5 Biggest Interior Design Mistakes That Cheapen Your Home & How To Fix Them

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In this video I’ll go through five of the biggest interior design mistakes that will cheapen the look of your home as well as tips and tricks on how to fix them.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Generic Artwork & Quotes
01:21 - Skillshare Sponsor
02:10 - Everything Too Small
03:35 - Hanging Curtains Wrong
06:13 - Everything Out On Display
08:07 - Making Everything Match
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[@reynardlowell]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/reynardlowell08221

[@aichaknidiri50]

No way to have a free month without a credit card and I don't have one 🥺

[@krisleneliong3134]

Hello Reynard, thank you for the free trial. I am a big fan of your work. I just bought a small 50 sqm apartment and i cant wait to collect all your tips and advice from your videos.

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

Hi, this is a really informative video. Unfortunately, it's really hard to hear you because of the sounds of the music (plink, plink, plink) interfering with and distracting from your words. I had to turn off the video before you got to item 4 because of this. Plus jazz is not the most popular style of music and is annoying. I urge you to skip the music, so we can hear you. I will check back on your future videos. Thank you for the information, items 1 - 3.

[@reynardlowell]

Thanks for this feedback. I'll keep this in mind for future videos.

[@mylenebeaulieu2411]

Should do generic hanging curtains when baseboard are an issue

[@littlestbroccoli]

Finally, this is the design advice I've been looking for. Not about differences in taste, just practical steps to open the space and make it inviting. Thanks!

[@Bat_Boy]

After years of my wife having little design ecstatic, 1) Never have anything matching 2) never have (snow) white furniture. My wife’s “style” put everyone off…including me. Our living room looked like a mausoleum in heaven. I hated it. Talk about feeling uncomfortable. Good thing we are divorced now. (I go so far as to NOT have matching plates, cups, mugs, silverware, with a beat up dinner table. Spill a drink, break a cup?…who cares? They are cheap and replaceable. The more different the better. Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon glasses, along with “classy” drink ware…perfect. No one is intimidated by that.

[@anneann9127]

I usually hate these kinds of videos because they tend to beat up peoples choices, but I love this one. Really useful information. Thanks for some great tips.

[@gracieperkins1182]

I also think it's very tacky to display art that commands people to do things like they are talking to a toddler, like the person goes to the bathroom and sees a sign saying "flush", goes to the laundry room and reads a sign saying "wash, fold, repeat", goes to the dinning room or kitchen and reads a sign saying "eat". Those signs really irritates me LOL

[@mbing6674]

Omg yesss!!!

[@kathaai]

it's ok if they're funny tho, I am gonna make a sign for the bathroom saying wash Ur hands u detty pig bc some people want to touch things in my house after running their hand through their 4ss cr4ck without washing their filthy paws.... and also wanna make a sign threatening people to take of their shoes

[@thec0untess]

Like Sit Down & Relax at 1:18

[@joey8762]

It is a sign of lack of aesthetic taste. Rule of thumb is not to display any art with words on it. If you see "home sweet home" or - I would go extreme - massive "welcome" sign, it is usually a house with sad interior design

[@soniapitter6427]

Me too 😂

[@yasmine4501]

I LOVE how specific you are with the measurements in your examples

[@MrVisde]

Good tips! One mistake I used to make was buying cheap MDF furniture that looked stylish. It’ll look good for a little while but it isn’t built to endure everyday use. Buy stuff made of solid wood, metal, or glass. Affordable options at consignment stores.

[@igloozoo3771]

I have a Veneer Tall Thin Dresser and a 3x6 Desk with the same Veneer that I purchased 20 yrs ago from a "modern" furniture store that was cheaper than Ikea prices but doesn't look so cheap. I still have those pieces and they still look and function great whereas I painted most of my solid wood pieces. It all depends on the grain and type of wood. Wood and Stones and even Granite goes in and out of style.

