These 7 home decor shortcuts seem clever — but designers say they always backfire

It can be tempting to reach for a quick fix when decorating your home. But trying to save time and money with easy shortcuts or ill-advised DIY projects can lead to substandard results and end up wasting effort and resources.

We asked designers to weigh in on some quick interior design fixes that always backfire.

DIY painted furniture

Painting furniture yourself might seem like a good idea to save some money and update your kitchen cabinets, but interior designer Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors insists it's not the place for DIY enthusiasts.

“Kitchens are high-traffic rooms and cabinets are touched and bumped a lot,” she says. “The paint and varnish on them must be able to withstand this. Additionally, the cabinets must be in good condition and properly prepared, otherwise the paint will bubble and peel within a short period of time, which is not a good look.”

Because cabinets are typically sprayed rather than brushed to create an even, seamless finish, painting cabinets should be left to the professionals, advises Bassford.

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Finished curtains

Think twice before buying ready-made curtains or blinds, warns Bassford.

“Ill-fitting window treatments make an otherwise thrown-together room look sloppy,” she explains, pointing to curtains that are often too long or too short or have rod pockets or tabs at the top that make them difficult to open and close.

While window treatments such as curtains and blinds can be costly, it is worth investing in bespoke solutions where possible.

“Store-bought curtains or blinds seem like a quick and easy solution for window coverings,” she says, “but they almost always distract from the room rather than complement it.”

Removable floor tiles

While peel and stick floor tiles may save you time and money initially, it can be a costly mistake later on.

“Toilets, bathrooms and kitchens are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so the flooring needs to withstand everyday use while maintaining its style,” says interior designer Laura Brophy.

Removable tiles are not well suited to high traffic or moisture-prone areas and are prone to dents, scratches, discoloration, peeling and shifting if the adhesive is damaged.

Brophy recommends porcelain or ceramic tile as a durable, water-resistant choice; stained or polished concrete for a modern look; and well-sealed natural stone surfaces such as slate for a timeless, earthy feel.

Fast furniture

“Flat-packed furniture can look good for a season, but it rarely lasts,” says interior designer Lauren Saab. “The connections become loose, the surfaces splinter and after assembly the proportions often don’t feel right.”

Instead of buying something disposable, invest in a solid piece made from real wood, she says.

“Even a small vintage find with good bones will last longer and age better than anything that comes in a box.”

Battery operated lights

Do your future self a favor and call an electrician instead of taking a shortcut with plug-in wall or ceiling lights.

“People underestimate how much bad lighting can ruin good design,” notes Saab. “Plug-in pendant lights or stick-on wall lights often cast uneven light that detracts from the rest of the room.”

Invest in a hardwired light with the right diffusion, and it will completely change the feel of the room, she advises.

One and done with the decoration

Don't rush to decorate your home and buy everything in one go, recommends Saab.

“Trying to make a room look finished all at once often leaves you feeling pressured to mix and match accessories,” she says. “When everything is closely coordinated, nothing stands out. The best spaces evolve slowly, with a mix of pieces collected over time.”

Painted accent wall

Painting an accent wall is a quick way to make an impact, but interior designer Kathy Kuo says this step often results in an unsatisfactory result.

“Painting just one wall can leave a room feeling unfinished and unbalanced, especially if the color doesn't match the rest of the design,” she says.

Paint the entire room or add color to the entire room with decorative accents like pillows, artwork, vases or table lamps, she suggests.