Use Strategic Furniture Placement
Carefully placed furniture is one of the simplest ways to mask problem areas. If you have scuffed baseboards or walls, try putting a sofa or bookcase in front of the damage. arrang furniture to draw the eye away from flaws and accent beautiful features instead. Place area rugs under sofas or beds to cover worn carpet or hardwood.
Employ Distracting Decor
Sometimes all you need is a little strategically placed decor to divert attention from home flaws. Hang artwork or mirrors over damaged walls or discolored paint. Place vases, books, candles or other decorative objects on scarred furniture or countertops. Use visually interesting textures and colors in accessories to distract from imperfections.
Adjust the Lighting
Proper lighting goes a long way in diminishing imperfections. Increase wattage in overhead fixtures to reduce shadows that emphasize cracked ceilings or walls. Add table and floor lamps to brighten dingy corners or hallways. Install dimmers so you can control the light in a room for a more flawless look.
Use Furniture Throws and Slipcovers
An easy and affordable way to refresh dated or damaged furniture is by using removable covers. Sofa slipcovers can hide worn upholstery or fabric tears. Chair throws conceal scars and stains on dining seats. Make flaws vanish under fresh prints and textures.
Install Temporary Wallpaper
Peeling paint, cracked plaster and other wall flaws can be covered up with decorative temporary wallpaper. Self-adhesive wallpaper panels add color and design over troubled spots and remove easily when ready for a more permanent solution. Use wallpaper borders to disguise water-stained edges near ceilings.
Add Door or Furniture Hardware
Sometimes all you need is new hardware. Replace outdated or damaged knobs and pulls on cabinets, dressers, and doors. Stainless steel, copper, and bronze finishes modernize the look while concealing worn surfaces underneath. Coat scratched metallics in oil-rubbed bronze spray paint for an instant update.
Arrange Flooring Carefully
Strategically place area rugs over worn carpeting or damaged hardwood floors. Arrange the layout to showcase the best sections and hide the worst. Use furniture and accessories to block sight lines to ragged edges or stained spots. Place mats and trays at traffic areas to prevent further wear.
DIY Quick Fixes
For small flaws, it often helps to take matters into your own hands. Use caulking to fill gaps along baseboards, windows, and trim. Repair nail pops and small holes with spackle then sand smooth. Touch up scuffed walls with leftover paint. Bleach or dye worn carpet areas to blend better with surrounding color.
Increase Kitchen Storage
Kitchens tend to show a lot of wear and tear. Fill empty spaces in cabinets with racks, turntables, and bins to stow everything neatly out of sight. Use contact paper inside drawers to conceal scratches. Install a hanging pot rack or open shelving above the counters to get cookware off the counters.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are some cheap ways to update the look of my home?
A: Some budget-friendly options include using removable wallpaper or contact paper, painting with fresh colors, switching out hardware like knobs and light fixtures, styling with trendy decorative accessories, and rearrange existing furniture in new ways. Focus on high-impact spots like entryways.
Q: How can I make my outdated kitchen appear more modern?
A: Paint the cabinets a sleek, contemporary color like navy or grey. Replace old hardware with matte black or brass pulls. Change the backsplash to marble, glass or metal tiles. Get rid of ornate corbels and trim for a streamlined look. Add open shelving, pendant lights and barstool seating.
Q: What quick fix can I do make my damaged hardwood floors look better?
A: Fill in scratches and gouges with a wood filler that matches your floor color. Use area rugs in high traffic zones to prevent future wear and tear. Consider refinishing the floors or painting them a fresh, bold color for an updated look. Always felt pad furniture legs and avoid walking in shoes with heels or grit that can dent floors.
Q: How can I update my home on a small budget?
A: Painting with bold, modern colors instantly lifts the look. Update lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware and faucets for visual impact. Style with trendy, inexpensive accessories like throw pillows, vases, wall prints and area rugs. Rearrange and de-clutter furniture for a cleaner aesthetic. Focus on decorating one high-traffic room first, like a living room.
Q: What are some good ways to disguise worn kitchen cabinets?
A: If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, new hardware like knobs or handles can give them an updated look. Painting the cabinets with a fresh white, grey or color transforms the space. Use removable wallpaper on cabinet facings for an easy makeover. Add doors or curtains to open shelving to conceal contents. Install a hanging pot rack for extra storage.
Q: How can I inexpensively update my living room?
A: Try a fresh coat of paint in a modern color to instantly liven up the space. Switch out tired curtains for something patterned and colorful. Style shelves with greenery, books and your favorite collected objects. Replace old lampshades with ones in bold patterns and textures. Use area rugs layered over carpets or hardwood to tie the room together.
Conclusion
With a little creativity, it’s easy to disguise flaws in your home without breaking the bank. Small fixes like new furniture placement, an accent wall, lighting changes or updated decor often do the trick. For worn surfaces, removable slipcovers, wallpaper and flooring are inexpensive facelifts. Focus on high-traffic spots and decorating one room at a time. With strategic decorating and quick DIY repairs, you can give your home an affordable, customized update.