[@MrVisde]

@@igloozoo3771 yeah, I have some hand me down tables from my grandfather using walnut veneers. Underneath the veneers is cheaper plywood. The construction is still solid. What I was referring to with the MDF stuff is it really doesn’t hold up to everyday use: opening/closing, as a work surface, etc…

[@MariaCarabin]

I disagree partly. I'ts a question of quality and construction too IMO. An Ex partner pf mine who is an Industrial Designer, made an MDF wardrobe and bookcase on wheels (painted red on the outside) for his studio apartment, which he gave to me when moving out of his university time apartment. I still own them, several moves (3 apartments and 1 house later). They have served me very well.

[@erebusreact0r]

Also keep in mind that a ton of furniture is made from this stuff because it's way easier to work with. Especially Mid-century pieces that everyone here is probably shopping for. Small stuff like chair legs/drawer fronts are usually solid but big sections are usually veneered over particleboard/ply. Having a hard "solid wood only" rule is gonna make you pass up perfectly nice stuff. Remember to use coasters

[@christineshah7330]

Goodwill Chic. Nearly all the furniture in our home is secondhand and we are complimented on our style every time we have friends over. I pick quality pieces, of course, but the style is in the arrangement and color. Typically a friend will say they want to know how I "do it". They seem to mean that they don't know how to outfit their homes to look like THEY live there and no one else. Unique, personal, interesting. Secondhand furniture and decor are a simple way to do this because uniqueness is built in. LOL

[@elisalozano4862]

I love how much patience he has while giving details

[@TheKrusso]

Yes! My grandma owned a furniture shop in the 50s and 60s. She curated her house very nicely and I can say she followed all these design principles.

[@Ep3tzYc]

🤣 "if you have the budget" THIS is the main reason everyone's house looks like it came out of a Walmart catalog: NO ONE has the budget, EVER! Only businesses and rich ppl, bc interior designers budget concept eludes them 😅

[@thedean6073]

It would be great to see a video about how to expand out to the rest of your living room space using your couch as a starting point. This would be for people that don't have the option to get a new couch that's best for their space and are unsure of how to fill the rest of the room to fit what they have. Since couches can be big-ticket items

[@nepaligaming9002]

Nice

[@kalyasaify]

YES!!!! I need such a video too! I'm creative af, but black out when it comes to my own home.

[@yarakabaha7168]

If you want to design your home or any room and see how does it look in 360 vedio contact me here❤️

[@jacryan2004]

The trick is to do everything else in the video. Then u can customise the couch to what u want it to look like with covers, cushions, throws etc. the focus will be on everything else in the room...

[@reynardlowell]

This seems like a popular request, I'll look into this.

[@martynaskriauciunas1871]

I love how you choose examples to illustrate what you are saying. It is very helpful!

[@ExecutorElassus]

I had an art project a few years ago that involved a painter friend of mine making a painting in real time during a theater performance. To be big enough to see on stage, the canvas was 1.5x2m, and I ended up keeping it. It's fantastic, anchoring every space I've put it in (fortunately, we finally moved into a place with high enough ceilings and big enough rooms that it doesn't completely overwhelm).

[@CarolineLurks]

This sounds like an absolute treasure ☺

[@katana1960]

As a man, it's nice to hear decorating advice from another man. I like the dimension ratios that he explained, it made more sense to me.

[@melissac.5948]

Reynard, this is perfect. It took me a very long time to come up with these guidelines for myself, but you put them all together so elegantly. One thing about decorating with words… it just drives me crazy. Everywhere you look, you’re being told how to think and behave. So I say: DON’T Live, Love, Laugh. DON’T Keep Calm and Carry on. And Just DON’T Do It!

[@wendycornett879]

I appreciate all the specific measurement tips in this video! These insights really help take the guesswork out of choosing the right size artwork, curtains, etc. Thank you!

[@lenoramcginnis4794]

I didn't know why my coffee table looked so awkward in the space. Thank you for giving me actual size I needed to have instead of just telling the scale needed to be "right". This is real information I can use to get the look I want! Thank you!!!

[@rockjockchick]

Yes

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Great tips, I do all of these, especially nothing unattractive is on show, everything visible is curated. I would add: 1) don’t shove all furniture against the walls leaving a huge space in the middle of the floor, but instead pull it into conversation groups, and 2) don’t hang art up near the ceiling, but at eye level for what activity will be happening in the room, i.e. sitting, walking through, lying down, etc. These two I see in British homes constantly.

