Designers say these eyesores around your home are actually easy to fix — here’s how

This industrial chandelier will give your light fixtures a modern update. Mike Semegen, owner and project manager for HelloHome Studio says, “Walking in to a home, no matter its age, and seeing outdated fixtures makes the space seem old. It is impossible to find a better way. This eyesore can be remedied by replacing outdated fixtures with updated models.” Its step-by-step instructions make for an easy installation process, and the lights are bright and powerful enough to illuminate any room in your home.

Semegen cites ratty rugs as the first domino in a chain reaction of messiness: “The moment you see an old area rug you begin to question everything else in a room.” He recommends that you “do yourself a [favor] and give your space a new updated look with a fresh new rug,” since “not only will it enhance the space by defining the boundaries of it, but it will give your home an upscale feel.” This fluffy area rug is a chic and stylish option. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, so you can buy one that’s specific to your room.

Raquel Kehler, an interior designer and house flipper, understands the importance drawer pulls have on a space. She shares, “To instantly elevate your space, replace these outdated pulls with ones made of luxe metals like brushed brass, antique brass, bronze, nickel, and stainless steel in a black finish.” These brushed nickel pulls come with rounded handles that prevent bumps, scrapes, and injuries. These pulls come in packs of one up to 100 so that you can get exactly what you need.

The cord organizer kit is a great solution to the mess of tangled wires that can clutter our kitchen counters and desks. Kehler agrees, citing its “various items to help you organize your cables, such as cable clips, ties, and cable sleeves. For cables near a desk, you can get a cable management box that fits under the desk so that everything stays out of sight.” With 36 adhesive cord holders, four cord protectors, and two cable tie rolls, each durable component of this kit is sure to last for years to come.

Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and the founder of Arsight. Opt for a classic roman shade or a modern roller shade to suit your style.” These balloon shades are easily adjustable, thanks to the attached ties, which can also be tied into bows. They block out up to 99% light and UV rays. You have 29 options to choose from depending on the style of your home.

Flavorless decor can be just as unsightly as clutter — and it’s not as fun. Kropovinsky recommends that you “add personal touches to a room with decorative accents such as throw pillows, vases, and wall art.” Kropovinsky continues, “Choose items that reflect your personal style and that complement the overall design of the room.” This cute ceramic vase comes in three distinct shapes and is available in calming colors. Your favorite plants can be displayed in your living space, kitchen, or at your bedside.

The smart dimmer switches will greatly improve your lighting system with their brightness indicator, up/down button, and voice-control capability. You might not even realize how much of a change it’ll make, since “upgrading lighting fixtures and switching to energy-efficient bulbs can instantly brighten and modernize a room,” according to Kropovinsky. He especially likes the addition of a dimmer switch “for added versatility.”

Messy and overgrown lawns can downgrade your space before you even enter the house; that’s why this grass seed and fertilizer mix is such a helpful investment. Grace Baena, an interior designer at Kaiyo, says that “Homeowners can spruce up their outdoor area by doing simple landscaping tasks such as edging flower beds, removing weeds, and seeding sparse patches of grass.” The particular fertilizer gives you amazing results within 12-21 days.

Like your lawn, your walkway will be the first thing that you see as you approach your home. You want it to look as beautiful as the rest. Baena enjoys colorful flora such as this perennial gardeningia plant with stunning green foliage and white blooms. It is available in a one gallon nursery pot. She shares that “Choosing bright plants and flowers to line walkways can also boost curb appeal.”

Knock knock — who’s there? This door paint prevents rust from looking better than it did when it was new. “Adding a coat of paint to the exterior will renew a home’s look,” says Baena, since “taking care of these small maintenance details helps create a more inviting space outdoors.” Since this paint resists weather and corrosion, it’ll protect doors of all materials, including metal, wood, and fiberglass, and it’s completely dry one to two hours after you use it.

Dave Adams, VP of Merchandising Design and Marketing at BDI Furniture, recommends cutting back on cords whenever possible: “One of the simplest solutions for managing your cables is simply eliminating them,” Adams says. “A wireless keyboard, mouse, and printer provide a nice clean and cable-free work surface while offering the same lag-free responsiveness as their corded counterparts.” The wireless mouse has three buttons, plus a forward/back button, to make navigation easy and comfortable.

Did you ever allow a cord to run across a doorway? Or in a common area only to have it trip over later? Adams has a helpful piece of advice: “Instead of plugging your cords into a power strip on the floor, consider mounting a power strip underneath your desktop to keep cords organized and out of view.” He says that “you’ll need Velcro fasteners for secure mounting, as well as cable ties to bundle and wrap up excess cables.” This particular power strip comes with its own handy adhesive, and its four plugs and four USB ports ensure you’ll have all the real estate you need for your many devices.

Unattractive cords that hang from walls can quickly disrupt decor. That’s why Adams recommends a cord cover like this one, which comes with a strong double-sided adhesive for easy installation and a snap-on cover that lets you add or remove cables with ease. “Cable covers also help prevent feet from tripping over any long-running cords, providing an additional safety benefit,” he shares.

