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I’m an interiors expert and five trends are making your living room look cheap
Plus tips on how you can create a luxurious look on a budget
SOME homeowners prefer a classic and timeless decorative style, while others opt for a look that's a little more eccentric.
But whatever your preferences, if you're looking to renovate your home you might want to take note.
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While all styles can look amazing, there are some trends that are at risk of making your house look cheap.
And since the living room is one of the biggest spaces in your home, you want to be careful you don't fall into these pitfalls.
Speaking exclusively to The Scottish Sun, one paint and interiors expert, said a dodgy design choice can ruin the entire aesthetic of a room.
Tobie Lewis, from Valsparpaint.co.uk, revealed five common trends that are actually making your living room look cheap.
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Plain white walls
We all love plain white walls - they're bright, clean, and super easy to accessorise with any colour.
But if you don't design them properly, you could actually end up with a living room that looks clinical and boring.
Tobie explained: "There’s nothing wrong with a bit of white paint, but it’s simple and can sometimes look cheap if not accessorised correctly.
"Adding colour creates a sense of luxury and personality.
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"Statement walls or wallpaper have always been a popular choice but now statement ceilings are definitely creeping in too!
"It’s more common to have the ceiling and wall different colours, for example, a neutral or white wall with a bold coloured ceiling.
I'm an interior designer and there's a popular trend that really grates on me - it's so 2009 and is definitely NOT cool
"If you’re not brave enough to paint the whole ceiling try painting the ceiling moulds first to test it out."
Little lighting
If you want a luxurious feel to your home, then you need plenty of warm light, experts say.
And you don't need to fork out a fortune to get this look, either.
Tobie revealed: "Lighting can completely transform a room.
"Having one cool-toned light is a big no-go in the interiors world.
"To add some luxury to this space, incorporate lots of warm-toned lamps and have plenty of wonderful smelling candles too.
"This ambiance is the perfect way to add some grandeur to the living room, and it’s still cheap to do!"
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Small rugs
Rugs can be the perfect addition to a living room - they provide comfort, warmth, and definition to a space whilst also adding some character.
But if you don't get the size right, it can actually have the opposite effect and make it look cheap.
Experts advise: "A simple trick to avoid the living room looking cheap is to make sure that your furniture is properly proportional to the room.
"For example, having a rug that is too small for the room can instantly change the feel and make it look quite dated.
"You always want to have a rug that covers a generous amount of space, that sits just under the corners of couches or tables.
"If on a budget, you can find amazing vintage rugs in charity shops or online marketplaces."
Poor paint choice
The quality of the paint you use to decorate your room can make or break the space.
Some paints are made specifically for a certain room and missing this could mean you're left with a horrible finish that makes it look cheap.
Tobie said: "Choosing a good quality paint is one of the most important parts of a DIY task.
"Make sure the pain you choose is the correct one for the room or object - or you’ll end up with a finished product that doesn’t stand the test of time.
"Always ask the experts in-store and make sure you’re getting a good quality paint which matches the task at hand.
"Using a delicate paint in a high-traffic area like a living room could lead to scuffed, marked walls, cheapening the entire decor."
Three bathroom mistakes that leave you with a cramped eyesore
THE bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but stylingr decisions can make a big difference.
Indeed, interiors expert and founder of UK Radiators, Rob Nezard, says he's seen more than his fair share of blunders.
- Overlooking storage - Rob says underestimating the need for storage is one of the most common mistakes people make as it can make it look "untidy" and "feel cramped"
- Poor lighting choices - Lighting is often an afterthought in bathroom design but it plays a crucial role in creating a functional and inviting space, according to Rob
- Ignoring the Radiator - Rob claims the radiator is an essential element in the bathroom, but is often overlooked in terms of style and placement
Glamour galore
We all love a bit of glamour in our living room to spruce up the place - but be careful that you don't go overboard.
The experts explain: "There’s a soft balance between looking expensive and overdoing it entirely.
"The quiet luxury trend is the perfect example of how to nail luxury without having every single item be a ‘stand out’ piece.
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"The key is to purchase items that are long-lasting and have some contrasting materials within the room.
"For example, if you want to incorporate some velvet, have either a velvet couch or velvet cushions - doing both is too much and can cheapen the vibe."