[@user-ej7jh2cd6y]

Great principles!

[@alienlizardqueen8748]

Three interior design lessons I’ve learned the hard way: Less is more; don’t crowd your home with unnecessary furniture, don’t hang something on every wall- give the eye a place to rest. If you have lots of small photos and art pieces you want to display, you can gather them together to create a gallery wall. You can’t buy good taste; many simple, minimalist furnishings are inexpensive and stylish. And many ornate, trendy designer things are actually quite tacky and dated. Lighting can make or break a space; this so often overlooked. The lumens, light color, and placement can dramatically change how spacious or cozy and how cool or warm a room looks and feels. So basically, if you have tract lighting with some old fluorescent bulbs, don’t use it!

[@maureenmannion6748]

A video on different lighting for small dark spaces would help me a great deal.

[@jumbo_mumbo1441]

Awesome principles to follow

[@Julie-yi7fn]

Hey :) Thanks for your advice on lights!! That's my next subject now lol Do you have any tips on how to find affordable cute furnitures in US? All I can see is amazon, etsy, ikea, and CBD. I can't spend $300 on a dining table 🥲💨

[@tomkato6400]

Reynard, I really appreciate your videos. I’ve watched a lot of content on interior design, but very few provide the practical advice accompanied by excellent examples and also get into some specific details. Your comments about personalizing artwork as well buying things that too small for the space are spot on! Looking forward to your future content. 👍

[@reynardlowell]

Thank You! Appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@user-vb7mf5cb3k]

which ones are good brother?

[@jessicalatorraca8507]

First time here. Love how you spoke calmly, and no pushy music. Even your promotion was low-key. Appreciated!

[@HomeDecorGalore]

Reynard, as always, your tips are amazing!! I love your explanation regarding the quotes. They can easily look tacky and cheap. you are such an inspiration to make my space better! -HDG

[@massabielle2821]

Excellent advice Reynard! The education on the curtains was golden; it is amazing how proper height and length can completely coordinate a room into a vision of peace and calm. Thank you so very much! ❤️

[@seemabootwala1762]

Firstly I would like to say your videos are my absolute favorite. They make putting together my home seem so doable especially for someone who lives in a practically empty home for lack of design skills. Thank you

[@user-yk3fp6wt2e]

Reynard, I really appreciate your videos. I’ve watched a lot of content on interior design, but very few provide the practical advice accompanied by excellent examples and also get into some specific details. Your comments about personalizing artwork as well buying things that too small for the space are spot on! Looking forward to your future content.

[@Bambina336]

I love that you show examples. Great video!

[@davidmccue3591]

This is why KZbin is great. I was thoroughly preparing to make every mistake in this video.

[@dianareneehomes]

Don't let these interior design mistakes turn your dream home into a nightmare. From cluttered spaces to mismatched furniture, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your decor game. Great tips!

[@hellototheworld]

Thanks for sharing great tips! I took 2 photos from my holidays on my camera phone and had them framed on giant canvas no one else has these prints and it reminds me of a beautiful memory everytime I walk past

[@barbarapaige4587]

What a great idea! Thank you for the tip.

[@alvantan5237]

its really useful sharing! As a science person, I always try to match everything in the space. Instead of being more arty by creating some contrasts

[@cathleenthiel7872]

I sent ist to my boyfriend for watching. He isn´t into interior design and is wondering what i do, want and why. It´s a great to do, nice to watch and also understandable for dummies and newbies! Thanks for sharing

[@Dontneedtoknow90]

I just bought a “live laugh love” neon sign and I love it 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@elizabeths7520]

Your examples r so GOOD! Many design channels mostly talk about what to do. So helpful to hv do and dont photos! Ty so mch! Just found ur channel and subscribed!

[@meryvick7]

This is one of the best interior design videos I've ever seen. Thank you

[@clairepamella6927]

Love this video. It's just what I needed to watch before furnishing my new home. Thank you

[@user-nb2gj6gv4e]

Excellent advice Reynard! The education on the curtains was golden; it is amazing how proper height and length can completely coordinate a room into a vision of peace and calm. Thank you so very much! ️

[@EvelinTee]

Learned so much from your video. And I like the way you share, precise and informative. Thank you!