Finding new places to store your essentials can feel like a neverending puzzle, but Kristina Davis, Interior Designer and Furniture Expert at Letti & Co, has an ingenious solution: vertical storage. “Removing unnecessary items and establishing clear pathways can instantly improve the look and feel of any room,” says Davis. You can always “use vertical storage to make the most of your room.” This slim vertical storage tower fits stealthily into smaller spaces, and its fabric drawers add elegance and durability.

“Choose a color scheme that will flow throughout the home, and keep in mind that you don’t have to stick with the same shade throughout,” says Davis. This water-based paint can be used to brighten up any space. It comes in 33 colors and doesn’t require a topcoat. Because it’s so inexpensive and useful, you can even take a suggestion straight from Davis, and “consider painting each room in a different color to create an interesting and cohesive look.”

Teri Simone, the head of design and marketing for Nieu Cabinet Doors, is a fan of “quick DIY fixes that homeowners can do in an afternoon.” One such example: caulking that looks old and worn, which you can easily fix with this adhesive caulk that sticks like glue to create a waterproof seal around sinks, showers, and even kitchen countertops. Because “cracked and dirty caulking around the sink, counters, and backsplash can really age a space,” you can tackle these areas easily without the unpleasant odor of many other caulk products — and it’s easy to clean up with just water.

“Nothing ages a room more quickly than patterns and textures that were trendy a decade ago,” says Simone. If you find yourself wishing you’d made a more timeless decorative choice, Simone continues, “Peel and stick tiles in a contemporary pattern are a quick fix for updating your flooring or backsplash if you want to try out a trend or cover up an old one!” These particular tile stickers come in seven classic colors, and you won’t need any messy or complicated tools to install them: as the name says, all you have to do is peel and stick, and their eco-friendly material will resist water and heat over time.

A beautiful lighting design can transform your space. Just ask Ben Kuhl from Shelf Expression, a professional kitchen remodeler. For a romantic glow, he recommends flameless candles such as these. They won’t cause a fire hazard and are safe. “Not only will these brighten your space, but they are also a safe option,” he says. You can adjust the ambience from a distance using the remote control. The timer can be set for 2, 4, 6, 6 or 8 hours. They are especially suitable for homes with pets or children.

A home without any plants or flowers can feel cold or uninviting, which is why Julio A. Arco recommends “adding more plants, flowers, or natural elements such as wood or stone to create a more inviting and natural environment.” The architect, interior designer, and blogger at Bark & Chase loves outdoorsy touches like this balancing cairn, which sits easily on any level surface and looks amazing indoors or out. It’s made of timeless stone and is held together by metal pegs or glue.

Peyton Robinson is Foter’s head marketing officer and professional interior designer. He knows how easy it can seem to hide wall imperfections.[Use] a tapestry to add more color and assert your personality.” Robinson especially loves this world map, which is made of lightweight and durable flannel fabric and comes in three sizes to accommodate your space. A great idea for couples is: Robinson says, “To document their travels, personalize it with pins to where they’ve been together or [add] photos to the location on the map to brighten up their walls and make it more interactive.”

This macrame wall decoration hides unsightly fuse box decorations. It’s made from 100% cotton cords. It features three macrame sections as well as three wooden bars. It can be hung over a couch or fireplace and even a crib. According to Robinson, this piece “covers the box, but makes it accessible when needed while giving your home the [chic] vibes of comfort you seek.”

With this 10-pack of cheap picture frames, you can fill any wall with photos and prints. This 10-pack of picture frames is durable and comes in a variety sizes. “Use photo collages to hide the defects or eyesores and add something meaningful and artistic to your home to beautify it in a way that represents your personality,” Robinson recommends.

Robin DeCapua, the owner of Madison Modern Home, urges against adjusting to clutter: “Even if you’ve gotten used to seeing five lotion bottles, a couple of shampoo bottles, tubes of makeup, and scores of other products strewn across your countertop, maybe that guest who pops in to use your bathroom doesn’t want to look at it. And even if guests aren’t allowed in your primary bath, wouldn’t it be nice to actually see your countertop for a change?” A cosmetic storage box keeps your bathroom essentials in one place without taking up too much precious counter space, and this one is made with beautiful and eco-friendly bamboo.

Uh-oh — you’ve sectioned your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion into different bottles, and now you can’t tell what’s what. This set of 24 bathroom labels printed in black and white can help you organize your favorite products. As DeCapua says, you want to “make sure you don’t accidentally wash your hair with hand lotion.” DeCapua continues, “Try these waterproof labels, and you can finally achieve that spa-like atmosphere you’ve always wanted.” Bonus: if you want to replace a product or a bottle (or you’re just feeling indecisive), these labels are incredibly easy to remove.

