Home is not just where the Wi-Fi connects automatically; it can also be a direct reflection of our lifestyle and personality. Have you been giving that console table the side-eye or wondering where your relationship with the loveseat is headed? While any furniture will provide something to sit on or hang out at, keeping your home well-organized and visually appealing is essential.
Certain everyday items can mar the beauty and functionality of our homes. Professional designers recommend removing them to create a more cohesive and visually stunning space. Eliminating these items can help streamline the design, making it more efficient and visually appealing.
Does your space feel like it needs some pruning? Or does it need an update? If you love your home just how it is, don’t worry about what any designer has to say. But if you’re ready for a change, designers suggest removing some of these items from your home to enhance its overall design and beauty without compromising functionality.
1. Fake plants
While you may feel sentimental about the humongous faux regal fern at the corner of the living room, it doesn’t add to the house’s aesthetics. Plants can add a touch of nature to your home, but fake plants can make your space feel cheap and artificial. Get a natural plant that looks beautiful and provides numerous health benefits.
Plants can help purify the air, improve mental health, and boost productivity. They give your home a touch of nature and can help create a relaxing atmosphere. Choose a shape and color that blends well with your space and fits your needs and style.
2. Too Many Throw Pillows
People discovered throw pillows, and then throw pillows overtook the interior décor world. When it comes to throw pillows, it’s important to strike a balance between style and function. While they can add color and texture to a room, having too many can make it feel cluttered. As far as throw pillows are concerned, less is more.
To keep your space looking clean and elegant, designers suggest using only two or three pillows at most. This creates a more organized appearance and makes it easier to move the pillows around if necessary.
3. Matchy-matchy Furniture
Maybe you love expressing your love for yellow through your all-yellow furniture, but it may make your space look dull and have you feeling like something is missing. While your furniture needs to match to some degree, you don’t have to coordinate everything perfectly.
Designers suggest contrasting different styles and textures to create a more visually attractive space. Do not be afraid to experiment with colors of different styles; you may create a surprisingly beautiful combination. Make sure to test your experiments with an app like Piccollage before buying the furniture.
4. Cheap Rugs
Do you see that living room rug that is clearly a Turkish rug knock-off? You may need to roll it up and bid it goodbye. Rugs are a great way to add texture and warmth to your space, but cheap rugs can look shabby and quickly wear out.
Invest in high-quality rugs that will last long and add value to a room’s overall aesthetic. A well-made rug can be a statement piece that brings together a space’s design elements. Who knows, you may even pass the rug along as a valued family heirloom.
5. Too Many Photos
Photos tell a story about your family before you say anything, but having too many of them can make your space feel cluttered and chaotic. A space filled with too many photos can feel overwhelming; they may even distract people from the beauty of your home decor.
You don’t have to throw your grandmother’s black-and-white photos in the dustbin; instead, strike a balance by selecting a few of your favorite photos and creating a beautiful gallery wall. Try experimenting with frames of different sizes and colors to create a visually interesting display. You can also incorporate art in the display to complement your photos.
6. Too Many Books
In today’s world of remote work and virtual meetings, bookshelves have become more than just a place to store books. With almost everyone sitting in front of a bookshelf in every Zoom meeting, it’s no wonder people are striving to curate a visually appealing book collection. After all, books can make your space look more refined and sophisticated.
But at the same time, having too many books can make a room feel cluttered and uninviting. Choose a few statement books and display them on a beautiful bookshelf. This makes the space look more organized and visually appealing and allows you to showcase your personality and interests through the books you choose to display.
7. Busy Wallpaper
It’s not the 70s; dense floral patterns in the kitchen are no longer appealing (to most, anyway). Bold wallpaper can add a touch of drama to your space, but too much going on in the wallpaper department can make a room feel overwhelming. Opt for a subtle pattern or use wallpaper as an accent wall instead of covering all four walls.
If you must decorate a wall, consider making an accent wall to create a focal point in your space without overwhelming the senses. A busy wallpaper can clash with other patterns or colors in the room, creating a chaotic and unpleasant atmosphere. However, a subtle pattern can complement the existing décor.
8. Empty Walls
On the other end of busy wallpaper is acres of empty walls. A wall is an empty canvas, and an empty wall may feel uninviting and boring. A wall with proper decor that’s not overdone will make a room feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Work on your empty wall canvas with mirrors or even a simple gallery wall. Well-thought-out wall décor will add depth to a space and make it feel more lived-in and personalized.
9. Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture is convenient, outdoor-friendly, and easy to carry. However, it gives off a cheap, low-quality vibe, especially indoors. It’s important to consider your space’s essential aesthetic and choose furniture that complements it.
Investing in natural and high-quality materials like wood, fabric, or leather can be a great choice. These materials can not only give a space a sophisticated and elegant feel, but they can also age gracefully if taken care of properly.
10. Too Many Mirrors
Mirror, mirror on the wall, why do you have to have so many of them? Mirrors can be a stylish addition to any room, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. However, it’s important to use them in moderation to avoid overcrowding space. Besides, no one wants to face multiple images of themselves everywhere they turn.
Use one or two statement mirrors at most for a cleaner, more sophisticated look. These should be strategically placed to enhance the natural light and create the illusion of more space.
11. Old Window Treatments
While old window treatments may still function, they can quickly make a space feel outdated and unappealing. Window treatments provide privacy and a finishing touch to the overall decor. However, old and outdated window treatments can make a space dull and uninviting.
If your window treatments are beginning to become an eyesore, consider updating them to something more modern and visually appealing. This simple change can transform even the most mundane room into a stylish and welcoming space.
12. Too Many Bold Colors
While bold colors can add a pop of personality to your space, you don’t want to have your living space look like a kindergarten classroom. Too many yellows, purples, and hot pinks can make a room feel overwhelming and chaotic.
Opt for a few subtle pops of color schemes and use bright hues throughout your space. Try using colorful pieces, such as throw pillows, artwork, and decorative objects, to add a touch of personality to your space without overpowering it.
13. Too Many Area Rugs
Your love for rugs may have led you to buy “just one more” rug, and now your space is drowning in a sea of rugs from all over the world. While area rugs can add a touch of warmth and texture to your space, having too many can make it feel cluttered and chaotic.
Just how many area rugs are too many? Rug experts say practicality is important where rugs are concerned. Use one or two area rugs at most to keep your space looking clean and elegant. Make sure to mix up the fabrics when choosing rugs, too.
14. Outdated Light Fixtures
Although your old light fixtures might still be functional, they could make your living space feel outdated. After living in your house for an extended period, you might not even realize how much of an impact updated light fixtures can make. Changing your light fixtures can be an excellent way to revamp your space.
Update your light fixtures to something more modern and visually appealing. A new light fixture can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.
15. Heavy and Dark Curtains in Dark Rooms
Heavy and dark curtains may be perfect for keeping light out when you need the room to be dark, but they may make a room feel smaller and more cramped. If you choose the wrong colors for dark curtains, they are more likely to negatively affect the visual appeal of a room compared to lighter curtains.
Lighter and more sheer curtains can help brighten up a room and give it a more airy and spacious feel. Additionally, they can be easily paired with other design elements and colors to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
