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For those of us who are passionate about design and decorating, of course, we want our homes to look stylish and put-together, but sometimes life gets in the way and our homes start to look a little neglected. I bought my home four years ago and I'm starting to notice smudges on the walls (lots of 'em), furniture that could use an upgrade, clutter where I never intended, and a lack of cohesion from room to room. This is all to say, no shame if you're guilty of making a few home decor mistakes – we've all been there! But if you're looking to make a few upgrades, here's where you can start, without spending a ton of money. Lighting, maintenance, and just clearing up clutter can make a huge difference in how your home looks, from rags to riches.;)

Home Decor Mistakes Making Your Space Look Cheap

Dated Lighting

Photo by Lina Kivaka

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Photo by Rachel Claire

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Photo by Element5 Digital

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Photo by Pixabay

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Photo: Shutterstock

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Photography by Joao Canziani | Design: Arterberry Cooke,

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Shutterstock

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Photo: Nils Timm

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Photo: Nils Timm | Design: House of Rolison

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

Find more home decor inspiration on our Home Decor page and subscribe to our email newsletter for all our home decor tips.

Home stays are a fun way to feel like a local, but having hotel staff wine and dine you while on vacation has its merits. Room service, spa treatments, and concierges to recommend and reserve everything from tours to restaurants can make you feel pampered and catered to, and actually relaxed on your vacay. So why do you own dishes and make your own bed on vacation? This travel season give hotels a second look. Tripadvisor recently unveiled its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels Awards, honoring the highest rated hotels in the world, based on Tripadvisor reviews. From Brazil to Vietnam, NYCto Seattle, here are the best hotels that travelers love to visit.

BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD

Iberostar Grand Packard, Havana, Cuba

If you have the itch to travel to another country this summer or anytime, these hotels are worthy destinations. From a French-inspired luxe hotel in Brazil to a secluded resort in the Maldives, your next getaway may be closer than you think.

#1 Hotel Colline de France, Brazil

Hotel Colline de France

Travel Budget: about $269/night

Versailles vibes are all over the Hotel Colline de France, located in the mountain town of Gramado in Brazil and the top-rated hotel on Tripadvisor. Stay in their Baroque-style rooms featuring L'Occitane products; enjoy breakfast at the Bistrot L'Escoffier; and indulge in a massage or facial at the grand and luxe wellness center.

#2 OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Maldives

OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Maldives

Travel Budget: about $745/night

This adults-only bucket list adventure has romantic island getaway written all over it. Wake up in your private overwater villa and dip your toes in the Indian Ocean. There's something for everyone: spa treatments, scuba excursions, island cruises, wine experiences, water sports, and more. You'll never feel bored but always relaxed and a bit like heaven.

#3 La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, Vietnam

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, Vietnam

Travel Budget: about $80/night

Escape to this garden oasis, where you can choose from freshwater and saltwater pools, or an infinity pool that merges with the local rice fields. Wander garden paths to an award-winning spa, visit the hotel's very own temple, or head down to the Thu Bon River for a visit to the ancient communal house where 15th century potters once lived. Once you've worked up an appetite, savor the best of Hoi An’s cuisine at the Red Bean restaurant, or international dishes at The Temple Restaurant & Lounge.

#4 Adiwana Suweta, Indonesia

Adiwana Suweta, Bali

Travel Budget: about $319/night

Bali's Adiwana Suweta is surrounded by lush green jungle and features beautifully designed rooms with private pools, the perfect retreat from the bustling Ubud central.

#5 Iberostar Grand Packard, Cuba

Iberostar Grand Packard, Cuba

Travel Budget: about $216/night

Experience Old Havana from the elegant Iberostar Grand Packard, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the pool, sleep in elegant suites, and savor the most delicious Cuban cuisine.

#6 Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives

Travel Budget: about $739/night

Rated the #1 Wellness Hotel on Tripadvisor's list, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is located on the Fasmendhoo Island of the Maldives. The all-inclusive resort offers stunning water villas with private pools and amazing views. Chill or enjoy a variety of activities, like windsurfing and snorkeling, or head to the spa for a massage, ayurvedic treatment, scrub, wrap, facial, and more.

