You might think that a magazine-perfect home requires breaking the bank on fancy decor pieces. But the truth is, there are many ways to achieve a stylish and inviting atmosphere without spending a fortune. In fact, simple yet effective strategies like organization, decluttering, proper storage, and regular cleaning can go a long way in giving your home a lift. However, what about those unavoidable eyesores that just won’t go away?
No matter how often you clean or tidy them up, they still linger as visual blights. The good news is that there are clever and affordable ways to conceal these imperfections, many of which can be found in our collection of 35 creative solutions. Whether you’re looking for off-the-shelf fixes or DIY projects, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the smart home updates that will inspire you to transform your space and make it a true reflection of your personal style.
Choose A Clear Glass Decanter
Present your whiskey in a sophisticated glass decanter that exudes refinement and sophistication, even if the brand itself may be unknown. By doing so, you’ll create a perception that the whiskey has been aged to perfection, much like a fine wine or luxury liquor.
Give The Garage Door An Easy Makeover
Transform your garage door into a stunning focal point by incorporating vintage flair. Replace traditional hardware with ornate door knobs that exude elegance and sophistication. The addition of antique-style hinges further enhances the luxurious aesthetic, making it seem as though you’ve stepped back in time. And the best part? No tools are required to achieve this look, thanks to clever magnets that hold everything in place.
Disguise The Dirty Concrete Floor
Transform your garage’s worn-out concrete floor into a sleek and modern space by applying a fresh new layer of paint. Say goodbye to unsightly dirt spots, paint splatters, and grease imprints as the glossy finish covers all imperfections. With a thick coat of paint, you’ll be left with a smooth, even surface that will give your garage a whole new look.
Dress The Pillows With New Pillowcases
Instead of revamping the entire living room, make a statement with a simple yet impactful tweak: swap out those dull pillowcases for vibrant ones! By replacing the subdued, dark covers with bold, cheerful designs, you can instantly transform the space without breaking the bank.
Alternatively, if your current decor is feeling overwhelming due to a mishmash of colors and textures, use the pillows as an anchor point by incorporating another accent in the room that complements their color palette, effectively creating harmony and balance.
Hang A Macrame
Transforming unsightly areas on your walls into stunning focal points, consider incorporating wall hangings like intricate macrame pieces to conceal eyesores such as revision doors, fuse boxes, or niches. By stretching a beautiful piece of macrame over these imperfections, you’ll effectively make them disappear from view. The genius of this solution lies in its practicality – it allows for easy access to whatever is behind the hanging, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Hang A Trendy Wall Hanging
Transform your home’s aesthetic by incorporating a bold, yet tasteful, Aztec-inspired wall hanging. This statement piece will not only add visual interest to an otherwise unassuming area but also cleverly conceal any less-than-attractive storage solutions behind it.
Cover The Bed With A Bed Skirt
When your bed sits atop legs rather than resting on a solid base, maximizing the space underneath can be a challenge. To maintain a sense of organization and decluttered simplicity in the room, consider utilizing the area beneath with a clever solution. One effective approach is to employ a bed skirt, which not only conceals any storage or clutter but also provides an opportunity to introduce a bold pop of color that harmonizes with your existing décor.
Alternatively, you could use this element as a chance to add a lively accent to the bedroom, injecting some visual interest and personality into the space.
Contact Paper To Update The Appliances
Give your old appliances a sleek makeover by applying stainless steel contact paper. The metallic finish will instantly give them a trendy faux steel look that’s on-trend right now. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to upgrade their appearance – a fraction of the price of replacing them entirely! This clever hack is also perfect for kitchens where appliances don’t match each other, allowing you to create a cohesive look without breaking the bank.
Use Foam Dispenser
Replace traditional soap dispensers with innovative foam dispensers, which utilize less soap per pump than standard bottles and transform liquid soap into a rich lather. This game-changing alternative not only preserves the same exceptional washing ability but also fosters cost savings by reducing the frequency of refills. Furthermore, glass foam dispensers exude a touch of sophistication, making them a stylish addition to any bathroom.
Even The Wooden Surfaces
For those seeking a swift solution to revitalize tired furniture pieces, the Scratch Cover Liquid is an excellent choice. Unlike traditional methods that require extensive preparation and sanding, this innovative product allows for a seamless application process. Simply apply the liquid to the damaged surface using a cloth, and be amazed by its remarkable effectiveness in concealing scratches and restoring your furniture to its former glory.
