Your home’s interior decor vibe is an extension of your style. If you don’t put much effort into it or haven’t updated it forever, your space could look tired, dated, and tacky. Like your wardrobe, your space’s color scheme, furniture, and accessories should reflect your taste and keep up with current trends. Here are some common culprits sabotaging your interior style and tips for how to give your home an easy seasonal update.
1. Chintzy Mirrors
Mirrors can open a space, make a room look bigger and more airy, and become a stylish focal point. However, ornate mirrors with elaborate frames or vintage styles can look out of place in a modern home. Opt for classic, understated mirrors that complement your contemporary decor.
2. Ugly Accent Cushions
Accent and throw cushions are among the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your interiors instantly. They can also have the opposite effect if you overload your space with them or choose outdated colors, prints, and textures. Stick to a cohesive color palette with tonal variations, and always arrange your cushions upright—not in a triangle slant, which can look dated.
3. Over the Top Wallpaper
Design trends come and go like fashion, so making a statement with wallpaper can be tricky. Bold wallpaper choices can quickly become outdated and make you regret your decision, and they are messy to fix. Instead of going for an accent wall with wallpaper, opt for a more cohesive design theme. Avoid busy prints, intricate patterns, and old-fashioned designs if you choose wallpaper.
4. Old Fashioned Furniture
Don’t hold onto old-fashioned furniture just because you’ve had it forever. Trends evolve, and clunky, ornate furniture with intricate carvings, elaborate details, and heavy textures looks totally dated. Upgrade to simpler pieces that emphasize clean lines and functionality. Formal, stiff living rooms are also a thing of the past. Modern design favors open, flexible living areas that are both practical and casual.
5. Lavish Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating ambiance and can transform a room. However, oversized, ornate, or overly decorative overhead lights can overpower a space, making it look cheap and tacky. Opt for fixtures that complement your room without dominating it.
6. Cheesy Themed Rooms
While themed rooms might seem fun, they can quickly turn tacky and won’t age well. Instead, keep your design canvas clean and modern and introduce trends and themes through accessories like cushions, bedding, and decor items.
7. Vintage Overkill
Mid-century modern and retro designs can look incredibly stylish when done right. The key is to balance beautiful vintage pieces with modern design elements. Too much retro can make your space look dated, and you might tire of the bold statement it creates.
8. Drab Curtains
Curtains can either enhance or detract from a room’s appeal. Thick, heavy drapes in dull shades, dated prints, or old-fashioned fabrics like velvet and fringing can make a space feel closed off and gloomy. Let the light in with minimalistic window coverings or chic shutters for a more modern feel.
9. Dated Color Palette
Choosing the right colors for your space can be challenging, as some shades—especially muted pastels—can quickly date a room. A warm white backdrop with timeless navy, green, or gray furniture is a safer bet. Add pops of trendy colors through cushions and accessories.
10. Sentimental Knick-Knacks
Minimalism and decluttering are in. If your home is overflowing with knick-knacks, sentimental trinkets, or too many accessories, it can create visual clutter and make your space look chaotic and outdated. Simplify and curate your decor for a cleaner, more modern look.
11. Dark Dated Bathrooms
Updating your kitchen and bathroom is one of the best ways to upgrade your home and increase its value. Outdated fixtures, cabinets, and countertops can drag down the appeal of your entire home. Refresh these spaces with new materials and finishes for a more contemporary look.
12. Fake Greenery
Indoor plants and greenery bring energy and style to your home and benefit your health. The fig tree, for example, is a timeless trend. While it’s okay to incorporate a few artificial plants—especially if you’re not a green thumb—don’t overdo it. Choose modern styles and pay attention to the pots; simple designs are more elegant.