Your home may not be a showhome, but you still want it to look its best, right? Well, there are some mistakes that are easy to make which can leave your home looking a little less polished than you would like. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
1. The Dreaded Dodgy Paint Job
Let’s talk about walls. They’re everywhere, aren’t they? And nothing screams “help me” like a bad paint job. Whether it’s the colour of mushy peas (what were you thinking?) or those patchy bits that got missed during a lazy Sunday DIY job, poor painting can really make your place look neglected.
Pro tip: Invest in some quality paint and maybe some professional painters to wield the brush. Your walls are the backdrop of your life, so make sure they’re looking sharp!
2. Clutter Chaos
It starts with just one unopened letter on the counter, but before you know it, you’re living in an episode of a hoarding documentary. Clutter is the arch-nemesis of a polished home. It not only makes your space look messy, but it can also actually make it feel smaller and more chaotic.
Pro tip: Time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and start decluttering! If it doesn’t spark joy or you haven’t used it since the last solar eclipse, maybe it’s time to say goodbye.
3. Fading Furnishings
Now, onto the furniture. That sofa that’s been through every movie marathon for the past decade? It might be super comfy, but if it’s looking a bit worse for wear, it could drag down the vibe of your entire living room. Threadbare fabrics and saggy seats don’t really scream ‘sophisticated living’.
Pro tip: Consider a refresh with some new furniture, or even just some stylish throws, new furniture covers or cushions to jazz things up a bit.
4. Last Decade’s Decor
Stuck in a time warp? If your home décor still features relics from the early 2000s (beaded curtains, anyone?), it might be time for an update. Décor trends come and go, and keeping things modern can help your space feel fresh and polished. This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything once a year, but a few contemporary touches can really lift the space.
Pro tip: If you can’t afford a complete design update, focus on the little things instead. You can make a difference by swapping out old accessories and mirrors for new ones.
5. Poor Lighting
Lighting can make or break the atmosphere in your home. Harsh overhead lights can feel as inviting as a dentist’s chair, while too dim can make you feel like you’re in a cave.
Pro tip: Experiment with different levels of lighting; softer, layered lighting can make your home feel warm and welcoming. And yes, those energy-saving bulbs can be part of this plan too!
6. Neglected Nooks and Crannies
Last but not least, those neglected nooks and crannies. Cobwebs in the corners and dust on the dado rails? Not a good look. Keeping on top of the cleaning can really help to make your home feel cared for and polished. Plus, it’s good exercise—or so they tell us.
Pro tip: Bring your neglected nooks back to life with new shelving. Make a feature of them by displaying your favourite accessories or art work.
A home that is polished is a home where attention has been paid to details, so you really don’t have to spend a fortune, or a ton of time, getting the look!