Okay, so you saw a French press, a milk frother, and a heart-shaped waffle maker on TikTok, and now you don’t have any more counter space. These counter and kitchen shelves, made from bamboo and metal, can be stacked to organize your products and devices while making room for what you really need. Once you’ve “cleared the decks, it’s time to hide things in attractive containers. […] Maximize vertical space in your kitchen by storing items on vertical shelf units,” says DeCapua.

DeCapua states that all tools need a place to call home. They are happy to be kept in canisters such as these that hold a variety of kitchen tools. This marble utensil holder will make your kitchenware even happier. It holds all of your cooking essentials and helps reduce clutter. The non-slip pad prevents it from sliding, even if your counter is wet. And the elegant marble design makes it a timeless classic.

Beloved top sheet-haters rejoice. Here’s a lesser-known “way to keep your bed looking put together without all the effort.” DeCapua recommends “doing away with your top sheet altogether,” because “using a puffy down-filled comforter or duvet in place of a top sheet plus blanket plus bedspread makes bed-making a breeze.” The white duvet cover is made of a soft, breathable microfiber fabric that feels so comfortable you won’t remember you had one. It also has eight corner ties to keep the filling evenly distributed.

What if messy spaces actually made you anxious? “Clear surfaces help us relax by reducing anxiety and inducing a zen-like attitude toward the daily grind,” notes DeCapua. “But how do you corral a stapler, hole punch, binders, stacks of bills, and the like?” She loves this desktop organizer that leans against the wall for its cubbies of various sizes and its sturdy wood material, not to mention its adjustable composition.

Sometimes, bathroom floors need to be scrubbed with a professional-grade scrubber. Nathan Claire, the founder of Buying Jax Homes, says that “dirty grout can make tiles look dingy and dated.” If you don’t want to “make a cleaning solution of baking soda and water,” then you can “use the Black Diamond Stoneworks Grout Cleaner available on Amazon… then scrub with a stiff brush.” The grout cleaner works well on porcelain, marble, ceramic, and tile, and it’s strong enough for commercial use without ever damaging your surfaces.

Walls provide so much real estate that we can easily forget to use; that’s why Claire advises you to “use wall hooks like these Command picture hanging strips to maximize vertical space.” These come in a variety pack with 16 large and 12 medium strips. They have a strong adhesive back that allows for easy removal. They stick firmly to most surfaces including paint, wood laminate and glass. There is no residue left behind (hello security deposit).

Claire says that worn or scratched flooring can make a space look old. Consider an affordable flooring option like these peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles.” Because you don’t need any additional tools, they’re super easy to install, and their permanent adhesive means that once they’re in place, they won’t budge. You can also use them to install and clean anywhere you want.

Cameron Johnson, the CEO and founder of Nickson Living, knows that elegant drapes are only part of the equation: “One cringe-worthy mishap is hanging drapes that are too short for the window or opening they are designed to cover.” Luckily, you can fix this issue fast with a slightly longer choice like these light-blocking drapes, since you can always “err on the side of going with ‘too long drapes’ and hanging them on a rod high above the window to create the perfect hang length.” Made with a heavier fabric that actually helps regulate the temperature of the room, these come in 29 beautiful shades (pun intended) and 20 sizes, so you can choose the length that best fits your windows.

“A rug that is too large for the space can appear to eat the room.. and rugs that are too small are simply confusing,” says Johnson. You want to find a carpet that will “accent and elevate the space rather than detract,” like this tufted throw rug with stylish tassels that’s available in six sizes. It is lightweight, machine washable, vacuum-friendly and easy to clean. The design combines rustic and modern elements, creating a feeling that will elevate your space.

“Rugs with curled edges create both an eyesore and tripping hazard,” Johnson says. This 8-pack rug grippers will ensure that your carpets stay in place. The EVA foam tips are easy to lift and remove from the floor. Plus, you’ll be much less likely to trip and fall on slippery rugs that slide around.

“Most artwork should be hung at eye level with its midpoint around 60 inches and otherwise adjusted for furniture,” advises Johnson. If you’ve hung it out of reach, you can always “consider adding a floating shelf below it to make the wall and artwork feel more cohesive and appropriately placed.” These three floating shelves are one of the most versatile purchases you can make for your home, as they’ll fit right in with your kitchen, living room, bedroom, or bathroom decor. These shelves come with all hardware needed for mounting and assembly. You can store everything from spices and toiletries to your most treasured tchotchkes.

Your entryway can quickly become “an eyesore without an overall direction or design” since people usually “focus on main rooms of their home,” shares Jung Lee, an interior designer at Jung Lee NY. She recommends that you “choose colors, unobvious multi-function items, and designs that most reflect your personal style,” like this insulated ice bucket. Lee believes it could be a great catch-all because of its ability to keep cold drinks chilled for longer. “Baskets, ice buckets, and planters can be useful containers for all of the items you tend to drop by the door,” Lee suggests. It’s a good opportunity to be innovative.