1. Cheap Rugs
Many new homeowners underestimate rug sizes and grab the smallest, most affordable option. Unfortunately, the wrong rug makes the room look disjointed and empty. Too-small rugs are a classic rental look and make furniture float awkwardly. A proper-sized rug visually anchors the room.
People avoid larger rugs because they’re pricier. But larger rugs dramatically improve proportion and comfort. They help define seating areas and make rooms feel finished. A well-sized rug changes the whole experience of the space.
2. Bare, Builder-Grade Lighting
When a new home keeps all the basic flush mounts and boob lights, it instantly feels like a temporary rental. These fixtures are often chosen for cost efficiency, not style. Because they’re so common, they make a space feel generic instead of personal. Swapping even one or two can change the whole mood of a room.
People sometimes avoid replacing them because they assume it’s complicated. In reality, many fixtures use the same wiring and are easy to upgrade. Lighting is one of the first things people notice, so the payoff is big. A well-chosen fixture makes a new home feel intentional and lived-in.
3. All-White Walls With No Visual Texture
Blank white walls can look crisp, but when everything is the same shade, it can feel like a just-moved-in rental. Without texture or art, the walls read as empty and temporary. This makes even a beautifully built home feel under-decorated. Adding depth helps anchor the space.
People sometimes avoid painting because they’re afraid of committing. Even a subtle tint or a textured piece of artwork can warm things up. Color helps define how each room feels and functions. When walls have personality, the whole home feels loved rather than leased.
4. Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets
Buying an entire matching living room set may seem practical, but it often creates the same uniform look you see in furnished rentals. Rooms end up feeling staged instead of personal. A mix of styles adds authenticity and life. Too much sameness makes a space feel flat.
People sometimes choose sets because they’re convenient. However, even swapping out one piece—like a coffee table or side chair—can break up the monotony. Mixing materials brings warmth and depth. Balanced variety feels curated rather than generic.
5. Plastic-Looking Faux Plants
Faux plants can be great, but shiny, plastic-looking ones instantly cheapen a room. They fall flat because they don’t add the texture and movement real greenery brings. This creates the same sterile look you see in low-budget rentals. Better faux plants or real ones make a home feel alive.
People often buy inexpensive faux plants for convenience. But a higher-quality faux plant has realistic leaves and a believable shape. Even one real plant can elevate an entire corner. Natural-looking greenery makes any home feel more intentional.
6. Builder-Grade Window Blinds
Those standard vinyl slat blinds get the job done, but they’re strongly associated with rentals. They don’t add softness or style, and they can make rooms feel stark. Upgrading to curtains or woven shades instantly warms the space. Custom touches on windows elevate everything around them.
People keep the original blinds because replacing them feels unnecessary at first. But window treatments are one of the biggest visual surfaces in a room. They set the tone for how cozy or refined a space feels. Thoughtful window coverings transform a house into a home.
7. Empty Entryways
Skipping entryway décor makes a new home feel like a temporary stopover. Without hooks, a console, or a mirror, it lacks the sense of arrival. It can even feel less functional. A simple setup helps the space feel intentional.
People often overlook the entry because they’re focused on bigger rooms. But a small rug, a basket, or a shelf can make it inviting. These pieces also add daily convenience. A decorated entry signals that the home is lived-in and loved.
8. Over-Reliance on Temporary Furniture
Folding tables, metal shelving units, and collapsible pieces have their place, but they read as stopgap solutions. They make new homes feel like someone hasn’t fully moved in. Their lightweight nature often looks flimsy. More permanent pieces add a sense of stability.
People use temporary furniture because it’s inexpensive and practical. But upgrading even one area creates a big shift in atmosphere. Sturdier pieces make rooms feel grounded. Over time, small upgrades add lasting character.
9. Generic Art Prints
Mass-produced art from big-box stores can make a home feel impersonal when used everywhere. It’s not that these pieces are bad—they just lack individuality when they dominate a space. Too many can recreate the “generic rental” vibe. Adding personal or local art helps break the pattern.
People choose generic art because it’s accessible. Mixing in thrifted finds, family photos, or unique prints changes the tone. Variety helps tell your story. A little personality goes a long way.
10. Neglecting the Ceiling
Plain, unadorned ceilings are standard, but leaving them untouched in every room makes a home feel utilitarian. A subtle pendant or even a painted color can add character. Without these touches, rooms may feel like basic rentals. Ceilings are often an overlooked opportunity.
People avoid decorating ceilings because they assume it’s complicated. Even simple updates make a noticeable difference. Texture, lighting, or color can shift a room’s entire vibe. Thoughtful ceiling details signal long-term presence.
11. Flush-Mount Cabinet Hardware
Cabinets without updated hardware feel very builder-basic. These plain knobs or handles can make kitchens and bathrooms feel like stock rentals. Hardware is extremely visible and affects first impressions. Upgrading it instantly elevates the room.
People think hardware changes require major renovation, but they don’t. Swapping hardware typically takes minutes. Different finishes add warmth or modernity. Small choices make big visual improvements.
12. Cheap Plastic Storage Bins as Visible Décor
Clear or brightly colored bins are useful, but when left out in common areas, they make the home feel temporary. It creates a cluttered, college-dorm effect. Storage should blend in, not stand out. A few woven baskets or closed bins shift the room from functional to polished.
People often rely on plastic bins because they’re inexpensive. But hidden storage keeps rooms visually cleaner. Matching storage makes the home feel cohesive. Subtle upgrades improve the entire atmosphere.
13. Minimal or No Layered Lighting
Relying solely on overhead lights is a classic rental hallmark. It makes rooms feel stark and uninviting. Table lamps and floor lamps warm up the space. Layered lighting provides flexibility and comfort.
People skip extra lighting because it seems optional. But lamps change how a space is used throughout the day. They help create different moods. A mix of light sources adds dimension to every room.
14. Unstyled Kitchen Counters
Bare countertops with only appliances sitting out make the kitchen feel utilitarian. It mirrors the look of a rental where personalization is limited. A few decorative items add warmth and personality. Kitchens feel more welcoming when styled intentionally.
People avoid styling countertops because they fear clutter. But using just a tray, cutting board, or plant adds character without mess. Functional decorative pieces also make everyday tasks more pleasant. A little styling turns a sterile kitchen into a comfortable gathering space.
This post 14 Décor Moves That Make New Homes Feel Like Cheap Rentals was first published on Greenhouse Black.
