7 Reasons your Home Looks Cheap + How to FIX These

[@bluegirl4079]

I recently moved into my forever retirement home, and in doing so, downsized by about 800 sq ft. Soooooo..... furnishing had to change. I splurged on an amazing sofa and love seat combo and, surprisingly, a fabulous coffee bar credenza. Both of these bring me joy every day! Love your videos.

[@cathyellis767]

I love the frame TV, but I don't think a TV on a beautiful cabinet looks cheap.

[@maxineallen5673]

I think seeing the TV at all looks cheap especially in a period home. I always try to hide it inside a cabinet if possible. But I agree that a wall mounted one is no better than one on a nice piece of furniture.

[@helengreen6724]

@@maxineallen5673 I agree. TV should be out of sight, but, but, when you live in a very small home, it cannot be hidden. Keep it nice on a nice long TV credenza that's not bulky with nothing around it to cause more attention to it. I mean it is what it is. Frankly, if mine ever breaks, I'm not buying another one. I can see anything I want through KZbin.

[@rt3box6tx74]

@@helengreen6724 Nothing made me happier after I recovered from mourning my late husband than when my last TV broke. It sat atop a little 5 1/2 foot armoire in the bedroom corner. It was too bulky for me to handle alone so after careful contemplation I moved the stripped down bed in front of the armoire and placed every pillow I owned on and beside the bed and pushed it off. I felt like a genuine Mc Guiver Univ graduate as I rolled to the floor, and slid the dolly under it and out the front door. I've been YT exclusive for 7 yrs. Never going back.

[@rachelenochs4685]

Agreed! I've seen people mount their TV above a fireplace mantel & then it's too high for them to comfortably watch TV while sitting down. Function is more important.

[@maxineallen5673]

@@rachelenochs4685 yes and the heat from the fire is not good for the TV either.

[@househackingmom1098]

The frame TV! Love not having the black hole in the room anymore!

[@corytc5095]

As an interior designer i agree with these! Not always mounting the TV but in most cases yes! The rug is major truth!

[@hollymoran7537]

My recent splurge was new blinds, and I never see anyone mentioning this! I swapped out the traditional cheap looking blinds that crinkle easily with smooth, white wooden blinds. Totally elevated my new home!

[@DDJones-yi1pm]

I agree!!

[@ElizeteBartlett]

OMG is

[@shirleylipps6360]

I agree. I’m replacing my blinds with wooden blinds. They are kinda expensive so doing one room at a time.

[@BunnyKittenTV]

ooh yes that's a good one! nice blinds

[@mulliganstew72]

Yesssss! Just moved into a place that’s got the honeycomb dirty blinds that don’t provide any blank out function in the bedrooms… Can’t wait to replace them. Where did you get yours?

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

Congratulations on your new angel! I splurge on everything that makes a bed beautiful...I love buying the fabrics and having my seamstress make customized covers, pillows, bed skirts, etc. I change all my bedrooms for Spring and Winter using things I already have, and every 3 or 4 years, I have new bed sets made. I love changing my bedrooms!!

[@marnesteyn4574]

I have to agree that the bedroom is sooo important. We spend a third of our life there so why wouldn’t you splurge on making it feel more luxurious. Plus it helps you sleep better which makes you feel refreshed.

[@Marissathered]

I have been hunting for a specific kind of duvet cover and I never thought to have them made!! What an excellent idea!! Thank you for sharing

[@lianeabeyta4515]

The two favorite tips I soooo agree with, are no matching furniture sets and pulling furniture away from the wall. My splurge was a oversized french country pine armoire with a carved bonnet top that was originally $4,000.00 but I got for $900.00 because there was a small damaged area on the door (probably from movers).... so I just hung a gorgeous grapevine whispy wreath from a velvet ribbon on the door and you can't even notice it!!!! Score!!!!!

[@chloebelle4923]

what a score!