#7 La Siesta Classic Ma May, Vietnam

La Siesta Hotel, Vietnam

Travel Budget: about $109/night

Visit Hanoi in style at the La Siesta Hotel's newest location, where perks include a spa, gym, movie room, and a serving of authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the Redbean Restaurant.

#8 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico

Travel Budget: about $695/night

Travel to the Riviera Maya at this adults-only resort, located near the centuries-old Mayan sites of Tulum and Coba. Go snorkeling, schedule a spa visit, discover underwater rivers, and relax on pristine beaches.

#9 Padma Resort Ubud, Indonesia

Padma Resort Ubud, Bali

Travel Budget: about $351/night

Yep, this place is real. Overlook the bamboo forests of Payangan in Ubud at the Padma Resort Ubud resort located north of Bali’s cultural center. Enjoy the infinity swimming pool, spa, cycling adventures, yoga classes and more.

#10 Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Mexico

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

Travel Budget: about $509/night

Mexico City is such a treasure and the new Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is the perfect place to indulge in breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy the respite with spa, pool, fitness center and restaurants and bars to savor the local cuisine.

See the world's top 25 Best of the Best Hotels here.

BEST HOTELS IN THE U.S.

Lotte Hotel Seattle

While the U.S. didn't make the top 10 world's list, we are not lacking in some incredible stays. Here are the top-rated hotels in the U.S., from Santa Monica to San Antonio.

#1 Shore Hotel, Santa Monica

Shore Hotel

Travel Budget: about $405/night

Just opposite the Santa Monica Pier and walking distance to the 3rd Street Promenade's shops and restaurants, the Shore Hotel is central for Los Angeles westside visitors. Choose from ocean, city or garden views and if you're not headed to the beach, try the 24-hour gym, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.

#2 Luma Hotel Times Square, NYC

LUMA Hotel Times Square, NYC

Travel Budget: about $424/night

Broadway lovers will enjoy LUMA Hotel Times Square's vicinity in the middle of Times Square and Bryant Park. Enjoy views of Manhattan and tons of natural light from your room, and walk out to many NYC landmarks and attractions. Hungry? Visit the AperiBar, an Italian restaurant and cocktail bar by acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer.

#3 FivePine Lodge & Spa, Sisters, Oregon

FivePine Lodge & Spa

Travel Budget: about $311/night

For a completely different adventure, visit Central Oregon for a romantic getaway on this 20-acre property. Stay in your own cabin (complete with waterfall tub + fireplace), indulge in their nature-inspired spa, and take a dip in the outdoor heated pool. What to do? Nothing and everything, from shopping to mountain biking to cycling, hiking, fishing, and golfing. Mingle with complimentary wine/ beer reception every night. It's a great couples getaway!

#4 The Bryant Park Hotel, NYC

The Bryant Park Hotel, NYC

Travel Budget: about $355/night

Less than a 5-minute walk to the Theater District, museums, and NYC nightlife, the Bryant Park Hotel offers great service and comfy rooms with breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy Japanese cuisine at the Koi NYC, or a cocktail at the cozy hotel lounge and bar, Célon.

#5 Hotel Emma, San Antonio, TX

Travel Budget: about $825/night

Also rated the Top Luxury Hotel in the U.S., Hotel Emma in the Pearl District offers a charming, home-like stay with custom furniture, original artwork and an armoire full of seasonally sourced South Texas treats. Some perks include private dining areas, two-story terraces, and a rooftop pool.

#6 The Loutrel, Charleston, SC

The Loutrel

Travel Budget: about $400/night

The Loutrel is a luxe boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace where you can catch a panoramic view of this quaint city, enjoy seasonal dishes and imbibe in botanical craft cocktails after exploring the French Quarter and Charleston Harbor.