Budget-friendly Furniture Makeover
When it comes to concealing imperfections on wooden furniture, a simple yet effective solution is to utilize furniture decals. These versatile stickers come in an impressive array of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to effortlessly hide scratches on side tables, consoles, or dressers. But their applications don’t stop there – they can also be used to add a pop of personality to walls and wood doors, instantly transforming the look and feel of your space.
Change The Vent Cover With A Decorative One
When gazing into your bathroom, you’ll likely notice a multitude of minor details that detract from its overall aesthetic appeal. One such offender is often overlooked – the plain and uninspiring vent door. By upgrading to a stunning design, you can breathe new life into the interior space. The good news is that options abound, with three sizes available for customization in your preferred color hue.
Store In Chic Baskets
Elevate your space with a stylish multifunctional basket that serves as a versatile and affordable storage solution. This chic addition can seamlessly blend into any room, providing an extra layer of convenience and organization. The beauty of such baskets lies in their adaptability – you’re free to fill them with whatever suits your needs, be it dirty laundry, throw blankets, plush pillows, or even clothing items.
Bring Indoor Elements Outdoors
Transforming your balcony or porch into a cozy retreat can be as simple as introducing a statement-making rug. Not only does it conceal any imperfections in the flooring, but it also instantly injects warmth and personality into the space, making it feel invitingly homely. The result is a refreshing oasis that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
Define A Nook With A Fancy Rug
Transforming a lackluster space into a visually appealing one is as simple as giving a nodal point a focal anchor with a carefully chosen rug. This versatile decor element not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of an area, but also serves as a functional tool in interior design. By strategically placing a statement-print rug in a room’s underutilized corner, you can instantly revitalize its character and create a sense of cohesion.
Ensure Privacy With Adhesive Film
To enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your windows that face sidewalks or streets, consider applying window adhesive film. This simple solution provides an effective means of maintaining privacy while still allowing natural light to filter in. Additionally, the textured pattern created by the film can add a unique visual interest to your glass surfaces.
Channel The Cords
The impact of this simple trick becomes strikingly apparent when visualizing the before-and-after scenarios. More specifically, it’s clear that the cluttered appearance of loose cables not only offends the eye but also has a detrimental effect on interior aesthetics. By consolidating these wayward wires into a single, neatly contained channel – such as a raceway – you can swiftly mitigate this eyesore and restore a sense of harmony to your living space.
Hide The Trash Bin
A more aesthetically pleasing approach to concealing the garbage is to install a slide-out trash bin within a low cabinet. This design not only eliminates the unpleasant odors and unsightly appearance of a standalone bin but also provides a convenient storage solution for kitchen essentials. To achieve this, utilize the hardware supplied with the bin and integrate it seamlessly into your chosen cabinet.
Get A Small Countertop Bin
Integrating a compost bin into your daily routine can be as simple as adding everyday scraps like coffee grounds, fruit peels (from bananas, oranges, and apples), and veggie leftovers (like cucumber peels). The compact design of this particular bin excels at containing any unpleasant odors, ensuring that the process of turning waste into nutrient-rich soil is both efficient and odor-free.
Gather Smaller Things In One Container
Transform your kitchen countertop by repurposing a charming storage container. Opt for a rattan basket or wooden box that not only tames the chaos of scattered items, but also maintains easy accessibility while adding a touch of rustic charm to the space. By housing small essentials in one neat location, you’ll be able to effortlessly locate what you need, all while enjoying a more streamlined and visually appealing kitchen environment.
Store The Logs Neatly
Transforming your logs into a tidy storage solution can have a profound impact on both functionality and aesthetics. By dedicating a designated area, such as a simple wooden box or crate, you’ll be able to keep your firewood neatly organized and protected from the elements. This added organization will not only make it easier to locate specific logs but also ensure they remain dry and ready for use throughout the winter season.
As an added benefit, your backyard will take on a more polished appearance, reflecting the attention to detail you’ve brought to this often-overlooked aspect of outdoor living.
Refresh The Brick Wall
Elevate the aesthetic of an existing brick or cinderblock wall by applying a coat of plain white primer, a cost-effective solution that requires minimal time investment. With its impressive coating abilities, you can achieve a modern and fresh look in under an hour, making it an ideal DIY project for busy homeowners.