[@EEN63]

My favorite splurge are my Drexel Heritage dining room chairs I purchased 18 years ago! They are Edwardian ball and claw, carved arm and side chairs in a rich mahogany finish with a custom cream and taupe striped damask upholstered seat. They were an extravagant investment but the enjoyment they bring every single day was well worth the expenditure. To this day, I still think they are absolutely glorious! 😍💗😍

[@kriscanmanifest]

"Lighting is like the jewelry of the room." Totally never thought about it like that but so true! thank you for that haha

[@deborahstimpson7598]

I'm old school and just can't do a TV hanging on a wall. My biggest splurge was my sofa/loveseat which recline on each end. I love them and soo comfy.

[@mulliganstew72]

Same here. I’m in the no-TV camp and I am in the minority.

[@craickid]

When we built our house, my splurge was my Natural Hickory Hardwood Flooring. Love it!

[@thenarrowgate6883]

I totally agree about splurging on lighting! For me personally, quality show stopping lighting, and window hardware and drapes, make a whole home look stunning and high end.

[@cinder8290]

My recent splurges have been a new kitchen and two large rugs. My rugs were all 5x7 and it constantly bugged me. Not only is it a decorating rule but aesthetically a small rug is not pleasing to the eye. Thank you Sharrah, these were all great tips. And thank you for not telling me I should not decorate with antiques.

[@MsAshmomma]

Agree on all points. My splurge is definitely custom window treatments.

[@ashleys4652]

Good couches and beautiful countertops are things to splurge on!

[@peggytravels793]

My splurge is my down couch and a pair of matching pair of Oriental lamps…..I HATE a tv mounted on the wall, I have a fabulous refinished cabinet for the TV.

[@thespace2983]

Sofa splurge, and sheets splurge. Good sheets are a must. And so is that sofa. If I’m sitting on it, it must feel comfortable.

[@peggybinette8605]

My splurges are green - solar panels, energy, efficient windows, and a tankless water heater. I know, not sexy.

[@teechanel9404]

Reducing your footprint 🙌🏽 Love it! 💕

[@teefgal]

Our splurge was a sectional - very gorgeous, comfortable and sturdy

[@KathyAnn1978]

My dad put a fluorescent light fixture in his kitchen, like the office kind, in 1990. I think he had to change out a ballast once years ago; that fixture is still going strong. A money saver. His kitchen always looks bright and not bluish. And never heard buzzing ever. Maybe it's how they make the new lights. (He grew up in the depression, and always looked for ways to save money.)

[@marshabalderrama8903]

Congratulations Sarah, to the 4th additional member to your family. Just beautiful. I’d love a frame tv but it’s not in my budget right now.

[@ekingston1694]

Congrats Sharah on your new little one! You, your home and your family are all beautiful, love your videos❤ 🇨🇦

[@Mamado88]

My splurge has been the lighting, pendants/chandelier/sconces/lamps all of it! I feel like the most put together homes have really considered lighting.

[@FaithFilledHomemaker]

Congrats on the baby!! Just had my third on the 29th! I splurge on faux plants 🪴

[@jennifercole9042]

I splurged on our mattress. Good sleep is si important.

[@Elemiriel]

biggest splurge for me so far is my Big Chill classic refridgerator! I love it when the bones/bare minimum in a room has personality, so I'd rather have naked counters and a SMASHING fridge than nice accessories sutrounding ho-hum appliances. Same goes for my dining room that we are currently re-doing. Biggest splurge will be all the trim to match the original house style (1910 Colonial Revival). Dining chairs are facebook marketplace finds! Haha

[@anitafreeman9845]

I always spend the most on on furniture pieces and rugs. Although I’m about to have recessed lighting installed in our 16 ft high living room! Love all your advice in this video!

[@antoinettebarteet8824]

Sharrah thanks so much for all the wonderful advice. I think I need some decluttering to make things more va voomish in my kitchen. 😂 it’s a small kitchen and my husband loves putting his keys, wallet and such right on my china cabinet when he comes in the house. I’ve tried it all , baskets, boxes you name it. Hmmm! Will probably have to move the china cabinet next. 😂 Congratulations on your new baby boy. You have a beautiful family. 😊

[@KathyAnn1978]

I'm sorry, but all I'm hearing is if you're poor, your house will look cheap. How about tips that are free or cost-efficient? Poor people can't afford to replace furniture, light fixtures, TVs, and rugs. We also tend to hold onto items because we can't afford to buy replacements should we ever need them. The bedroom idea is closer because, if done right, people could buy pieces from different places at a decent cost. The funny thing is, at one time, it was a dream to own a matching set because it wasn't easy to afford.