[@keepoo246810]

I really enjoy your personality. I just applied to University for Interior Design and your channel is very easy to follow, useful & calming.

[@nailamansur4463]

Excellent short simple and to the point video. Well explained 👍

[@c.l.5102]

Very useful to bring more warmth and creativity in a room. Thanks !

[@TaniaMcCartney]

Loved this-fabulous detailed and nuanced advice :)

[@stellamulisa8336]

Just bumped onto this channel and I love everything about it

[@Chef_Nobody]

Such a well done video, thank you!

[@homeygumi]

very calming voice,great tips...thank u

[@nickthequick2326]

A very helpful video, especially because you give practical advice and explain the effect of what you are proposing.

[@utkarsh_8066]

That's one hell of a nice video! Very picturesque schemes chosen to demonstate your poing. And hats off to your genuinity .. laid your heart out with the key elements that go into it. Thank you

[@fridayschild1566]

Really enjoyed this video. Great advice

[@lavishlyjasmine]

Learned a lot. Thanks for making this video!

[@stereomtl9001]

wow, there are so many tips packed in 9 mins here ....great job , subscribed

[@tanaweatherford5268]

I’ve learned more from your video about design than any others! Thank you!!

[@evelynespoons3185]

I just found yr video. & I do tend to follow everyone of the design suggestions you’ve made but alas I’m one of those folks that likes MATCHING furniture pieces in my rooms. To me it looks cohesive & less fussy.

[@shailyy3202]

Thnx Reynard for sharing your valuable knowledge with us 🤩...your communication is simple n comprehensive🙃... At times a person just hs single small room n having larger furniture mks the space overwhelming n cluttered leaving hardly any space to move around(just a thought of a layman 😬) Be Blessed Be Happy Always 😘🥰🤗🧚‍♀️🦄🌈🧿

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

I like matchy matchy furniture in my bedroom.

[@carolineberg295]

In Sweden we typicly put the curtain rod as far up as we can or even better use a tracksystem mounted to the ceiling. Width wise we often let the curtains hang on the side of the window only just covering the window frame. This gives the most light, the ceilings look taller and the large amount of fabric contributes to a cozy and warm atmosphere.

[@homednbinc7353]

This was a great video! I really enjoyed how you kept it simple but provided great information. I appreciate all the specific measurement tips in this video!

[@ezza88ster]

Wow! I never knew any of this; how come I didn't hear any of these concepts before even though I have looked at all kinds of sources over the years. Great content - more like this please. No wonder my rooms never look quite satisfying. Stuff's too small! Subbed.

[@janethunt4037]

Loved, loved, loved this video. I've not heard the math on curtains (which I'm soon to replace, so this was timely) or pictures. I would love to learn more about pictures - colors, sizes, frames. I'm going to check out more of your videos. Thank you for this!

[@CarolineLurks]

Thanks for this gem of a video ♥ Right after watching this video I exchanged my 'safe' generic wallpiece (back) to something unique that I have. I had it like this before, but I was frustrated of everyone asking questions about it. Not just the regular 'did you make, or, where did you get this'. People see the name it's signed with and it's suddenly everything they can talk about and I find myself unable to change the subject to more important matters! I love the painting for what it is. Decor. Beautiful Decor. And after The Worldwide Big C-'situation' I don't entertain as much people like I used to anyway ☺Which gives me more time for video's like this, so of course I subscribed.

[@rockjockchick]

Maybe hang it in another more out of the way room?

[@jeanlilianlee8919]

One of the most beautiful videos and ideas I've ever seen

[@kristaderksen3087]

Great video, Reynard! Lots of good tips.

[@Pauline-Jenkins]

Thnx Reynard for sharing your valuable knowledge with us ...your communication is simple n comprehensive... At times a person just hs single small room n having larger furniture mks the space overwhelming n cluttered leaving hardly any space to move around(just a thought of a layman ) Be Blessed Be Happy Always ️

[@safinasaadat6840]

Thanks for a great video once again! But please could your address the issue of how to hang curtains if there are radiators below windows as is the case in most UK homes, something that most designers fail to address.

