10 ‘crimes’ ruining your home

These are the 10 trends that are ruining your home and what to do about them.

These crimes against interior design are ruining your home.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home for the best possible price or just trying to life your best life, these are the things you shouldn’t be doing with your home and how you can do much better.

If you’re already there, you’re doing much better than most of us.

10 CRIMES MAKING YOUR HOME LOOK DATED

The Sun reports, When it comes to your home, first impressions really do count.

Guests and potential buyers make judgments as soon as they see it – and some of your decor design choices could be huge turn-offs.

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Out. Of. Date.

Liv Conlon is CEO of ThePropertyStagers and has been improving properties to help owners sell for almost a decade.

Here, she highlights the 10 trends that are dating your home – and offers simple solutions to bring your space bang up to date.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Nothing screams a lack of originality like a framed “Live, Laugh, Love” sign in mismatching fonts.

However sweet, this look is completely overdone and appears cheap, not chic.

Classic movie posters or abstract prints are affordable and more stylish.

Source your print, then buy a cheap frame – from the likes of Ikea.

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Framed inspirational quotes look cheap, not chic. Picture: Getty

CARPET IN BATHROOM

You may have thought it was confined to the last century, but surprisingly, some bathroom and toilet floors are still carpeted.

This outdated practice is only for those committed to creating a permanent home for mould and mildew.

Yuck!

Replace any carpet in areas where you wash with a stylish mat placed as far from the toilet as possible.

A practical grey one for around $10 at most supermarkets or Bunnings is fine.

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That line there, is the Rubicon of interior design.

SIZE MATTERS

Keeping things in proportion is important.

If a room is small, adding large furniture can backfire.

While a little sofa in a big living room will make the space feel sparse, a massive sectional sofa in a small lounge will dominate and make the room feel claustrophobic.

To create a sense of roominess, choose one with legs as you can see more of the floor underneath it, or a low-level one for a cosy vibe.

A sofa should never occupy the entire length of a wall – leave at least 45cm at either end.

If a room is small, adding large furniture can backfire. Picture: Getty

GALLERY WALL

This became a trend a few years ago, but not any more.

Hanging everything on one wall looks more cluttered and chaotic than cool and classy.

It’s also a sure-fire way to overwhelm the space. Opt for large-scale prints, oversize paintings or pick two images that go well together and frame them.

Hanging everything on one wall looks cluttered and chaotic, rather than cool and classy. Picture: Getty

THE BIG LIGHT

That large, central light (whether pendant or spotlight) is a huge no-no.

I personally take the bulbs out of any overhead lights in my home so that nobody can turn them on. To create an inviting atmosphere, opt for a statement lamp in the master bedroom, and lighting to illuminate key areas in kitchens.

That big light might be too much. You could opt for the lamp instead. Source: realestate.com.au

SMALL ISN’T BEAUTIFUL

A room full of small accessories can look cluttered and distract potential buyers from looking at the space properly.

Create impact and focal points with oversized artwork, lamps, vases, photo frames and mirrors, which give an impression of space.

Small accessories can make a room look cluttered. Picture: Getty

SAD, SAGGY CUSHIONS

My pet hate is cushions placed on their corners (especially when lined up in a row), or poorly stuffed ones that lie limply on the sofa.

And don’t get me started on excessive cushion use. When did our couches turn into adult-sized ball pits? We don’t need 18 cushions to sit comfortably!

Luckily, when styled correctly, they are a brilliant addition for adding a pop of colour as well as the perception of a bit of luxury to a sofa or living room chair.

Invest in new cushion pads to give yours a more plush, luxurious look.

LEATHER SOFA

There is nothing worse than a living room dominated by an oversized leather sofa.

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A leather sofa should not dominate your living room. Picture: Getty

This is especially true if it’s showing signs of its age, is squeaky when you sit down and smells musty.

If you really can’t bear to part with it, glam it up with some brand new cushions – silk or velvet ones will add a touch of luxury.

You could use a specialist cleaning product to spruce up, nourish and condition the leather on your sofa, too.

STATEMENT WALLPAPER

Say farewell to the “feature wall”.

Statement walls are the definition of outdated. Picture: Getty

This trend where one side of the room screams “Look at me!” is outdated.

The modern way is for all the walls in a room to match, even if that means sharing a very bold wallpaper choice.

CLUTTER CHAOS

Potential buyers are said to form an opinion of your home within ten seconds of arrival, yet the hallway or porch is often the most overlooked area of a house.

Invest in a new doormat and ditch coats and shoes that have not been worn for months.

The less clutter you have, the bigger the area will look.

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The hallway or the porch is often the most overlooked area of a house. Picture: Getty

Parts of this article originally appeared in The Sun and are republished here with permission.

Originally published as 10 ‘crimes’ ruining your home