Interior Designer Shares Simple But Brilliant Home Improvement Hacks, Goes Viral

An interior designer has identified six common elements in homes that can inadvertently make them appear cheap, emphasizing that the actual cost of an item is less important than its visual impact. The first item on the list is slab doors, characterized by their plain, smooth, and typically white surface without any detailing. The designer suggests these doors can project an undesirable aesthetic, likened to a 'nasty high school vibe'. Continuing with door components, the designer also singles out most lever door handles as contributing to a cheap look. As an alternative, she recommends using door knobs, with oval-shaped ones being particularly favored for a more refined appearance. Moving beyond doors, the third factor highlighted is thin curtains. The expert advises that all curtains should be properly lined to achieve a heavy and luxurious drape, contrasting with the flimsy impression given by unlined or thin fabrics. Next, the interior designer points to default white plastic light switches as another common element that can detract from a home's overall aesthetic. While these are prevalent in many homes, especially those not recently renovated, the article notes that upgrading them to more aesthetically pleasing alternatives is often an affordable modification. Finally, a specific detail in bathrooms is mentioned: metal tile edges. The designer describes these as "truly foul, truly cheap" and suggests they are often installed without a clear plan, contributing to an unfinished or low-quality appearance in tiled areas. Following the designer's revelations, the article notes that social media users, particularly on TikTok, engaged with her opinions, offering additional items they believe make homes look cheap, such as bland modern fireplaces with white rocks and glass display cases or pots with generic labels like 'tea' and 'sugar'. However, some users expressed disagreement with the designer's stance on door handles, arguing that door knobs themselves can appear outdated and cheap compared to sleek modern handles. One commenter also observed that many of the items listed by the designer are characteristic of new-build properties, implying a widespread prevalence of these perceived design flaws in contemporary housing. The article provides additional resources and tips from interior design experts covering topics such as paint colors to avoid, space-saving tips, sprucing up neglected corners, making cheap furniture look expensive, and creating a relaxing bedroom environment. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #AffordableUpgrades #DesignTips #HomeImprovements #TikTokTrends #RealLifeHomes

Many renters face the challenge of living in apartments with less-than-ideal aesthetics, characterized by features like outdated wall-to-wall carpeting, old appliances, and undesirable finishes. While these spaces can feel hopeless to decorate, interior designer Tommy Landen Huerter offers accessible and renter-friendly solutions to transform "ugly apartments" into aesthetically pleasing abodes. His viral TikTok video, viewed almost a million times, provides practical design tips for various rooms, including kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, and are applicable to most homes, even those not considered "ugly" or rentals. For kitchens often plagued by oak cabinets, outdated vinyl, and white appliances, Huerter suggests several strategies. Layering in abundant decor, such as artwork, plants, and diverse textures, can turn a functional kitchen into a more artistic and inviting canvas. A striking example involves removing cabinet doors to expose layers of color and visual interest. Another straightforward and renter-friendly hack is to swap out existing cabinet hardware for modern pulls and handles. This takes minimal effort and is easily reversible upon moving out. For kitchens lacking a backsplash, Huerter recommends thick, gel-based peel-and-stick backsplashes, which are easy to install and offer a convincing imitation of real tile. However, he advises against peel-and-stick countertops and flooring due to installation difficulties and poor durability. Living rooms, frequently burdened by "unfortunate beige carpet" or other unappealing wall-to-wall carpeting, can also be dramatically improved. Counterintuitively, Huerter suggests placing an area rug over existing carpeting. This adds dimension and helps define the space, especially if the rug offers a textural contrast to the underlying carpet. Lighting is another critical element. Renters can upgrade their ceiling light fixtures, replacing outdated "boob flush-mounts" with more stylish options. These changes are often manageable for a DIY enthusiast or can be done affordably by hiring a professional. It is crucial to retain the original fixtures to reinstall them when moving out. Beyond ceiling lights, layering various lighting elements is essential. Combining floor lamps, table lamps, and even budget-friendly spotlights as uplights can create a more inviting atmosphere and add depth to the room. Bathrooms, which tend to show age quickly with old tiles or fixtures, can also benefit from Huerter's tips. He emphasizes paying attention to smaller details. Investing in high-quality shower curtains, luxurious bath mats, and plush towels, along with chic storage solutions, can significantly elevate the bathroom's aesthetic. Another suggestion is to incorporate artwork, particularly pieces that might be too bold for other areas of the home. Using command strips for hanging art ensures renter-friendliness. Finally, optimizing storage and organization with items like teak or wicker towel baskets, stylish canisters for toiletries, and glass dispenser bottles for soaps can create a spa-like ambiance without a hefty price tag. These collective small changes can transform a rental apartment's overall feel, making it a more personalized and pleasant living space. #InteriorDesign #ApartmentHacks #RenterFriendlyDecor #HomeImprovement #DIYDecor #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BathroomDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions

