Home Decor Disasters: 12 Items to Avoid at All Costs!

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Everybody wants their home to be cozy, inviting, and stylish. However, let’s be honest, some decor choices can turn your dream home into a nightmare in an instant. The wrong stuff can make your living room feel tight, your bedroom boring, or your kitchen look more like a mess of clutter. The idea is to build an environment that is comfortable but also truly reflects you, but sometimes we get a little too caught up with trends or ideas that just didn’t work out.

We rounded up 12 items to help steer you clear of home decor disasters, because some things just don’t belong in a home.

Unnecessary Knick-Knacks

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You may have random knick knacks that seemed like a good idea to buy when you did. It may be a cute souvenir, a quirky statue, or an antique trinket, with a story behind them. But when they accumulate, they can cause a cluttered, chaotic environment that takes away from the rest of your decor. As Interior designer Joanna Gaines once said, “Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” Pick out items that mean something and tie it into the overall vibe of your space.

Overly Large Rugs

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An oversized rug may seem like a nice idea, but if it so takes over the space that it is throwing the room off it’s flow, then it becomes an issue. A small room will appear too small when you use a too big rug, or a large room will seem as if a rug is not needed. If you have the space, consider getting a rug to fit the room’s proportions; a rug should be large enough to anchor your seating area and show the design of the room without overpowering it.

Oversized Furniture

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Nothing is worse than trying to force a giant sectional sofa into a small living room. On top of the inconvenience of trying to walk around the thing, it makes the space feel smaller! Big furniture pieces can make a big statement, but they can take up too much of the room, leaving no space for anything else. Before you go out and buy something too big, think about what size your room is. Try to get furniture that fits your space rather than competing with it.

Wall Decals and Stickers

Wall decals and stickers might not be your best choice if you are after a stylish, sophisticated look. They’re fun and easy to apply, but they can turn your walls into a child’s playroom rather than a grown up living area. If you want some flair to your walls, you can go with art prints, framed photographs, even put in some well placed mirrors. Stickers tend to peel off over time and leave those unsightly marks when you remove them, so it’s probably best to skip them.

Clashing Color Schemes

Bold color choices will give your home a striking look, but when not well coordinated, your home becomes an eyesore. Mismatched color scheme will make your décor chaotic and disjointed. Use fresh hues only after thinking through a palette that works in each room based on its style and purpose. You don’t have to be a color expert, but keeping it all balanced makes for a harmonious atmosphere.

Heavy Curtains

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Areas with little natural light can feel darker and smaller, and long, heavy curtains certainly don’t help. They can also be a pain to keep clean, and you’ll often have to iron them just to make them look neat. Curtains or shades that are light and airy can let in a lot more light and make the room feel fresher. If you want something a little more delicate and breathable while still looking for privacy, then go for it.

Excessive Themed Decor

Yes, it’s a lot of fun to get all crazy with a theme for a party or holiday, but for it to be the whole year long can seem more like living in a gimmick. Themed decor, whether it’s a beach themed bathroom or a ‘vintage’ diner inspired kitchen, can often look forced and missing that subtle vibe that makes a space feel welcoming. Keep it tasteful and don’t overcrowd your space with too many “theme” items and let your personal style shine through.

Overly Trendy Items

The only problem with following every trend that comes your way is that trends tend to come and go. Today what might be “in” could be considered out of place and out dated in a few months. It’s tempting to purchase the latest, hottest decor items, but that’s not what you should be looking for, rather, focus on pieces that are timeless and versatile. In this way, you avoid replacing half of your furniture and accessories with every new ‘big thing’ that pops up.

Cluttered Shelves

Display shelves and bookshelves can be awesome for showcasing your favorite pieces but they can get out of hand if you aren’t careful. According to WebMD, clutter increases stress levels and causes other problems with mental health, so in this case, less is helpful. Shelves lose their charm when they are filled with trinkets, books and miscellaneous objects. Curate what’s on shelves and leave empty space to make important items pop.

Bright Neon Lights

In a living area, a bedroom or a space where you sleep, neon lights are not really something that’s going to make you feel super comfortable. It may also strain your eyes, and turn what should be a tranquil setting into something less than relaxing. If you want a bit of whimsy, soft lighting or LED strips that can add color without blinding you when you walk in the room are a good idea.

Plastic Furniture

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Although plastic furniture can be so cheap and durable, it isn’t exactly a luxury. Plastic pieces can seem cold, impersonal and lack the charm that wood or metal have. It’s functional, but in the aesthetics department, plastic is a no go in most home settings. When you are looking for something practical, try getting furniture made from more durable, visually appealing materials.

Too Many Throw Pillows

Clutter Culprits Hiding in Your Living Room — Image Credit: belchonock/123RF

Throw pillows are a great way to add color and comfort to your sofa or bed, but there really is such a thing as too many! Piling a mountain of pillows on top of your seating area can make it feel cluttered and leave little room for actually sitting down and relaxing. Limit your pillow collection to a reasonable amount—enough to be comfortable and stylish, yet not enough to make you bounce off your couch like you’re on an obstacle course.

Fake Plants

People who don’t have an easy success at keeping houseplants alive would turn to fake plants as a go to decor solution. But today’s faux greenery can be cheap and artificial, and leave the space feeling lifeless. If you are not a green thumb, then try low maintenance plants that don’t need much attention or you can go for high quality faux plants which almost seem real. As long as you are careful not to go overboard with them, they should complement your space, not take over.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.