Every homeowner wants their space to feel inviting, stylish, and thoughtfully put together. But even with the best intentions, a few common design choices can make a room feel less elevated than you’d like. The good news: small, intentional updates can make a big impact—especially if you’re preparing your Pittsburgh‑area home for the market.

Here are a few things to skip, along with simple swaps that help your home shine.

Skip: Faux greenery

Artificial plants often fall short of the fresh, natural feel they’re meant to bring.
Try instead: A real plant (even a low‑maintenance one) or a simple vase with fresh stems.

Skip: Rugs that are too small or low‑quality

A rug that doesn’t fit the space disrupts the flow of a room.
Try instead: A properly sized rug that anchors your furniture and adds warmth.

Skip: Matching furniture sets

Perfectly matched pieces can make a room feel flat.
Try instead: A curated mix of styles and textures collected over time for depth and personality.

Skip: Oversized furniture

Bulky sectionals or recliners can overwhelm a room and limit movement.
Try instead: Pieces that fit the scale of the space and leave room to breathe.

Skip: Harsh or insufficient lighting

Lighting sets the tone for the entire home.
Try instead: Layered lighting—floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces—to create a warm, welcoming glow.

Skip: Excess clutter

Too many pillows, accessories, or knick‑knacks can make a space feel busy.
Try instead: A few high‑quality, intentional pieces that highlight the room’s best features.

Skip: Short or low‑hung curtains

Improperly hung curtains can visually shrink a room.
Try instead: Panels that reach the floor and hang higher to elongate the space.

Skip: Generic, mass‑produced art

Artwork sets the tone for your home’s personality.
Try instead: Original or limited‑edition pieces that feel meaningful and unique.

Skip: Basic builder‑grade finishes

These often lack the character today’s buyers love.
Try instead: Thoughtful upgrades—hardware, lighting, faucets—that instantly elevate a room.

Skip: Plastic picture frames

They tend to cheapen an otherwise lovely display.
Try instead: Wood or metal frames for a polished, timeless look.

Skip: Visible cords

Loose cords distract from the room’s design.
Try instead: Conceal them behind furniture or use simple cord covers.

 

A beautifully styled home doesn’t require a major renovation—just mindful choices that highlight your home’s best qualities. Whether you’re refreshing your space or preparing to sell in the Pittsburgh area, these small adjustments can make your home feel more refined, welcoming, and market‑ready.

If you’d like, I can also create a shorter social‑media version for the Matt Gillespie Team.