[@jacquelinem116]

Yes but these days most matching furniture sets are sooo cheaply made. Funny shift for sure. Though we finally just got nice matching dishes (in late 30s). That was dream. Still got them used tho. lol. Always just used hand me downs... so much of our house is

[@juliagoolia72]

I only watch these videos for inspiration because like many of us, we don’t have the money to get even the “budget” items recommended online and in magazines. Then I spend time hunting for the look secondhand. It’s the hunt that’s the thrill. Habitat restore, FB market place, Goodwill, these are all places where you can find amazing things that rival anything they show us here

[@jjandb1]

I heard “ there are lots of things I can do affordably to elevate my home” thrifting interesting pieces, when I am buying a rug… know what to look for, save for a feature light piece in my entry way, declutter, sell some items and throw the profit at my light fund… there was really nothing shaming about this post. You can also just love your house exactly as it is.. in all it’s tiny rug, Florescent light, matching set glory. None of this is a big deal in the big picture.

[@caroltroughton7853]

It's a pity you used the word cheap. I grew up in a large household. We never had a lot but our house always looked fresh and lovely. There were always flowers. My mom always said that flowers were the best thing to decorate with. 💗

[@munchkinsforever456]

we just built a new house, my splurges were custom closets, and a pantry. but I usually like to splurge on bedding, I love new sheets and duvets. congratulations on you new little one!

[@mrssoko5262]

Splurges: sofa/couch, bed and lights. Totally worth it in the end.

[@lindalussier5067]

My splurge would be art.

[@Akashuia]

Recent splurge was an AC unit. 😂 I mean, it was nice for the two weeks we got to use it. Definitely going to love it come summer.

[@veronikasabova3669]

Dear Sharrah, thank you for your tips. Your videos really help me, as non profesional to make my home nice and cozy. Greetings from the Czech republic. God bless you and your family.

[@heathernunn495]

Agree with all these tips plus the main one I read in the comments about nice blinds. My biggest splurge ever was a classic tan leather sofa and loveseat many years ago that still look amazing. This year I did something I've never done before and ordered a gorgeous oval ottoman with crazy expensive ($160/yd) performance fabric. It took forever because of this darn pandemic but it's to die for! Now I'm thinking of a framed TV but I'm on team Lisa Holt that they never go so high as above a fireplace like the images shown.

[@graceandfavor4235]

Definitely splurged on my furniture i.e. the sofa in the sitting area in my bedroom and my bed and mattress… grateful I did *invest rather than repurchase is my motto

[@Tunenine]

Love your videos, this has made me think of changes for the spring I love collectibles, nicknacks, and things like that, omg I'm drawn to them, but now standing here looking around, there are rooms that look like my grandmother lives here and she's my designer:o). First I will start with the removal of my 4-drawer, super storage, super chunky super king bed, not a nicknack but it has to go (giggles) thanks much for these ideas, it has made me think about changes that are needed in my home.

[@Arcenia13]

A unique floor lamp. I received so many compliments on that piece. It elevated the mood of the room and was a great eye candy to begin the journey of adventures ;>

[@chloebelle4923]

I agree! I was gifted two mid-century floor lamps and I adore them. They're a great space saver too, since I do not need to use table space in order to use a conventional lamp.

[@lindaburris1968]

Replacing the old propane stove downstairs with a propane fireplace and mantle

[@iannone39]

Sharrah thank you for the tips....our splurge was on a dining table with Italian leather chairs and yes and off white...I like how you your captains chairs...could I pull that off on ours or what would you suggest.💖🥰

[@margaretshope90]

Medical grade massage chair! MSRP $12,000. We got it for $6,000 as it was the last of a color...Espresso. It's beautiful and the ONLY new piece of furniture we own!! Looks gorgeous too!

