When it comes to interior design, it’s the little things that matter most. According to interior designer Hans Lorei, the smallest elements in a room are often the ones that become the biggest eyesores.
Great design is about two things, Lorei says: Highlighting the beauty and quieting the not-so-pretty necessities. With color drenching in style, details such as vents, light switches, and outlet covers can suddenly stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Fortunately, there are simple solutions. Read on for three quick, easy fixes that will make your home look instantly more polished.
1. Make Outlets and Light Switches Disappear — Or Stand Out
Nothing ruins a beautifully painted wall faster than bright white outlet covers. Since paintable outlet covers cost only a couple of dollars, swapping them out is a no-brainer. Paint them the same color as the wall and watch the magic happen as they visually recede.
Alternatively, you could turn your light switches into a design moment. While the metal switches you see in high-end interiors are undeniably chic, they often come with an eye-popping price tag — especially if you’re outfitting an entire home. A stylish middle ground, Lorei says, is mother-of-pearl push-button switches paired with elegant cover plates. They offer a classic feel and add subtle texture, all without blowing your budget.
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2. Tone Down Can Lights
Take a look at your ceiling. The white plastic trim around recessed lights can really pop against a painted ceiling — and rarely in a good way. The quickest fix is to paint the trim to match the ceiling, even if it’s only a slightly different shade of white. For a sleeker, more modern look, consider switching to trimless cans.
Another solution is to eliminate them entirely. Many modern homes are “overlit,” according to Lorei, meaning you may be able to nix recessed cans in favor of layered ambient lighting. Floor lamps, sconces, table lamps, and even candles provide a far more inviting glow.
3. Camouflage Vents and Registers
Decorative vent covers exist, but finding the right size and style can be tricky. Mud-in (or flush-mounted) options offer a sleek, custom look but are difficult to install and best left to the professionals. The easiest DIY option is to paint vents and registers the same color as your walls or ceiling. They’ll blend in seamlessly, no longer drawing unwanted attention.
