If you've ever glanced around your place and spotted items that really stand out for all the wrong reasons, know that you're definitely not alone. Even though stunningly decorated images may suggest otherwise, each house has its share of tricky areas that can be hard to camouflage effectively.
We consulted two interior designers for their insights, and they shared some useful tips to camouflage these unsightly elements that we're excited to test out.
Meet the Experts
- Margaret Carroll is an interior designer and the creator of Margaret Carroll Interiors.
- Gregory W. Feller is an interior designer and the creator of Hudson Home.
Cluttered Kitchen Counters
In many households, kitchen countertops and islands tend to get overcrowded with petite gadgets rather quickly. Despite your efforts to limit them to only what you utilize every day, this accumulation is hard to prevent—however, that does not make it an unsolvable issue.
"If your countertops resemble a parking area for appliances, it might be time to create more space and regain control of your kitchen," suggests interior designer Margaret Carroll, who prefers this approach as her go-to solution. What professionals refer to as an appliance garage .
Imagine it as a compact storage area within your kitchen designed specifically to keep small appliances organized and out of the way when they're not needed. This should ideally be placed at an accessible height—not too high—and visible so it remains convenient. Should you have enough room, consider dedicating a separate stand-alone cabinet near by, perhaps fitting neatly into an adjacent alcove.
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Electric Panels and Wall Plate Covers
Electric panels and switchplates are essential in today’s society, yet sadly, they aren’t aesthetically pleasing. The good news is that with some minor improvements, you can replace these unsightly elements with alternatives that are much easier on the eye.
"I vow by the smooth electrical switch plates and outlets," Carroll states.
Of course, doing a full renovation of every single one of your light switches It might exceed your budget, but it could still be worth considering—especially in areas where they bother you significantly. Alternatively, you can just cover them with paint.
“As long as you paint them the same shade as the walls, they’ll blend in seamlessly,” explains Carroll. “If nothing else seems to work, try adding striking art pieces or some charming antique furniture to draw attention away from these unsightly elements; this method always proves effective.”
Scene-Stealing Televisions
We all enjoy our televisions, yet their appearance isn't always appealing, particularly when they're not in use. shifting attention to the middle of the living room Interior designer Gregory W. Feller states that this represents his primary concern, which is something he consistently aims to address.
"At home, I transformed the television into a design feature by attaching it to an old painter's easel," he explains, mentioning that he also installed all the required elements behind the easel.
Alternative choices consist of entertainment units featuring doors that can be closed. replacing it with a projector , or more high-tech options such as TVs that display framed artwork when turned off.
Unsightly Thermostats
Regardless of whether you're using a traditional thermostat or have switched to a more advanced model, let's face it—they still aren't exactly aesthetically pleasing.
"We've created hinged mirrors that sit atop a control box, providing accessibility and removing the unsightly appearance," explains Feller.
Messy Power Cords
Tangled clumps of Power cords aren't merely unsightly. ; they frequently draw too much visual attention.
That’s why Feller mentions he will take extensive measures to store them properly. Instead of leaving the strips on the floor, he utilizes strategically placed furniture for better organization.
"I attach a power strip to the rear of a piece of furniture or under a desk and ensure all cables are securely bundled so they remain hidden," explains Feller.
Next, he secures the primary cord to the rear part of the furniture leg with a zip tie.
Mismatched Doors
If you reside in an old house, you may notice that not all of your doors align properly or have some irregularities. Additionally, these doors could be uninteresting, plain, or lackluster.
Substituting your internal doors could potentially be quite challenging. Fortunately, according to Feller, there are alternative approaches you can take. implement design modifications to your doors if needed.
He suggests treating or painting the door along with its trim as part of the wall rather than considering them separately from the door.
This can further reduce the visual emphasis that distracts you.
Read the initial article on The Spruce
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