[@VS-fo9py]

Splurged on a motorized window shade for our sliding glass back door

[@marlenefanucchi7495]

still love watching you. great advice

[@jacquelinem116]

I splurge on things with function most. Matress, sofa, dishwasher & range. Quality furniture that's wood can be used but cushioning needs to have comfort. We also cook so much so a good stove and dishwasher make a big difference

[@mamacookslove]

Love your home! Congratulations on your new baby, you are an amazing mama, can’t wait to watch more of your videos 🙏🏻🥰🦋💜🥰

[@joycelynnjohnson2934]

The furniture against the walls is my pet peeve. For fun I look on-line at house for sale …soooo many people do this even when they have room not to.

[@lindacgrace2973]

Art conservation. Mom was an artist, Dad owned an art gallery. Grandmas (on both sides) were artists, Grandpa was an artist - all of them commercially successful, they were not hobbyists. Let's say I have no shortage of art! Most of it 50 or more years old. Sending all of them off to be conserved and re-framed (or have the frames re-done) cost a fortune and was worth every penny.

[@denisedurham9385]

None of my furniture match because every piece is either from the thrift store or yard sale. Buy what you love and make it work together.

[@zenaidalugo7707]

Big splurge, all new appliances for my new kitchen 🎉

[@JacyOnTheFly]

My iceberg quartzite countertops are my big splurge. Showstopping!

[@MD-hv5iu]

How do you place the rug when there is a corner fireplace and you can’t place it in the center?? Do I lay it perpendicular???

[@betsylatham5023]

We splurged on an oriental rug for our living room. Expensive, but it makes the whole room.

[@ecormack1]

I am a sucker for a good sideboard or sofa table. If I love it, I love it...

[@trumancollie9]

Congrats on your new little guy!! Have fun with your three special boys (hubby included).

[@mdodgenwellness]

Ok, so years ago every time I walked into a friend’s house I felt like I was in a rooms to go showroom. I never would have classified it as cheap, but it felt weird & oddly impersonal even though it was in their home. It was exactly this, a matching set. Including the rug matching the pillows.

[@priscillawhinery9581]

Your style is so incredible I wish you could design my spaces.

[@honeybadger3408]

Good to know! Thank you

[@katstai1304]

Big comfy couch to lounge on and watch movies with the family

[@marymarks7046]

I want to get the frame TV it will look amazing. I have a sofa and loveseat that are matching. It was a hand me down and I really needed a sofa. I paired it up with different chairs so it doesn't look so matchey matchey. I'm so grateful though! I am saving for a good quality sofa cause I don't want to go cheap.

[@alivingston2490]

The biggest splurge in our house is our mattress. I was hesitant to spend that amount of money, but I know it's a great investment and good for our bodies.

[@LULC0759]

I’m a lighting designer and the flush mount you showed is not technically referred to as a boob light. Boob light must have the finial in the middle (aka nipple😂) and yes people please find a way to refit the kitchen fluorescent tray light. My husband just had a customer order one in LED and stained the wood around it for him but still it’s an unattractive fixture.

[@nailpolish6028]

The biggest splurge I think should be a quality bed! You sleep 1/3 of your life and that needs to be a quality sleep. I never regretted a penny on the nice bed we bought

[@shirleylipps6360]

A lot of families with the high Inflation cannot afford to make changes in their house at this time. Trying to pay bills and feed the family. Do a video on that.

[@rq7455]

Perhaps not the video for you….

[@ktkitty1903]

Great advice 👍. Thank you!

[@bitrudder3792]

amen to getting rid of the fluorescent light boxes. But I cannot stand LED lighting. None of it can match the glow of incandescent which is really hard to buy these days. Next best thing is halogen even though they are so hot. Sconces give more beautiful lighting at night anyway. I know overhead is practical but it’s just hideous in terms of ambience. when it comes to the boob light, aren’t those sad? I think my favorite alternative to a boob light was at a friends house: she had a ceiling fan that had both downlights and an uplight option, Perfect for movie night. Practical down light when needed, gentle ambient light as desired, and a fan for those hot summer nights. Spot on with all of your advice, in general.

[@alexanderpasnl]

5:21 Fluorescent Lighting ;-)

[@ice-mp5dx]

A nongegptiable is a huge sink and a dishwasher of course.

[@jillwilson5871]

My splurge is two white sofas. Waited a long time to buy them.

[@kubrosh]

really helpful video, thank you :) I realized what my problem is: my bedrooms are too small. I just want to swap my master bedroom with the living room.

