6 Common Household Eyesores Designers Say You Should Cover Up

If you’ve ever looked around your own home and noticed that certain things stick out as complete eyesores, you’re certainly not alone. While beautifully styled photos might tell a different story, every home has a few problem spots that are difficult to hide.

We tapped in two interior designers for their expertise, and they gave us a few handy tricks to cover these less-than-desirable features that we can’t wait to try.

Cluttered Kitchen Counters

In most homes, kitchen counters and islands are quick to become cluttered with small appliances. Even if you try to streamline the items to the ones you use daily, it’s unavoidable—but that doesn’t mean it’s unfixable.

“If your counters look like an appliance parking lot, it’s time to clear some space and reclaim your kitchen,” says interior designer Margaret Carroll, whose favorite solution is what the pros call an appliance garage.

Think of it as a mini pantry for your kitchen, where all the smaller appliances are stashed and stored when not in use. Ideally, this isn’t set as high up as a cabinet; if you have the space, it can even be a separate, standalone cabinet tucked into a nearby nook.

Electrical Panels and Switch Plates

Electrical panels and switch plates are necessary in our modern world, but unfortunately, they’re not very nice to look at. Luckily, with a few small upgrades, you can swap out these eyesores and upgrade them with something more visually palatable.

“I swear by sleek electrical switch plates and outlets” Carroll says. 

Of course, doing a complete overhaul of all your light switches might not be in the budget, but it’s still something to consider. Or, you can simply paint over them.

“When all else fails, use bold artwork or vintage furniture in the space to distract from those eyesores,” Carroll says. “It works every time.”

Scene-Stealing Televisions 

We all love our TVs, but that doesn’t mean we love the way they look—especially when they’re turned off and pulling focus to the center of the living room. Interior designer Gregory W. Feller says this is his biggest issue, and one he always tries to combat.

“In my own home, I’ve made the TV a design element by mounting it to an antique painter’s easel,” he says, adding that he then affixed the other necessary components behind the easel.

Other options include entertainment centers with cabinets that close, swapping it out for a projector, or more high-tech solutions—such as televisions that show framed art when switched off. 

Unsightly Thermostats

Whether you’re using an old fashioned thermostat or you’ve upgraded to a smarter option, let’s be honest—they’re still pretty tough to look at.

“We have designed mirrors on hinges that attach over top of a panel box, enabling access while eliminating the eyesore,” Feller says.

Messy Power Cords

Tangled clumps of power cords aren’t just an eyesore; they’re often visually distracting.

This is why Feller says he’ll go to great lengths to tuck them away. Rather than letting the strips sit on the floor, he makes the most of well-placed furniture.

“I install a plug strip to the back of a piece of furniture or underneath a desk and make sure all cords are tightly wrapped so they don’t show,” says Feller.

He then uses a zip tie to attach the main cord to the back of the furniture leg.

Mismatched Doors

If you live in an older home, you might find your doors don’t all match, or they’re awkward in some way. It’s also possible they’re bland, boring, or dull.

Replacing your interior doors, though, might not be the easiest solution. Luckily, Feller says you can still make design changes to your doors if needed.

“I treat or paint the door and its trim as part of the wall and not as another door,” he says.

This can further minimize the contrast that’s pulling your attention.