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My picks start at just $18.
Today’s the Last Day to Save on Expert Picks
- No Drill, No Hassle Upgrade: LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, $43
- So Much Better Than Builder Grade: Uofus Gold Sunburst Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light, $51 (was $57)
- Seating Area Sidekick: Fultyle Beaded Wood Round Drink Table, $36 (was $45)
- Looks Vintage Without the Price Tag: RoyalCraft 59-Inch Vintage-Inspired Credenza, $195
- Under $20 Per Roll: Vintique Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper, $18
These days, we spend so much of our time at home that when our spaces feel bland and boring, it can really dampen the mood. If you keep finding yourself looking around your house, thinking it looks a bit outdated, you’ve come to the right place.
There are a handful of things you’re probably overlooking that are making your home feel like a time capsule, and not in a cool, retro way. Fortunately, this can easily be solved with a few decor swaps that will breathe new life into your space.
And by the way, it’s not about keeping up with the Joneses or going all-in on the latest trends—it’s about evolving your home to look and feel like the warm, welcoming, personality-filled space it truly is.
Why trust me? As an interior designer, it’s a major part of my job to stay on top of trends and classic, timeless design choices while I create cozy spaces that clearly reflect my clients’ interests and personalities. If you want to give your home a refresh to bring it into 2026—while still standing the test of time—here’s what you need to change and everything you need to make it happen, even on an Amazon budget.
Designer-Approved Amazon Finds to Refresh Your Home
- A No-Regrets DIY: LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, $43
- Fabulous Florals: Vintique Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper, $18
- Timeless Meets Modern: TeHenoo 11-Inch Green Milk Glass Flush Mount Light, $70
- Soften Any Room: Miulee Light Olive Green Linen Curtains, $40 (was $43)
- Under $40: Fultyle Beaded Wood Round Drink Table, $36 (was $45)
- To Hold Your Hosting Essentials: RoyalCraft 59-Inch Vintage-Inspired Credenza, $195
- Instant Sofa Upgrade: Foindtower Set of 2 Block Print Throw Pillow Covers in Almond, $24
- A Conversation Piece for Under $50: Uofus Gold Sunburst Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light, $51 (was $57)
- Easy, Dimensional Layering: Reyco Chenille Tassel Throw Blanket in Brown, $29
- Showstopper Centerpiece: BlossoMe 11-Inch Large Ceramic Brown Vase, $35
Mistake #1: Your Curtains Are Too Short
This one is twofold: First, you want curtains to lightly graze the floor, not look like highwaters. And second, if your curtain rod is hung right at the top of your window frame, it’s time to move it up—just a few inches from the ceiling is best.
Not only will these changes bring your home up to date, they’ll also make your windows look bigger and your ceiling appear higher, which gives your home a more expensive feel.
While you’re buying longer curtains, look for linens that still let light in, like this olive green set from Miulee, or go for a room-darkening or blackout effect with luxe velvet panels like these curtains from Topfinel, which I actually have in my own home and have used for several clients, too.
And if you can’t get into the idea of curtains puddling ever-so-slightly on the floor or hanging sky-high, swap out your too-short drapery for a Roman shade instead, like this option from LaZ Blinds. It fits inside your window frame and elegantly folds when you open it, which is a huge upgrade from fussy plastic venetian blinds.
Miulee Light Olive Green Linen Curtains
Topfinel Blush Beige Velvet Curtains
Laz Blinds No Drill Roman Shades
Mistake #2: Your Walls Are Covered in Decals
When Pinterest first entered the scene in 2010, it had a huge influence on how we decorated our homes. At the time, applying wall decals to spice up your decor was all the rage, but 16 years later, the giant wall stickers just haven’t stood the test of time. Instead, try committing to a statement wallpaper.
Yes, wallpaper has been around for centuries, but it continues to trend. Not to mention, we also continue to find new and interesting ways to use it in our homes, from papering the ceiling to lining the backs of bookcases and cabinets for more of a heritage feel.
If you’re working on a tighter budget, Amazon has plenty of chic and affordable wallpapers like the ones I’ve chosen below, and the best part is, the majority of them are peel-and-stick options, meaning they’re nearly as easy to apply as the wall decals of the past, no glue required.
Vintique Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper
Livelynine Peel and Stick Boho Yellow Wallpaper
Hopepak Blue Geometric Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Mistake #3: Everything Is Cold and Gray
All gray everything was once the mark of a fresh new home, but playing it safe with too many cool-toned neutrals tends to suck the warmth right out of your space.
Now, cozy, inviting spaces embrace warmer tones like rich browns, beiges, and honeys alongside a mixture of different textures that help create that oh-so-cozy layered, lived-in look. So, if all of your walls are painted gray and your furniture is gray to match, now’s a good time to update your space with warmer decor.
If you still want to keep your walls neutral, try a creamy off-white instead. Then, bring in some brown tones. These almond-colored vintage-inspired block print pillow covers are a good example: The color is rich like your favorite latte, and the print is classic and trendy all at the same time. Add in a plush, chocolate brown throw like this chenille blanket from Reyco, and you’re in business. I’m also a huge fan of this abstract pumpkin-shaped vase in a stunning honey brown hue.
Foindtower Set of 2 Block Print Throw Pillow Covers in Almond
Reyco Chenille Tassel Throw Blanket in Brown
BlossoMe 11-Inch Large Ceramic Brown Vase
Mistake #4: You Still Have “Boob Lights”
The dreaded “boob light” (you know, the frosty glass dome light with a center finial that looks like—well, you know) is well past its style expiration date, and yet somehow they’re still everywhere, especially (and unfortunately) in a lot of rental homes and apartments, leaving more aesthetic-minded renters to find and create clever solutions to cover them safely.
If you’re a homeowner with outdated dome lights, you can easily swap to a more beautiful flush mount option, and there are plenty of them to choose from on Amazon. I’m partial to this simple sage green milk glass ceiling light from Tehenoo, but if you want to make a real statement, Uofus’s sunburst semi-flush mount is a fun pick. Or, go for a funky modern take on retro with these round dark walnut ceiling lights that have a mid-century feel without feeling cliché.
TeHenoo 11-Inch Green Milk Glass Flush Mount Light
Uofus Gold Sunburst Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Anylove LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light
Mistake #5: All Your Furniture Has Angled Legs
Mid-century modern is still one of my all-time favorite design styles, so I don’t actually have anything against angled legs—when done right. But over the years, a lot of the furniture (especially affordable options) that we see on the market has become so basic, devoid of personality aside from the addition of tapered, angled legs. Not only does it tend to look outdated and cheap, but it also makes everything feel matchy-matchy. Instead, invest in pieces that have interesting details for a more eclectic, curated vibe.
Beaded legs are definitely in style, for instance, so even something small like this wooden drink table from Fultyle (just $36) will upgrade your space. I also love this vintage-look credenza from RoyalCraft: It has gorgeous carved legs and beautiful, traditional hardware, but it still feels right at home in a modern space. If you prefer sleeker, modern lines, try a swap like this round glass and wooden coffee table from Honyee. The base is sculptural and interesting, but it still has clean lines, and the glass top gives it an expensive look.
Fultyle Beaded Wood Round Drink Table
RoyalCraft 59-Inch Vintage-Inspired Credenza
Honyee Round Glass and Wood Coffee Table
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