Designers Say These Simple Home Decor Shortcuts Feel Good at First, But Never Last

It can be tempting to look for quick solutions when decorating your home. But trying to save time and money with easy shortcuts or ill-advised DIY projects can lead to substandard results, ultimately wasting effort and resources.

We asked designers to weigh in on some of the home decor quick fixes that always seem to backfire.

DIY-Painted Cabinetry

Painting the cabinetry yourself may seem like a good idea to save some money and update your kitchen cabinets, but interior designer Rosanna Basford of Memo Interiors says this is not the place to DIY.

“Kitchens are high-traffic rooms and cabinets get touched and bumped a lot,” she says. “The paint and varnish on them must be able to withstand this. Additionally, the cabinets must be in good condition and properly prepared, otherwise you will have the paint bubbling and peeling in no time, which will not look good.”

Since cabinets are typically spray-painted rather than brushed to create a uniform, seamless finish, painting cabinetry should be left to the professionals, Basford advises.

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finished curtains

Basford cautions to think twice before buying ready-made drapery or window shades.

“Poor fitting of curtains makes a room look drawn apart,” she explains, citing curtains that are often too long or too short or have rod pockets or tabs at the top that make them difficult to open and close.

While window treatments like curtains and window shades can be expensive, choosing a custom solution whenever possible is worth the investment.

“Store-bought curtains or window shades may seem like an easy and quick solution to window coverings,” she says, “but they almost always detract from the room rather than complement it.”

peel and stick floor tiles

Although peel-and-stick floor tile may save you time and money at first, it can be a costly mistake later on.

“Mudrooms, bathrooms and kitchens take a lot of wear and tear, so flooring needs to hold up to daily use while maintaining its style,” says interior designer Laura Brophy.

Peel-and-stick tiles don’t work well in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, and are prone to dents, scratches, discoloration, peeling, and shifting if the adhesive is damaged.

Brophy recommends porcelain or ceramic tile for a durable, water-resistant option; Stained or polished concrete for a modern look; And a well-sealed natural stone finish like slate to give a timeless, earthy feel.

sharp furniture

“Flat pack furniture may look good for a season, but it rarely lasts,” says the interior designer. Lauren Saab“Joints become loose, finishes become chipped, and, once assembled, proportions often feel off.”

Instead of buying something disposable, invest in a solid piece made from real wood, she says.

“Even a little old find with good bones It will last longer and last longer than anything that comes in a box.”

battery operated light fixtures

Instead of taking shortcuts with plug-in wall or ceiling lights, do your future self a favor and call an electrician,

“People underestimate how much bad lighting can ruin good design,” says Saab. “Plug-in pendants or stick-on wall sconces often cast uneven lighting that takes away from the rest of the room.”

Invest in a hardwired fixture with proper diffusion, and it will completely change how the space feels, she advises.

Another decoration complete

Saab advises not to be too hasty in decorating your home by buying everything at once.

“Trying to make a room look complete at once often ends up requiring a set of matching accessories, which feels forced,” she says. “When everything is closely coordinated together, nothing stands out. The best rooms evolve slowly, with a mix of pieces collected over time.”

painted accent wall

painting an accent wall A quick way to make an impact, but interior designers Kathy Kuo It is said that this step often gives unsatisfactory results.

“Painting only one wall can make the room feel incomplete and unbalanced, especially if the color doesn’t match the rest of the design,” she says.

She suggests painting the entire room, or infusing color throughout the space with decorative accents like pillows, art, vases or table lamps.