Homeowners risk losing thousands in property value from one simple interior design error: allowing clutter to overwhelm eclectic style.
The Danger of Over-Collecting
Anouska Lancaster, an award-winning interior designer featured on Channel 4’s Renovation Nation for her stunning Cornwall home restoration, highlights the thin line between vibrant, eclectic spaces and chaotic clutter. “There’s a fine line between having an eclectic home and having a cluttered home,” she says. “It’s a line you can easily fall over if you just keep collecting stuff.”
Lancaster embraces bold colors, striking patterns, and standout features like an antique carousel horse in her living room. Yet, she stresses balance to avoid devaluing the home.
Fresh Eyes for Clutter Control
To maintain harmony, Lancaster recommends periodic refreshes. “Sometimes you need to come at it with fresh eyes,” she advises. “When you come back from being away, you might want to think to yourself ‘I need a little refresh’ and consider what needs to go.”
Drawing from her art training, she compares it to painting: “It’s a bit similar to painting a picture and knowing when it’s finished. When you’re creative, you want to just keep creating, but you have to stop yourself as you can almost ruin a masterpiece by doing too much.”
A key test for any room: ensure the eyes have a resting spot. Skip extra cushions on the sofa, opt for a freshly painted wardrobe, or leave a plain wall for calm reflection.
Boost Value with Statement Pieces
Strategic additions elevate home worth without major expense. “Wow-factor pieces really add value,” Lancaster notes. Focus on one standout item, such as an upholstered sofa, dramatic headboard, or antique dresser, to create lasting impact.
Her carousel horse exemplifies this: “It kind of doesn’t matter what else I have in the house, because everyone always talks about the horse.” Tackle rooms one at a time for efficiency.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades
For kitchens, color drenching transforms outdated spaces. Lancaster once painted an orange oak kitchen in fuchsia pink and added a faux stripe to mimic a hood. “Everyone would just be wowed by the colour and wouldn’t take any notice of the actual fabric of the kitchen.”
Handles offer another quick win: switch to brushed gold or polished brass for a refreshed look. Her current kitchen shines in deep blue.
Mix High Street and Luxury
Blend affordable finds with premium items for dynamic results. Lancaster favors stores like Home Sense for bargains that pair with antiques. “Don’t be afraid to pair an expensive piece with high street stuff – mix and match. It makes it much more exciting anyway.”
For bigger budgets, invest in beloved art. “Buy an investment piece. A piece of art that you absolutely love. Even if you can’t afford to do anything else in the room, art is really great.” Start with art to guide colors and patterns.
Ultimately, Lancaster prioritizes personal joy: “Primarily, it shouldn’t really matter about the value. Your home should be about what calls to you, and what you love.”
