Textiles
The Problem
Textiles play a major role in making an interior feel warm and inviting. Since they cover large surfaces, any mistakes are immediately noticeable and can cheapen the space.
Common issues include:
- Ignoring the Interior Context — Even professionals, like curtain salon designers, can get this wrong. Their focus is on textiles, not the overall design, leading to mismatched statement pieces.
- Cheap-Looking Fabrics — Low-quality textiles are easy to spot: they shine excessively, have an uneven or overly basic color, lack structure, or feature outdated prints.
- Overlooking Upholstery — The fabric on beds, armchairs, and sofas is just as important as curtains, rugs, and bedding.
The Solution
- Stick to Your Design Plan — Be selective, even when consulting specialists.
- Match Textiles to Furniture Quality — Budget furniture benefits from bold colors and prints (which divert attention), while high-end pieces can handle any textile choice.
- Choose Matte Fabrics — Velvet and corduroy should have depth but not shimmer excessively.
- Play It Safe — If unsure, opt for matte, solid-colored textiles with a rich tone and no extra embellishments. Prioritize fabrics that feel pleasant to the touch.
Overuse of Small Decor
The Problem
Too many small decorative pieces create clutter, disrupt the design, and cheapen the overall look. Everyday essentials that clash with the interior also have the same effect.
The Solution
- Prioritize Larger Pieces — One well-chosen decor item is better than many small ones.
- Stick to a Cohesive Palette — Choose household accessories that match the interior’s colors, materials, and style.
- Plan Storage in Advance — Cabinets, display cases, and wall organizers help keep things tidy.
- Group Small Items — Arrange them into balanced compositions, using trays, baskets, or sets to create cohesion.
By following these principles, you can create an interior that feels polished, sophisticated, and far more expensive than it actually is.
