Five Things That Make Your House Look Cheap, I See Them As Soon As I Walk In

The hallway is often the first room guests see when they enter your home, so it’s important to create a welcoming and stylish first impression.

However, certain objects can unintentionally make this space feel cluttered or cheap.

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Interior expert Lynette Pym, co-founder of Black by Designsays there are five things you should always avoid in your hallway if you want a polished, luxurious look.

She told Fabulous: “Your hallway sets the mood for the rest of your home.

“A cluttered or poorly designed hallway can give the impression that it hasn’t been carefully thought through, making it look cheap rather than well-maintained.”

Here, Lynn gives her top tips to avoid the ‘cheap’ trap.

Mass production art

Lynette stresses the importance of avoiding mass-produced artwork in your hallway.

She said: “It’s tempting to buy cheap artwork from big box retailers, but it can quickly make a room feel impersonal and unoriginal.

“We’ve all seen it: in the 70s it was the famous photo of the crying boy, in the 80s it was the tacky dogs playing pool, and from the 90s onwards it was Ikea lighthouses or the overused ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ signs.”

She suggests: “Instead of opting for something that everyone has seen before, opt for unique, locally produced artwork or even personal pieces that tell a story about you.

“It adds character and makes your hallway feel like an extension of your personality, not just a display window.”

Overcrowded shoe racks

Shoe racks are often needed in hallways, but Lynette warns against overcrowded, visible shoe racks.

“Shoes left on display can make your hallway look chaotic and cluttered,” she said.

“It gives the impression that the space is more of a storage area than a designed part of the home.”

Her recommendation? “Opt for hidden shoe storage solutions that keep the space tidy and stylish.

“A well-organized hallway feels more conscious and chic.”

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Cheap or mismatched carpets

Rugs are a great way to add texture to a hallway, but Lynette advises against using low-quality or mixed-quality rugs.

She explains: “Cheap carpets often wear out quickly and show stains and signs of wear that detract from the appearance of your hallway.

“If they don’t match in size or style, it can create a disjointed, unfinished feeling.

“Investing in a durable, well-made rug that complements the rest of your decor will elevate the space and make it feel cohesive and inviting.”

Plastic coat hooks

According to Lynette, plastic hangers in your hallway can quickly detract from the look of the space.

The interior design professional revealed: “It’s a small detail, but plastic can make a space feel temporary and less refined. Hallways should feel inviting, not like an extension of a utility room.”

She recommends upgrading to wooden or metal hangers for a more refined and cohesive look.

“It’s a simple change, but it can make a huge difference in the overall vibe of your hallway,” she points out.

Cluttered surfaces

Finally, Lynette advises not to fill every surface in your hallway with trinkets and decorative items.

“Clutter on consoles or shelves instantly makes the space feel cheap,” she insisted.

“The hallway needs to be functional, yes, but it also needs to feel open and airy.”

Her tip is to keep it minimal: “Stick to a few carefully chosen decorative pieces or functional items like a sleek key bowl. The less cluttered the space, the more luxurious and purposeful it will feel.”

By avoiding these common hallway mistakes, Lynette ensures your home makes the right first impression and creates a space that feels both welcoming and sophisticated.