WHETHER you live in a flat, a cosy studio or a cottage in the countryside, your home says a lot about you as a person.
We all want to give the best impression to our guests – or perhaps someone keen to buy it. But according to an expert in the industry, there are – even if you’ve forked out a fortune on them.
The TikToker also added “naff wall art” to the no-go list – so put the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and ‘Home, Sweet Home’ signs downCredit: tiktok/larahomewriter
Replace them with “quirky wall hanging” instead, the whizz advisedCredit: tiktok/larahomewriter
Interiors writer Lara took to TikTok where she listed seven common things that cheapen the character of your home – and how to give your pad a more luxe feel instead.
Lara, who regularly shares her favourite home buys on her page, kicked off the list with plastic white sockets and light switches.
Sure, they’re practical and affordable – however, the expert urged to “change them” with two fabulous options, one of them being perspex.
If that is a little out of your budget – or you cannot find a design that matches the vibe you’re trying to achieve – Lara said you can “never go wrong with a brushed metal”.
In her video , the interiors whizz shared a wallet-friendly example for some inspiration – an antique brass light switch for just £12.95.
Another no-no you may wish to consider leaving in 2025 are white – and Lara’s opinion on this trend is clear.
“Colour drench or contrast, I don’t mind – just get rid,” she begged.
“That white band is chopping up your walls,” the guru said, adding that “even a slight tonal shift works wonders”.
Finding can feel overwhelming – and more often than not, we’ll settle for a matching three-piece set.
But although this might save you a headache and get the living room ready in no time, the interiors writer revealed this common mistake leaves her “half-shuddering” and “half-yawning”.
Instead, to give your pad more character, Lara advised to “mix and match colours, fabric, shape”.
Similarly, the TikToker also added “naff wall art” to the no-go list – so put the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and ‘Home, Sweet Home’ signs down and replace them with “quirky wall hanging” instead.
Lara, who posts under the username @ larahomewriter , told her followers: “Canvases and tapestries are super cool at the moment”.
Additionally, the expert shared her brutal verdict on all-white bathrooms – while the colour does give the illusion of more space, Lara thought the “contractor bathrooms” are “cold, clinical and just dull”.
For a more luxe feel, consider adding wallpaper or paint – or even both – “and definitely a basin skirt”, Lara shared her professional solutions.
Have you just moved into your new home and are on the lookout for radiators? Or perhaps want to give your existing pad a makeover this year?
“Panel stick out like a sore thumb,” Lara warned, advising to best swap these with “cast iron” versions,
She continued: “Colour matching rads [radiators] and walls looks expensive too.”
Rules on transforming your council house
According to Gov , the kind of improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have.
Introductory tenants are usually limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside.
If you’re a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property. These include:
- installing a new bathroom or kitchen
- building an extension
- putting up a garden shed or greenhouse
- installing a new gas fire or fireplace
- cavity wall insulation
- redecorating the outside of a house
- fitting an aerial or satellite dish
You might need your council’s written permission for work you do. Contact your council if you’re not sure.
Last but certainly on Lara’s interior no-no list – that, she said, feel “cheap and mean”.
If possible, opt for an oversized rug – “and make sure it stretches under your seating”, the expert added.
“Unless it’s in the kitchen,” Lara said.
She continued in the caption: “Luxe looking homes aren’t necessarily about how much money you spend. And these simple homeware and decor swaps will instantly upgrade your interior.”
Posted just one day ago, the informative clip has racked up close to a staggering 150k views – and a mixed bags of responses.
“Or people decorate their homes how they want? Jeez people have too much time,” thought one critic.
“Since when does white skirting boards make a house look cheap,” another agreed.
“More please. I love these before and after suggestions. Love the idea of slightly different tone skirting boards,” someone else chimed in.
“My radiators are my biggest bug bear! I’d love to change them,” a fourth commented.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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