#7 Lotte Hotel, Seattle

Lotte Hotel, Seattle

Travel Budget: about $378/night

Catch stunning downtown and waterfront views at the cool and stylish Lotte Hotel in Seattle. Enjoy spa treatments from high above the city, dine at the restaurant inspired by the hotel's South Korean heritage, and stroll right into its central location to Pike Place Market and more.

#8 Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago

Travel Budget: about $600/night

If you're up for a splurge night in Chicago, the Four Seasons does not disappoint. Beyond their elegant suites, enjoy lake and skyline views in the heart of Magnificent Mile, where you can shop, dine, and feel the energy of this wonderful city.

#9 Ironworks Hotel, Indianapolis

Ironworks Hotel

Travel Budget: about $529/night

If you find yourself in Indianapolis, the 19th century-inspired industrial Ironworks Hotel is a unique stay with suites that offer sitting areas and your own terrace. Three on-site restaurants offers everything from sushi to organic bites, indoors and out. It's a midwest treasure!

#10 Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX

Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX

Travel Budget: about $275/night

This Marriott downtown location brings you to the San Antonio River Walk, where you can dine, shop, and visit the Alamo. Rooms are elegant and full of natural light, a great place in a great city.

See the top 25 Best of the Best Hotels in the U.S. here.

BEST FOR PETS

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale

Bringing your pup? Tripadvisor's No. 1 pet-friendly hotel in the U.S. is (drumroll) theHyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, where your fur baby can join you in an outdoor garden sitting area. Rooms are roomy and modern with views of Ft. Lauderdale's skyscrapers. Catch some sunshine at the ELEV8 rooftop pool bar, where you can grab a bite or cocktail and relax on your vacay. Happy travels!

Tag us in your travel bucket list on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more summer content!

Header photo by Padma Resort Ubud, Bali

I'm taking a break from popular BookTok recommendations so I can set my sights on the best true crime books worth reading this summer. As much as smut booksmake me feel tingly all over, there are times when I need a different kind of thrill.

Some people find it hard to believe, but I genuinely enjoy a good scare that's unrelated to terrifying rough patches in a relationship. I'm talking about reading things that involve serial killers, con artists, or supernatural beings that wreak havoc on a small community.

Does that make your pulse race too? Good; that means I've got your attention and can share the best true crime books I think you should read this summer!

P.S. You can save up to 80% on them because they're a part of the Amazon Book Sale that ends May 20!

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

I adore my sister and often find myself asking, "Am I my sister's keeper?" The answer is a resounding yes, but My Sister, The Serial Killer makes me question how I'd feel if I knew she was psychotic.

For Korede, she finds herself at a crossroads. She feels resentment in the pit of her stomach because no one else seems to realize that her perfect sister, Ayoola, has murderous tendencies. She's actually the epitome of the phrase 'fatal attraction.'

For some reason, Ayoola keeps murdering her boyfriends and Korede keeps protecting her secret, even going as far as to help Ayoola cover her tracks. Her heart is torn even further when the man she's got heart eyes for sets his sights on Ayoola.

Now Korede will have to decide how to truly deal with the truth of who her sister is and it just may cost her.

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby

Small towns are usually endearing, but they can always hold onto buried secrets that are begging to be dug up.

When Titus Crown, Charon County, Virginia's first Black sheriff fully embraces being back home, he knows it won't take long for trouble to start. It's not that he's looking for it per say. He's just experienced enough to know that no town is perfect.

Sure enough, a schoolteacher and her killer are murdered soon after he becomes the sheriff. This leads him to discover a much more sinister killer is on the loose and that person may be closer than he realizes.

The more he investigates, the more Titus' own past begins to haunt him. On top of that, he'll have to deal with dogmatic conservatives who are hellbent on celebrating their own history.

It'll take a miracle for him to truly uncover what's going on.

The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart

Trigger warner: Contains detailed murders.

There's an extremely calculate killer on the loose in Louisiana and he's someone authorities have figured out is highly intelligent. Their only hope seems to be Dr. Wren Muller, an equally adept forensic pathologist. She comes highly recommended, but this is the first case that'll test her knowledge, skills, and resolve.

It's the most twisted psychological games she's ever played and the killer seems to be determined to see how far his crimes can go.