[@verucasalt9182]

Yes, yes yes!!!!!!

[@vaderladyl]

Check Garrett Le Chic here on KZbin.

[@advuckovic]

Super practical knowledge - thanks brother

[@daniellerudolph5573]

Best interior designer video ive seen so far, thank you!

[@lauro.dominici]

I love your video, I just started my adventure to become Interior Designer in Italy and your video have been so inspiring! thanks!

[@user-vy4qu5pv4w]

Your knowledge on interior design is impressive

[@lauro.dominici]

It's so relaxing I can't stop watching it!!

[@Nancy-zi6kd]

Really great practical advice on improving decor in any room

[@eliv.7062]

Very accurate and detailed advice, not so often found on You Tube! ❤

[@beatporthaha]

Beautiful images and excellent pacing throughout-I learned so much in these 9 minutes. Thanks for sharing these smart and mindful tips with us, Reynard! Subscribed. 🙂

[@ElieBeth___]

This was SO helpful!

[@JuanLuisBst]

Nice telepronter

[@annjohnson8437]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@Sweetthoth]

Just discovered your channel and couldn't be happier 😁 Your videos are so aesthetically pleasing and practical at the same time. Keep up the good work😁👍

[@anabhousen7159]

I can't have a huge coffee table because half of my living room is my "gym" room. IDC how it looks

[@user-ix6oo1qx1v]

I'm a Norther Ca. Home Stager. Great video, what you've said in 6-7minutes it took me 10yrs to learn. Thanks for Sharing

[@smeemira8225]

Such a good video! Thank you for the work

[@jcgambler3009]

Best interior design tips I've seen on u tube. Actually useful tips. Thanks 😊

[@man-observing-world]

I just found your channel and I love it, you are to the point and always have so many helpful insights. Thx from USA!

[@AnyM4jorDude]

Thank you for the generic wall art tip. I can't go into any of the stores without seeing those.

[@Birdwomen123]

An excellent video on the basics of design. Thanks

[@RonjaSebastian]

Legendary. Thank you so much.

[@litakurbanovs1571]

Great sensible and simple advice that works!

[@richardr3511]

If there are electric baseboard heaters under the windows curtains can't be hung to the ground so they have to be shortened to the window sill, or never closed.

[@mayaelle92]

Good explanation!! I will love to learn more about it

[@pavlinahrebackova3000]

Great video, I like your presentation!

[@principalbcs3866]

Excellent....thank you so much. This will really help in organizing my home better once again many thanks

[@Salbiah5645]

Thanks for the interior tips. Very useful😊

[@RobertInnis]

Great video! Just moved in my fiancé and she has quotes all over the place. I’m not a fan of them, but that’s an argument I gave up on a long time ago. When we move, I’ll have more say in certain spaces, but I feel like they will be with us for the rest of our lives.

[@Lucie7799]

first of all: your speech is very good i can follow you very very easy 😋 Thanks for that and thank you for sharing these tips 👌🏽

[@lydiab3465]

I agreed so much w mistake #1, it upped ur credibility in my eyes lol. The rest were all helpful! I was wondering how to make my apartment seem bigger and cozier and i cant wait to use all this info :)

[@camillecrichlow8138]

Very helpful! Especially the measurements

[@jayaswain4963]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@janinehechter7673]

So very insightful thank you Reynard.

[@colbiewinters3863]

This had many good points. I am now looking at my rooms differently and seeing I have to "redecorate". LOL. Thanks for pointing these things out!

[@dianebaker5243]

Lovely video thanks for sharing 👍 🥰

[@barbarar5869]

These are great and simple tips. Each person has their own style and taste, but I think simple things like the having artwork and curtain that are the right size make a huge difference. Another thing is hanging artwork either too low or too high!

[@user-yd4yr5hr3s]

❤️you thank you for taking your time to share this information

[@abrahamsasa3439]

Thanks that was very informative and encouraging to be better

[@ayleene100]

Absolutely agree with all your practical advices❤

[@shylanight]

Love this video and great tips that I have been failing in all! lol Could you make a video on the last portion of the video regarding complimenting colors. I struggle to find what colors and patterns compliment each other without over doing it or having a very monochromatic look.