8 High-End Home Features That Might Look Tacky Over Time

Lighting

Light fixtures are expensive. And while the right lighting will elevate a room, the wrong fixtures can make your space look cheap and dated. “If the lighting is the wrong temperature, or incorrectly placed, the entire room suffers!” says interior designer Angelique Kreller. Lighting not only affects the aesthetics of a space, but also the functionality.

How To Do It Right: “Think about the main purpose of each space,” says Kreller. “Rooms like kitchens and bathrooms will need a wide range of lighting because you’re in them for a number of reasons, and bedrooms and living rooms would only need thoughtfully placed lamps.”

Wallpaper

High-end wallpaper can cost hundreds of dollars per roll, making it a huge investment. But if it’s poorly installed or a risky pattern, even the most expensive wallpaper will look cheap. “I’ve seen homeowners drop thousands on a bold paper only to regret it a year later because they tried to save money on installation, and either the pattern doesn’t line up (ugh!) or it starts peeling at the seams, or both,” says interior designer Lesley Myrick.

How To Do It Right: Try out several different patterns in the room with an online room previewer tool before taking the plunge. And don’t try to DIY the installation unless you have experience. Paying a professional will save you money in the long run.

Major Furniture

Picture this: you just spent thousands on the sectional sofa of your dreams. It’s delivered and placed in the living room—and you hate it. The sofa takes up too much space, there’s not enough walking room, and it feels too close to the TV. Now your expensive sofa looks cheap because it’s overpowering the entire room. “A great sofa in the wrong size is still the wrong sofa,” says Myrick.

How To Do It Right: “This is where space planning matters so much,” says Myrick. “Even just taping out furniture dimensions on the floor can give you a better sense of how pieces will function together. Always start with a to-scale floor plan before buying anything major.”

Bathroom Fixtures

Usually, expensive bathroom faucets and other fixtures will ensure your bathroom looks more high end. But the wrong fixtures are a costly mistake that make the bathroom look cheap. “You’ll find that with time, poorly finished fixtures will fade, tarnish or chip easily, especially in households where they’re handled or cleaned roughly (think clumsy kids or pets!),” says Kreller.

How to Do It Right: Stick to faucet brands you can trust like Kohler, Moen, and Delta; and durable materials like stainless steel or solid brass. “It’s worth investing not only in a durable finish, but a careful installation. Poorly installed tapware can get damaged easily,” says Kreller.

Trendy Designs

Following design trends is fun and help create a fresh look in your space. But investing in trends for permanent design elements is risky. “Bold statement finishes like high-gloss colored cabinetry, excessive use of gold or brass fixtures, or novelty-shaped tiles might look current now; but can quickly date a space, especially if not executed with restraint or balanced with timeless elements,” says interior designer Adam Jones.

How to Do It Right: Incorporate trendy styles in decor items that can be switched out easily like throw pillows, artwork, lamps, and rugs. Permanent and pricey design elements should be timeless to ensure you’re not ripping out expensive tile a couple years down the road.

Mismatched Styles

A beautiful and expensive modern dining table might look great in the store, but if your house architecture isn’t modern, it’ll probably look awkward and cheap once you get it home. “What works in a Victorian townhouse might feel out of place in a new-build, and vice versa,” says Jones, “Mismatched themes can feel disjointed, no matter the budget.”

How to Do It Right: Before you invest in pricey furniture, make sure it fits your home’s overall style. “Ultimately, good design is about balance and cohesion. The most expensive mistake is choosing something flashy that lacks harmony with the rest of the space,” says Jones.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry like in the kitchen, bathroom, or storage built-ins are going to cost you a pretty penny; so high quality is essential. Otherwise, cabinetry will look cheap and worn out overtime. “Well-crafted cabinetry with reliable hinges and drawer runners. These are the elements that you interact with daily, so it’s worth ensuring they not only look good but also stand the test of time,” says Jones.

How to Do It Right: The most durable cabinetry is solid wood. Specifically hardwoods like cherry, maple, birch and oak are known for their resistance to wear and tear and will last a lifetime.

Low Quality Decor

Yes even low quality decor can be expensive. Some stores advertise high-end products with price tags to match, but upon closer inspection, the quality is lacking and make your house look cheaper. “Even though it can be tempting, don’t skimp on window treatments or art. These are often overlooked but can completely elevate a space and make it feel finished, polished, and personal,” says Myrick.

How to Do It Right: Look closely at craftsmanship and materials before making any home purchases. “Think natural woods, neutral stone, and clean-lined hardware, the types of high quality elements that can evolve with your style over time,” says Jones.

About the Experts

• Adam Jones is a kitchen and bathroom Design Expert at Cwtch Haus, a home design service that blends luxury, practicality, and affordability.
• Lesley Myrick is an interior designer with over 20 years of experience. She is the owner of Lesley Myrick Design, a full service interior design firm specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”.
• Angelique Krelller is an interior designer at Yabby, a resource for home decor and design services. She holds a Bachelor of Interior Design with a strong interest in commercial and residential projects through practical design and implementation.

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