This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of home improvement ideas, expert advice, and DIY projects for homeowners looking to customize a basic builder design, renovate an old home, or undertake more specific remodeling projects like kitchens and bathrooms. The article emphasizes the importance of smart planning and selecting the right contractors to achieve a dream home. It categorizes various home improvement aspects, starting with general ownership topics and then delving into specific areas such as patio design, remodeling advice, home exteriors, and interior walls. Each section provides a gateway to more detailed information, covering a broad spectrum of projects from minor aesthetic changes to major structural renovations. The content further explores practical and seasonal home maintenance tips, including advice on winterizing homes, understanding real estate trends, and addressing common household issues. For instance, it provides guidance on unexpected costs for new homeowners, the effectiveness of plastic window insulation, and proper water heater maintenance. Safety is also a key theme, with discussions on which items should and should not be plugged into power strips, potential hazards of closing vents in unused rooms, and safe snow removal practices. The article highlights the benefits of smart home upgrades for simplifying daily routines and outlines essential tasks to complete before the first snowfall. Moreover, the article offers insights into managing household waste and maintaining various home systems, such as septic systems. It touches upon legal considerations related to property boundaries and neighborly disputes, particularly concerning snow removal and shared fences. Financial aspects are also covered, including comparisons between space heaters and central heat for cost savings, and the implications of frequent laundry loads. The article also provides advice on what items not to store in outdoor sheds and whether to leave exterior lights on overnight for security. For those considering larger projects, the guide discusses the pros and cons of specific design choices like stamped concrete patios and the increasing popularity of tree houses. It evaluates the practicality of peel-and-stick wallpaper versus traditional versions and offers insights into enduring design trends like old-world wallpaper and Zellige tiles. The article also addresses practical considerations for moving, such as items to avoid packing, and strategies for home hardening to withstand weather. It even includes expert answers to frequently asked questions about tiny houses, reflecting current housing trends and lifestyle choices. This resource aims to empower homeowners with the knowledge and resources needed to enhance their living spaces, make informed decisions, and tackle various home improvement challenges efficiently. #HomeImprovement #DIYProjects #HomeRenovation #HomeMaintenance #SmartHome #ExteriorDesign #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecorating #RealEstateTrends

The internet offers a vast array of interior design aesthetics, from Scandinavian and Boho to Country House and Maximalist, each accompanied by experts and influencers providing guidance on essential items to achieve these trends. This has led Americans to spend an average of $1,599 annually on home decor, according to a 2024 Opendoor survey. However, LA-based content creators Robert Gigliotti and Ethan Gaskill have gained significant attention on TikTok by sharing their most disliked interior design and home decor trends, accumulating over 8 million views with their series called "home decor icks." Gigliotti and Gaskill, who are not professional designers but have developed a keen eye for design through personal and family experiences, advocate for working with a space's inherent features rather than against them. Gigliotti's interest in design stemmed from helping his mother flip houses, where he grew tired of the repetitive "builder gray" aesthetic and began influencing tile and finish choices. Gaskill was inspired by his father, a custom home builder, and his mother, a real estate agent, who instilled in him the importance of maintaining a tidy space that reflects one's identity and positively impacts their mindset. Their approach resonates with audiences because they openly admit to having made similar mistakes themselves. They emphasize that their critiques are lighthearted and not meant to be taken too seriously, encouraging individuals to have fun with their decor choices as long as they love the outcome. In the living room, Gigliotti suggests moving away from trendy, statement couches like the "funky bubble couches" or expensive Togo sofas, which he believes are impractical and difficult to integrate into different spaces or over time. He shares his own experience of quickly selling an orange bubble sofa after realizing it was a social media-driven purchase rather than a truly desired item. Instead, he recommends opting for more classic pieces or using versatile linen slipcovers, and also highlights thrifting as a viable option. The collaborators also caution against letting personal interests overwhelm home decor. Gaskill recounts an instance where his love for horror films led him to display a melting skull art print, which he later realized was too dominant. Gigliotti adds that while one can love fashion, there's no need to display luxury brand boxes as decor. Additionally, grommet curtains are described as an outdated and unappealing choice, likened to hanging a shower curtain in the living room. Moving to the kitchen, Gaskill advises against cluttering countertops with too many appliances, suggesting that only the most frequently used items, such as a coffee maker or toaster, should be left out, with others stored away. Gigliotti further emphasizes that appliances don't need to be a "design moment"; instead, they should blend into the space. He advocates for classic choices like stainless steel over "fake vintage or retro appliances." The article also addresses the trend of over-decorating bar carts and open shelving, which Gigliotti believes can make a space look overly curated and less lived-in. He suggests prioritizing functionality, as authentic and useful items contribute more to a home's appeal. For bathrooms, the duo strongly advises against peel-and-stick tiles, explaining that the adhesive often fails in steamy environments, leading to bubbling and an undesirable appearance. They suggest that poorly executed DIY projects can draw more attention to an area one is trying to mask, and that homes should not be treated like "craft projects." Furthermore, toiletries should not be treated as decorative items, and shelving should not be installed solely for displaying items like nail polish. The article also touches on "cringey" art prints, expanding beyond the well-known "Live, Laugh, Love" to include quirky food-themed or odd phrase art that is losing its appeal. In the bedroom, Gaskill advises against placing beds perpendicularly in a corner, as it creates unusable space and suggests a lack of thoughtful room layout. Lastly, the collaborators recommend against color-coding bookshelves, arguing that a mix-matched approach adds character and charm to a home. They conclude by stressing the importance of accepting a home's existing characteristics rather than forcing unnecessary design elements like fake beams or brick walls through DIY projects. For those seeking change, a new coat of paint and good artwork are recommended as the best starting points. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignMistakes #HomeImprovement #DecorTrends #TikTokTrends #SpacePlanning #DIYDecor #FunctionalDesign