Upgrade The Plain Fence
Transform your outdoor space with a simple yet effective trick: incorporating faux ivy mesh into your existing balcony fence or chainlink yard enclosure. This versatile solution not only adds a touch of natural elegance but also provides an element of privacy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Get An Entryway Organizer
Investing in a thoughtful entryway shelf unit can save you countless hours of searching for misplaced keys. When selecting this essential piece, prioritize multifunctionality to maximize the organizational benefits it provides. This clever design is particularly impressive, as it accommodates multiple purposes: coat hooks, decorative displays, and key/mail stations all in one convenient location.
Fix The Dirty Grout
Transforming your bathroom’s grout into a sparkling clean masterpiece can be achieved with a simple yet effective solution – using pen paint to cover any dirty areas. This technique involves applying a thick white coat, which not only conceals imperfections but also gives the grout a radiant new look. But that’s not all; this clever hack is equally effective at tackling stubborn stains on bathtubs and sinks, saving you the time and elbow grease required for rigorous scrubbing.
With a variety of bathroom paints available to choose from, you can breathe new life into your bathroom’s appearance with minimal effort.
Create A Statement Wall
Transforming a room in no time? The convenience of self-adhesive wallpapers makes it easy to achieve. Say goodbye to the hassle of applying traditional wallpaper, where you’d need to dissolve glue and cover the paper with a messy mixture. With self-adhesive options, you can skip this step altogether. Moreover, these innovative wallpapers are not only easy to apply but also resistant to moisture and steam, making them perfect for areas prone to humidity.
Plus, the variety of patterns and textures available means you can choose the one that best suits your unique style. From a blank canvas to a statement wall in an instant – self-adhesive wallpapers offer a quick and effortless way to give your space a fresh new look.
Organize The Cables In One Box
Simplify your space by concealing unsightly cords and cables. The humble cable protector is a game-changer for decluttering any room. This clever device features strategically placed openings on its sides and rear, allowing you to effortlessly thread in the cables and access the one you need, without having to untangle or hunt through a messy tangle.
Declutter The Desk
Transform your internet accessories into a cleverly disguised book pile! This artistic hack conceals computer peripherals behind a stack of novels, adding a touch of sophistication to an otherwise cluttered workspace.
To achieve this neat trick, simply preserve the covers of the first and last books in your chosen collection. Then, remove all pages from these covers, creating a space for your internet accessories to hide.
Optimize Garage Storage
For industries and garages, ceiling-mounted shelving units prove to be a highly effective solution for storing infrequently used items or seasonal equipment. Characterized by their robust rigidity, these shelves can withstand considerable weight loads, making them ideal for housing tools, machinery, or inventory that doesn’t need immediate access.
Refresh The Faucet Surfaces
Give your bathroom a quick and affordable facelift by updating its metal water fixtures. A simple yet effective way to do this is by replacing the shower head and faucets with ones featuring metallic finishes. To achieve a flawless result, start by preparing thoroughly. This includes covering any adjacent surfaces that may be susceptible to damage with a mask to prevent any accidental splatters or spills.
Increase Bathroom Storage With Door Organizers
Maximize your bathroom counter space by utilizing over-the-door organizers to stash away hair appliances. Explore the various options available, including cabinet door storage solutions like this clever design.
Give The AC A Good Disguise
When it comes to concealing unsightly outdoor units, a simple yet effective solution is to create a custom enclosure using lumber or vinyl. Not only does this aesthetic upgrade the appearance of the equipment, but it can also help reduce noise levels by providing an additional layer of insulation. This clever hack can be applied not just to air conditioner units, but also to other items you’d like to keep out of sight, such as trash bins.
Add A Patterned Table Runner
For dining tables with noticeable scratches or damages, a table runner can be a clever solution to conceal imperfections while simultaneously refreshing the room’s décor. By selecting a runner that complements the space’s aesthetic, you can instantly introduce seasonal flair and redirect attention away from any cosmetic flaws.
Get Furniture With Hidden Storage
When searching for the perfect ottoman for a child’s room, consider one that offers cleverly concealed storage. A spacious, plush ottoman with ample under-seat storage can be a game-changer, keeping toys and other knick-knacks tidy and out of sight. This thoughtful design not only adds to the overall aesthetic but also provides an intuitive solution for kids to keep their belongings organized.
Organize The Pile Of Shoes
Elevate the functionality of your entryway or mudroom with a versatile plastic cabinet that simplifies storage. This easy-to-assemble unit boasts six compartments, ideal for housing up to four pairs of shoes each, depending on the arrangement. The modular grid design allows you to customize the layout to perfectly suit your unique space, making it an attractive solution for those seeking organized entryways and mudrooms.