All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Though Margot Davies is miles away from home, she can't stop thinking about her former next door neighbor that was found murdered when she was younger — January Jones. After all this time, January's murdered has gone unsolved and it's been eating away at Margot over the years.

Somehow fate lands her back in the town of Wakarusa and she begins to help care for her uncle. In an odd form of deja vu, another young girl goes missing and it reminds Margot of what happened to January. Since she was too young to do anything back then, she makes it her personal mission to try to solve the new missing person's case.

But, she's met with resistance at every turn and it becomes clear that more than a few people are hiding the truth of what's going on. And when Margot discovers what's really happened, it just may be her undoing.

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Four assassins — Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie — have worked for the Museum for four decades and have always done a great job. However, their methods are soon considered outdated and it's apparent their talents aren't as respected as they used to.

However, things seem like they've turned around when the women are surprised with the trip of a lifetime. They look forward to their vacation, but that excitement is cut short when they quickly deduce that their lives are in danger because they've been betrayed by the very organization they've dedicated their time and skills to.

Beyond angry, the women decide it's time to show the Museum and the Board what they're truly made of.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Evie Porter isn't really who anyone thinks she is. In fact, the woman who says her name is 'Evie Porter' is actually on a mission that involves infiltrating the life of an assigned target — the charming and attractive Ryan Sumner.

What's interesting is that she doesn't even know the identity of her employer Mr. Smith. He keeps his identity a secret from her while sending her on missions that seem to mean something to him in exchange for keeping her former life of crime a secret. But, she starts falling for Ryan which makes it harder to lie to him.

Then comes the woman who enters town and she's taken on Evie's real identity. This suddenly makes Evie realize there's more to her boss than she realized and he may have been setting things up on purpose to still find a way to take her down.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell's life consists of playing second fiddle to virtually everyone and everything. She's a housewife to an ambitious husband and a mother to two kids who don't always need her like they used to.

Her only solace is connected with the women at the book club she frequents and they love reading true crime books while discussing their own lives. No matter how much she's read about serial killers, nothing prepares Patricia for when she's attacked one night and introduced to a mysterious stranger who charms his way into her life.

The more he comes around, the more little Black children go missing though the police don't seem concerned. And the more Patricia starts piecing together clues, the more she realizes she's the one who's given the a monster permission to stay.

If you're a fan of book clubs and would like to imagine what would happen if true crime showed up in your town, you'll love reading The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

Sometimes people lie about what they've done and that's what home-health aide Kit McDeere discovers in The Only One Left.

Prior to her introduction in the book, readers meet young Lenora Hope who's entire family has been murdered. There are speculations that she committed the grisly crimes, but there was never enough evidence to convict her. Thus began her life of silence while remaining holed up in the mansion she grew up in.

By the time Kit McDeere arrives to assist Lenora who remains mute save for her ability to communicate via a typewriter. One night Lenora catches Kit off guard when she confesses she didn't kill her sister. So, Kit begins documenting what happened according to Lenora.

Only something isn't adding up, especially when Kit finds out why Lenora's former nurse left in the middle of the night. Now she's alone with the supposedly mute woman who's in a wheelchair and she suspects there's more to Lenora than she's been shown.

My Murder by Katie Williams

Despite her happy life, Lou's life is temporarily cut short when she becomes a victim of a serial killer. Brought back to life by way of a project ran by the government, she decides to be grateful to live her life again. She just can't seem to shake wondering why she was killed.

This makes her begin looking at people close to her warily because something feels off and she'll stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong spends her time in her tea shop sipping Wulong and snooping on her son. It's not a lonely life as far as she's concerned, but her world is changed when she finds a dead man in her shop.

Instead of calling the police, she takes a piece of evidence from the man's hands and decides she's the best person to solve the mystery of what happened to him. She correctly deduces that someone must be looking for something the man had and, sure enough, her shop starts to see an increase of customers.

The thing is that Vera begins developing a relationship with the influx of customer she's receiving and this makes her original mission of solving the dead man's case even harder.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon