Your Home Could Look So Much Better If You Do Any Of These 50 Things, According To Designers
Your home’s ready for a glow up.
If you find yourself staring at your living space wondering why it looks unfinished or sterile, you might need the help of a professional. People who stage homes and specialize in interior design know why your place isn’t quite coming together. You could stare at interior design photos for days without figuring out how to accomplish the looks you see in them on your budget. But any expert knows your home could look so much better if you do any of these 50 things, according to designers. And they are all super affordable.
01Focus On Upgrading Your Entryway
“The entryway is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire home,” says Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors. “A well-designed entryway can make a powerful statement, using elements like a statement mirror, a stylish console table, or unique lighting fixtures to create an inviting and memorable first impression." Start with a simple piece — like this half moon console table — and use it as a palette to create the mood you want.
02Add A Statement Mirror Right When You Walk In
This round mirror is perfect above your console table. Choose a size that works in your space — there are five options — and hang it so it reflects light and allows people to check their hair or hat on the way out the door. The trim is available in three colors so you can opt for a subdued black, elegant white, or posh gold.
03Keep Your Entryway Well Lit
This boho rattan chandelier makes terrific statement lighting in the entryway. The effect is elegant while the hand-woven paper rattan cage also pulls an organic hint of nature into your space. It is dimmable, too, so you can dial in the perfect brightness.
04Add A Piece Of Custom Artwork
“One accent I love to incorporate into any space is custom artwork,” says Hall. “It adds a personal touch and can tell a story about the homeowner's taste and personality.” This is so easy and affordable to do. Put a piece of your own art or photography in this rustic wood picture frame to elevate it into a statement piece of wall art.
05Create Layered Lighting Looks In Your Home
“Lighting is an upgrade I always prioritize in my designs,” says Hall. “Proper lighting can transform a space, making it more inviting and functional. I often use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and interest.” This battery-operated table lamp looks beautiful on an entry table or wall shelf and requires no wires to add a soft glow. There are three colors and two sizes and you can put them on a timer to conserve the battery.
06Put Some LED Lights Under Your Cabinets
“In a recent renovation,” says Hall, “we added dimmable LED strips under kitchen cabinets, pendant lights over the island, and a statement chandelier in the dining area, resulting in a warm and versatile lighting scheme.” Under-cabinet lighting, such as this piece from Luminoodle, is easy to add. Peel and stick the light strip to the bottom of a cabinet or shelf and load in the batteries. When you need light, tap the power button.
07Add Some Moody Green Accents
“Currently, I'm excited about deep, moody greens and rich terracotta hues,” says Hall. “These colors bring warmth and sophistication to a space and can be used in various ways, from accent walls to upholstery and decor.” Incorporating this color into your space can be as easy as setting down these deep green flameless candles. They create terrific ambient lighting, too, that’s available at the touch of a remote.
08Put Some Terracotta Throw Pillows Out
“In one project, we used a deep green velvet sofa as the focal point of the living room complemented by terracotta-colored throw pillows and a matching area rug, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere,” says Hall. You can replicate this easily by zipping these throw pillow covers right over the pillows you have or any pillow insert. Choose terracotta or any color you like. There are 30 colors to choose from.
09Invest In A Chic Modern Planter
“My favorite piece of home decor I've found on Amazon recently is a set of minimalist, geometric planters,” says Hall. “They add a modern touch to any space and are perfect for displaying small plants or succulents.” These geometric flower pots channel that vibe and come in five different color combinations. “These planters are versatile and can be used in various settings, from the living room to the office,” she says.
10Make Your Own Gallery Wall
“A great DIY project,” says Hall, “is creating a gallery wall.” Grab this set of matching picture frames in a variety of sizes — in the color that suits your vibe — and fill them with art. “It's a fantastic way to showcase personal photos, artwork, and other mementos,” she says. “By mixing different frame styles and sizes and incorporating elements like mirrors or wall-mounted sculptures, you can create a visually interesting and personalized display."
11Mix Textures With Throw Pillows & Blankets
“The final touch I always add to a design space is a carefully curated set of decorative pillows and throws,” says Hall. These soft corduroy striped pillow covers, for example, fit over pillows you have or over inexpensive inserts. “They add texture, color, and a sense of coziness to a room,” she says. Choose from 11 colors and five sizes to build the look you want.
12Layer A Great Throw Blanket Down
“In a recent bedroom project, we used a mix of velvet and linen pillows in complementary colors, along with a chunky knit throw, to create a layered and inviting bedscape,” says Hall. This knit throw blanket is the sort of rich texture that creates a luxurious warmth in your space. It comes in 10 colors so you can tie it to your other decor choices and it provides a cozy place to curl up with a book.
13Add Colorful Accents To Your Kitchen
“Kitchen towels are a fantastic way to infuse personality into your kitchen,” says Blair Moore, founder and creative director of Moore House Design. “Don’t shy away from making a bold statement — go for vibrant patterns or eye-catching colors that reflect your style.” These Turkish hand towels are perfect. With rich colors, elegant tassels, and an absorbent and soft texture, they are both visually stunning and functional.
14Put Down Some Fresh Flowers
“I always love to add fresh flowers or greenery,” says Courtney Batten, NCIDQ-certified interior designer with Paige Studio. “It is always the finishing touch that makes a room feel complete and inviting.” Keep this set of three ceramic vases handy so you can turn a garden-clipping or store-bought bouquet into a beautiful grouping. They come in two color options.
15Add Greenery To Your Place
This clever book vase is an unusual way to display flowers and greenery or to propagate a cutting. It’s perfect for a book lover or to place on top of a bookshelf. Since it is the size and shape of a book, you could even slide it in among the books on a shelf. The clear acrylic makes it easy to keep an eye on the water level.
16Switch To Closed Storage
When it comes to coping with the style-destroying problem of clutter, Batten suggests using clever storage solutions to make it easy to stash everything from toys to electronics to pillows, blankets, and clothing. “As much closed storage as possible,” she advises. This storage ottoman is a great, affordable solution that also serves as a place to set a tray or elevate your feet. It comes in a bunch of colors and some longer, bench-style sizes if that’s better for your space.
17Store Things Out Of Sight
This two-pack of under bed storage bags is another great way to keep clutter from overwhelming your living spaces and closets. Fill it with off-season clothing, linens, or your shoe collection to free up the shelves in your closets for items that you use more frequently. You can see what’s in them because the top is clear and this is a two-pack so it holds lots of gear.
18Keep Your Items Tidy & Tucked Away
Stash small items in this lidded storage basket and close the lid so they are out of sight. The divided space is perfect for keeping personal items in the bathroom, charging cords or craft supplies in the office, or snacks in the kitchen. There are four style and color options so you can use these all over the house for a cohesive look.
19Invest in Storage Solutions To Hide Your Things
This storage basket is the perfect place to stash toys in the playroom, linens in the bathroom, clothing in a closet, and more. Set them on a shelf and create instant closed storage anywhere. They come in four sizes and three colors.
20Focus On Warm Tones & Rich Colors
Batten suggests boosting the mood in your space by using “warm earthly tones like deep brown or burgundy and deep green.” These green velvet curtains are a great option and they come in many lush colors. “I have had so many clients lately asking for rich colors in their homes and it's something I'm so happy to see. I think everyone is starting to get tired of the all-white and grey interiors and wants something more inviting.”
21Hang Your Art At Eye Level
“Hang art at eye level,” says Batten. “One of the most common mistakes I see is art being hung too high, it should be around eye level.” Use these picture hook hangers to lower any art you have hung too high or to add more visuals to your walls. They are super easy to use and you don’t need any tools. They push right into drywall.
22Cover Any Unsightly Outlets
Sometimes home decor is more about eliminating ugly things than adding beauty, especially when it comes to wires and plugs. “I absolutely love these outlet covers/extenders,” says Batten. “They are so helpful in hiding unsightly cords and I have them all over my own home and use them in clients' homes where I don't get to coordinate the furniture layout with the electrical layout.” Just plug the outlet concealer panel into the plug and run the power strip to a spot that’s out of sight.
23Revamp Walls Or Furniture With A Coat Of Paint
“It's a cliche for a reason,” says Batten. “Painting your walls, furniture, or cabinets is by far the easiest and most cost-effective way to completely change the look of your space.” This chalk-style paint is one of the easiest ways to paint since you can order it from Amazon and the primer and top coat are already built in. The results are a delightful matte that covers imperfections beautifully and there are 55 colors to choose from.
24Add An Entryway Bench
“It may seem obvious, but the design of a home’s entryway really sets the tone for the entire home and is always the first thing that I take notice of!” says Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. “That said, many people forget about the entryway and don’t put the effort in; it’s actually really easy to make your entryway pop with just a few design considerations. If you have the space, an entryway bench is always a nice touch, especially one with hidden interior storage.” This shoe storage bench is perfect, with space underneath for your everyday footwear and a lift-up lid for bags, scarves, and more.
25Store Things Under Your Entryway Bench
If you set a bench in your entry that doesn’t have storage built in, it’s easy to add it with this freestanding shoe organizer. It has room for the whole family’s shoes and hides discreetly under whatever bench you have. It's easy to assemble and you can lift it with the side handles to move it.
26Place A Console Table In Your Entryway
“A thoughtfully chosen console table and curated wall art or a wall mirror are also great ways to upgrade your entryway,” says Kuo. Even if you have very little room, this elegant, long entryway table will define that space without eating floor space, giving you a place to set keys and mail. It comes in four lengths and two colors so you can customize the look and fit.
27Add A Cool Mirror To Your Entryway
This arched window wall mirror turns a blank wall in your entry into the illusion of more space while offering a place to check your look on the way out the door. With two sizes to choose from and three styles — some with window panes, and some without — it’s easy to coordinate it with your other furnishings.
28Style Your Surfaces
“I like to look around a room and find at least one surface that can be artfully styled,” says Kuo. “This could be on your coffee table, bookshelves, mantel, console table, or bar cart.” Once you identify the spot, set this stylish whiskey decanter and four glasses there to create a welcoming, Mad Men vibe. It comes in two elegant styles.
29Add Decor To Your Coffee Table
When styling a surface, Kuo recommends using a decorative tray to collect items together into a cohesive look. This round option, made from Acacia, turns a vase and a few bits and pieces or a beautiful teacup and pot into an ornamental vignette.
30Follow The “Rule Of Three”
“Take a moment to accent the overall design of the room by styling your surfaces using the ‘rule of three’ —one horizontal item, one vertical item, and one sculptural item,” suggests Kuo. This ceramic vase fits into the “sculptural item” slot perfectly. You can also put a few flowers into it to bring a hint of nature indoors.
31Use Mirrors To Open Up The Room
“I am a big proponent of using mirrors to add light and depth to a space, as well as to serve as a standalone design element,” says Kuo. “This could mean a wall mirror over your mantelpiece with an ornate frame, or a minimalist floor mirror.” This arched full-length mirror will make a room feel larger, reflect light, and let you see your outfit from top to bottom.
32Place A Chic Wall Mirror To Add Depth To Your Space
“Mirrors have the unique ability to make a space feel bigger while also reinforcing the overall design style of the space with their shape and frame,” says Kuo. They can be big functional pieces or small, decorative ones like these square wall mirrors that crossover into wall art territory. Choose a size — there are five to choose from — and create a grouping that fits your space. They come in six colors.
33Opt For Sage Green For Your Accents
“Sage green is my favorite color when it comes to interior design right now,” says Kuo. “This color is equal parts natural and subtle, and a distinctive pop of contrasting color, depending on how you use it.” This throw blanket is a great way to try it out. Drape it over a couch or chair to add a boost of color and texture.
34Up Your Soft Goods Game
“I love when a space is 99 percent finished and it’s time to take it over the finish line with soft goods! This means the throw blankets and decorative pillows,” says Kuo. It is so easy to glam up a space by tossing this pleated circle pillow onto the couch. The velvet adds a hint of luxury and the rich texture brings visual interest. There are 13 gorgeous colors to choose from.
35Add More Lighting
“I find most homes are underlit,” says Lisa Modica, interior designer and owner of Cherry Tree Design. Sticking a few puck lights in places that throw subtle light on objects or where you need extra illumination for tasks is an easy way to solve this. “If there are enough varied lighting sources using appropriate and cohesive light temperatures, the home feels much more open and welcoming,” she says.
36Remove Any Harsh Lighting
“Sometimes I'll find a room has weirdly harsh lighting, and we will adjust that as well,” says Modica. “A light study of the space is standard for me as I'm designing so that we can keep a consistent, comfortable brightness throughout the home.” Replace harsh white lighting with a warmer color to make your space feel calmer and more welcoming. This five-pack of warm-white light bulbs is great to keep on hand as you execute this transition.
37Put Some Felt Rug Pads Down To Protect Your Floors
“I always get my Mohawk rug pads from Amazon,” says Modica. You can choose the depth and size of this felt rug pad, cut it to fit perfectly, and install it under your rug to soften the acoustics in the room and the feel of your floors. “The felt pads give you more squish under your feet and protect your floors,” she says.
38Paint Your Walls (But Do The Legwork, Too)
“You can almost certainly do your own painting!” says Modica. “The biggest difference between professional painters and everyone else is the amount of prep work they put in to making the wall perfect before they paint. That's 90% of the job. Before you DIY paint, do your research on what needs to be done to make the surfaces as perfect as you can get them.” Be sure to stock up on tools so you don’t have to run to the hardware store. This pro grade paint roller set has the brushes and rollers you need to complete any painting project.
39Leave Fresh Flowers Around
“I like to leave fresh flowers in the styling,” says Modica. “They always feel luxurious and make me happy." Keep some pretty vases on hand so you can grab a bouquet or cut flowers from the garden when the mood strikes. This mosaic glass vase is a decorative home for a bunch of flowers. It comes in blue or gold and is elegant enough to use as a centerpiece but subdued enough for a side table.
40Use Rattan Storage Baskets
Storage baskets keep all your junk and clutter contained yet easy to find. They are a designer's best friend when it comes to styling a space so it's easy to maintain. “I found some great rattan storage baskets that are both functional and stylish,” says Malak Bellajdel, an interior design expert at Interior Moderna. “They’re perfect for tidying up and at the same time they add a natural element to the room.” They come in graduated sizes so you can use them in a grouping on a dresser, shelves, or side table.
41Add Real Plants If You Have A Green Thumb
“I always add some greenery, even if it’s just a small potted plant,” says Bellajdel. “It brings life to the space and it can also improve air quality. Plants add fresh, natural elements that can soften a room and make it feel more lived in.” It’s easy to start with this set of three indoor houseplants that are easy to grow and arrive ready to water and set on your desk or a window sill.
42Invest In Some Realistic Fake Plants If You Don't
“If you’re not great with plants, there are some really convincing faux options out there now,” says Bellajdel. You will be challenged to tell this fake snake plant from the real thing and it arrives in a pot with its own plant stand so you can set it anywhere. You can choose a moderate 16-inch tall plant or go big with a tall 36-inch version.
43Spread These Faux Plants Throughout Your Space
Distribute this set of three mini potted fake plants around your house to give the impression of greenery with none of the labor or the guilt of losing a plant to forgetfulness. They are small enough to fit on a bedside table, desk, or in the bathroom or to group on an entry table or mantle.
44Add A Splash Of Burgundy Through Art In Your Space
“I love easy splashes of burgundy in art, displayed kitchenware, or throw pillows to spice up a room a bit,” says Alana Murray, an interior designer with Murray Craft Builders, a high-end residential contractor. This framed floral canvas, for example, incorporates the color into a pretty painting of a field of poppies that’s easy to set on a shelf or hang on the wall. It comes in seven sizes so you can work it into a grouping or use it as a statement piece.
45Or Add Burgundy To Your Kitchen
The kitchen is an easy place to add color, according to Murray. Choose these windowpane dishtowels in a deep burgundy and hang them from a hook or over the dishwasher handle. They will spice up a neutral kitchen while giving you a place to dry a dish or your hands.
46Integrate Plants Into Your Space
“I love to add plants,” says Murray. “A large floor plant in a funky or chic plant holder to match the vibe can add to the aesthetic of a living space while also improving the indoor air quality.” This corner plant stand lets you turn an empty corner into a plant display. It has five tiers and fits into a small footprint to maximize your floor space.
47Add A Faux Floor Plant That You Can Easily Care For
The big leaves and tropical feel of this fiddle leaf fig tree bring a big punch of greenery to your space and this particular plant is on trend right now. This artificial version makes no fussy demands about light or water, and will always look well cared for — no matter how little energy you have for plant maintenance.
48Add Art To Your Walls
“Art! People think you have to spend a ton of money on art for a home to feel complete but I could encourage readers to open their minds and focus on things they love rather than a price tag,” says Murray. This piece may not be an original but it is beautiful and affordable and will bring a vintage, dark academia charm to your space. It’s already framed and there are seven other images if this one isn’t your jam.
49Make An Art Project Of Your Gallery Wall
“A gallery wall is a great DIY project,” says Murray. “Think beyond a traditional gallery wall of prints and really mix it up with small sculptural art pieces, children’s artwork in a crazy frame, family heirlooms, etc." These tiny canvases make for a great project, and measure 4 by 6 inches, so they can fit into so many standard frames. They’re on the smaller side, but this comes with 12. Turn it into an art project with friends or family, or channel your artistic side for a low-stakes (but high-impact!) project.
50Place A Unique Candle As A Decor Piece
“I love these weird and wonderful Grecian bust candles,” says Murray. “They are the perfect blend of whimsy and sophistication. The candles can act as a sculptural piece for a mantle or to break up a row of books on a bookshelf.” And the unique wooden wick crackles like a log fire as it burns.