[@heatherfitzgerald7260]

I don’t mind splurging on high quality furniture. Almost all the furniture in our home is solid wood with a high quality finish. Also, top grain leather and metal with smooth finishes. Rugs would be next.😁

[@bobbinoethlich3035]

My splurges were my woven shades & down filled PB couch

[@iambatman9420]

I splurged on my couch. It's a good sturdy leather that I hope will age beautifully and be with me for many years

[@JuliaShalomJordan]

Great list! Totally agree! Small rugs are like wearing small pants. Not good at any angle…😳😬

[@mslaterva]

I love the frame TV, but would really like a new rug.

[@erinstanger416]

My splurge is art, custom window treatments, and wallpaper.

[@BunnyKittenTV]

I don't have storage space to put all my clutter! But these are good tips. I guess I have too much stuff.

[@alyssaa3803]

How did you hide the black box from the frame tv? I’m trying to figure out how to do that

[@darlenebergantzel1534]

I have a Frame TV, but it won’t stay ‘on’ (artwork displayed), so I end up with the black hole, anyway. I’ve checked my settings to be always on, but it still goes off after only a few minutes.

[@ConservativeVeteran]

My splurge is artwork. Thank you for this info!

[@likeyoursilence]

Cookware! I don’t have much money but I have an enclume tower of Le Creuset pieces on display and my guests always comment on.

[@Daffodils2Daisies]

Oh man...the most expensive thing I would spend money on is the couch. We need a new one BAD!

[@jordancanter2764]

Recent splurge was a rug from ruggable

[@conniebyrd3232]

We recently had the popcorn ceiling removed and painted.

[@johnnarogers2088]

My husband is an electrician... we're all about good lighting 😘

[@tiffanywalker1312]

I think I’m first to view and comment !! Thanks for the video. Good luck with the birth.

[@raindeer1256]

My senior apt. looks cheap because it is cheap.... 😔this grandma cant afford a splurge , barley afford food & electric+ congrats on you 2 beautiful baby : )

[@suebresnahan8572]

Love this! So many great tips and reminders!

[@christinenicholls07]

Hi! My biggest splurge is an 8’x9’ mirror! It goes where I go. I love the uplifting and dramatic feeling it provides in my home. P.S. When moving it’s placed snuggly between two King size mattresses. Love your creativity and enjoy watching your happy family grow! 💐

[@rozannmartin7235]

Good quality upholstered furniture

[@gailwhite5395]

I would invest in a really nice sofa and club chairs (custom) of course!

[@Hayley666able]

where did you get your dress from its so beautiful.

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

A frame tv 💯 would be my splurge. 😀

[@marcelladominguez8787]

Recently splurged on a new lighting fixture for my dining room. I am in love with it.

[@anne-liesseankeny755]

Light fixtures for sure.

[@roxanevogel7203]

Would you recommend a square or round area rug, under a round table?

[@indara918]

Square for me

[@carissafisher7514]

I won’t recommend a rug under a dining table.

[@Paula-sw2tt]

Disagree with mounting the t.v. Mine is in a cabinet and unless I am watching it, it is not on display.

[@denise111]

What type of light would you put in an 8 foot high entry where the top of the door is only 3” from the ceiling? The door is 4ft and 2ft with another 6" on either side. There are closets on both sides inside the door. There needs to be a light there, however I have not seen a lot of lights that are thin enough not to bump the door when it opens. My splurge is primarily our sofa, however rugs, and lights are close behind with some time in between.

[@ktay2124]

I have heard other designers say, put something in that space to indicate a foyer. Give the eye something to rest on. My old house was colonial style. When you entered the front door, the first thing you saw were the stairs, then a hall closet just to the right.Then, on each side a doorway either to the living room or the dining room. There was no wall or floor space. So, I hung one beautiful brass hook on the narrow slice of wall between the stairway and the closet door, and sponge painted the walls in 4 diffrent step to look like wall paper. It was eye catching. Visitors always stopped and stared and asked about it.

[@traceygartrell3419]

Thank you for your inspiration ❤️

[@michelleramirez4985]

Omg the title of this video is savage 😂

[@iviejaynetuten5429]

What software/website did you use for that 3D room placement?