11 Places In Your Home That You Probably Haven't Thought To Decorate, But Should

As hard as you work to make your home the most picture-perfect version of itself, it's possible that areas can slip through the cracks. Maybe you lost your inspiration or were hit with interior design overload. Whatever the reason these spots were overlooked, they're opportunities just waiting to be filled with your unique personality. All you need is a fresh eye and a few ideas to plunge into the décor details you might have missed the first time around. The goal is to use every square inch of your home in an intentional, functional way — even those awkward areas you have no clue what to do with — without tipping the scales into clutter, chaos, or things that don't bring you joy.

That empty space under your staircase can be reimagined as a reading nook. Or, bring a bit of sunshine to blank drawers by lining them with a cheerful pattern. Even painting your ceiling in a complementary shade can tie the whole room together without overwhelming it. You also want to consider those areas you already think are as functional as they can be, as they might still be upgrade-worthy — like replacing boring builder-grade light switches, plug covers, and air vent grills with decorative ones that add a heaping dollop of pizzazz.

Whether you want to give empty spaces a Gilmore Girl's makeover or create a room where none existed before, you'll be surprised by the overlooked areas inside your home that are already hiding in plain sight.

Just because your laundry room is the catch-all for your household doesn't mean it can't shine. While you might have a Pinterest board dedicated to laundry room makeover ideas, there are plenty of ways you can give it personality with décor you've designated elsewhere in your home, like adding wall art, floating shelves, or peel-and-stick wallpaper. It's about treating your laundry room as you do the rest of your home so you look forward to entering it instead of being filled with dread.

Light switch and outlet covers are things we don't pay much attention to. If that describes you as well, you're missing out on a prime opportunity to bring some life to your walls. Swapping out a basic white plate cover for something with a shiny finish or a pattern can instantly elevate the entire feel of your space. Whether they're hand-painted, marble, or metallic, you can easily find the right style to blend with your aesthetic. If you're aiming for a cohesive look, consider covers that match the other hardware in your home.

No matter where your air vents are installed, they're probably one of the ugliest parts of your home, not to mention they highlight dust if not cleaned regularly. Enter decorative air vent covers. Their pretty sculptural designs replace those unsightly builder-grade grills installed in your ceilings or walls. You can choose from virtually any size, design, and finish, so if you don't want them to stand out against your lighter shade interior, they come in white metal, too.

Although it might not be spacious, the area underneath your stairs is full of décor potential. You can turn this prime real estate into something functional and spectacular. Depending on the size, you can turn it into a small library with bookshelves and your favorite reads, a mini bar, or add a sleek cabinet for extra storage. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. 

Bay windows are the type of feature that begs for attention, regardless of the view outside. A common décor theme is to throw some pillows in the corners, add a seat cushion and make the area into a cozy nook. But you can also turn it into an indoor garden with live plants or a breakfast area with a small table and chairs. If you prefer to add curtains to your bay window, make sure to choose the right length to make the space pop.

Decorating the inside of drawers is a small upgrade that can make opening them feel a little special, like you thought of every detail when it comes to your home. Lining them with contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper in pretty colors and designs brings personality to your drawers that everyone will notice when they reach for something. You can also add colorful coordinating drawer dividers to keep them organized.

People might instantly notice your walls as they walk into your home for the first time, but you can also make them look upward when you decorate the ceiling. Whether you opt for crown molding, an intricate medallion surrounding a light fixture, a painted mural, wallpaper, or wood panels, a decorative ceiling can make your space feel more elegant. When your ceilings have a vintage popcorn finish, skip the scraping and cover them for a modern look.

When you walk through your front door and you feel like you've entered an empty space, you can creatively turn that area into a designated entryway with a couple of intentional picks. Start with a rug to create separation from the rest of the room. Add the usual things you'd see inside larger entryways, but make sure they have a lower profile, like wall hooks for jackets and purses and a floating shelf for tossing keys.

If you check underneath your top kitchen cabinets, they're probably unfinished, especially when they're not custom. This offers the perfect chance to give yours a little love. One quick fix is to paint them in the same color as your cabinets or in a hue that complements the backsplash. Other options include adding light strips, puck lights, or hooks for coffee mugs or cooking utensils. Although most people won't check whether they're finished or not, at least if someone does, you're covered.

Interior doors are usually relatively boring and blend into the frame, but there's no rule that says yours must stay this way. There are plenty of design tricks to make yours stand out with oomph. A splash of paint in an unexpected color brings an instant pop, while trim or molding adds architectural dimension. Swapping out standard hardware for ones that make a subtle statement or something simple, like hanging a pretty wreath or framed art piece, will still turn the wow factor up a notch.

Hallways are one of those high-traffic areas that are often overlooked, but they're actually a perfect spot to dress up with stylish features. A small cabinet adds extra storage opportunities, while placing a vase on top of it makes it feel intentional. Bold artwork brings dimension, while a statement mirror gives the illusion of a bigger space. Even soft accent lighting can change the whole mood.