7 Details That Make Your Home Look Cheap (and How to Fix Them)

If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt like something was off but you couldn't pinpoint what — you’re not alone. Most homeowners have great instincts, but a few consistent design traps make their spaces feel smaller, darker, or less cohesive than they should. These are the most common mistakes we see, and how a few quick shifts can dramatically elevate your home.

1. Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are one of the strongest visual markers of builder-grade interiors. They immediately signal a default, utility-first approach to the room rather than a considered design.

The fix:

Remove the ceiling fan and replace it with an aesthetic light fixture. Our favorites are Murano glass chandeliers and antique French pieces from 1stDibs. This instantly elevates the room and helps the room feel less builder grade.

2. Dark Curtains

Dark fabric against light walls naturally draws attention and makes minor imperfections extremely obvious. They don’t stack cleanly, don’t drape well, and they visually cheapen a room.

The fix:

Soft whites, warm ivories, or light linens visually blend into the wall and allow the rest of the room to breathe. When in doubt, curtains should support the room—not demand to be noticed.

2. Grommet or Rod Pocket Drapery

Grommet and rod-pocket panels are the default big-box option which is why they make a room feel builder-grade. They don’t stack cleanly, don’t drape well, and they visually cheapen a room.

The fix:

Switch to pinch-pleated or small-ring curtains. They hang in natural, even folds, look tailored, and instantly elevate a space.

4. Oversized Recliners

Overstuffed, bulky reclining sofas are extremely common — and extremely difficult to design around. They visually occupy the entire room, feel heavy, and compete with every other element.

The fix:

Choose sofas with cleaner lines, slimmer arms, and structured upholstery. Even if comfort is the priority, there are modern, supportive options that won’t overwhelm your space. A well-proportioned sofa sets the tone for the entire room.

5. Dark Grey Upholstery

Grey sounds like a safe, neutral choice — but in practice, mid-to-dark grey is one of the hardest colors to build a warm, cohesive room around. It often reads cold, flat, and brings down other colors in the space.

The fix:

If you want a neutral sofa, consider a mix of oatmeal, tan, stone, and cream. These tones feel warm, timeless, and pair well with nearly every style. They instantly make a room feel calm and inviting.

6. Sectional Dependence — Especially L-Shaped Ones

Sectionals are the default choice for most households, but L-shaped sectionals rarely fit the room they're placed in. They dictate the entire layout, block pathways, and often force you into awkward furniture arrangements.

The fix:

Before buying a sectional, ask yourself:

• Does the room actually accommodate an L-shape?

• Would a sofa + two chairs give better flow?

• Would a chaise sectional achieve the same thing?

Most rooms look bigger and work better with modular, flexible seating rather than a single continuous piece that controls everything.

7. Selecting Individual Pieces Without Designing the Room First

This is the most common mistake of all: fixing one item at a time without first evaluating the overall composition. That’s how people end up painting walls before choosing furniture… or buying decor that doesn’t relate to anything else.

The fix:

Always design in this order:

1. Furniture first — the biggest visual pieces.

2. Rug + layout

3. Lighting

4. Curtains

5. Paint color

6. Accessories at the very end

When each decision supports the whole composition, the final room feels intentional, cohesive, and elevated — rather than an unintentional collection of unrelated pieces.

About Aetura Studio

Aetura Studio is a virtual interior design studio specializing in European-inspired, heritage-rich designs for residential clients. Grounded in timeless design and editorial detail, Aetura creates spaces that feel layered, elegant, and deeply personal.

If you’re ready to bring a timeless, European-inspired look to your home, we’d love to help you get started.