You get bad decor... And you get really bad, tacky decor. While we can all agree that your home should reflect your style and taste, there are certain items that experts warn are a total no-go.
"Often, what designers consider unappealing comes down to items that look cheaply made or overly generic, leaving a space feeling impersonal rather than authentically lived-in," explains Meghan Shouse, House Beautiful's Digital Editor.
Shouse says that while you should ultimately decorate for yourself, and not worry too much about others' opinions, you may want to pay attention to certain elements if your goal is to create a more polished, elevated look.
The first decor faux pas may surprise certain people but some decor experts believe that matching furniture sets have no place in a polished, modern home. According to designer Tina Ramchandani, they "flatten the space and leave no room for personality."
Shouse writes that a better option is to "play with different but coordinating furnishings to make a space feel more curated, intentional, and warm." She suggests taking your time to decorate your space, and putting effort into finding pieces that "go well together, but don't look nearly identical."
Interior designer Sarah Gibson agrees. She says it looks particularly tacky when everything matches.
"Remember those furniture store displays where everything, from the sofa to the coffee table to the end tables, matched exactly? While cohesive design is important, overly matching furniture can feel flat and outdated," explains the expert. "I recommend avoiding the ‘bedroom in a box’ aesthetic, easy as it may seem."
Gibson's advice is to curate a piece you truly love and combine complementary styles, finishes, and materials. This, she says, creates a lovely layered, designer look.
"Pair an upholstered sofa with a vintage coffee table, or mix metals and wood tones within the same room. The contrast adds so much more character and depth," she adds. The expert also notes that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Don't be afraid to source items from thrift stores.
The next rule when it comes to home decor (and many experts agree on this one) is out with the fake flowers/plants and in with the real deal. Bringing nature indoors can instantly uplift your space and your mood. On the flip side, dusty, plastic plants do the opposite.
"They lack the texture and movement that bring a space to life," says Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. Another designer Tina Ramchandani agrees, saying, "I'd take no florals over bad florals any day."
For Gibson, outdated light fixtures can make or break a room. The expert says that this is an element that's often overlooked yet it makes a huge difference.
"Fixtures that scream 'builder grade' or feel stuck in another decade can instantly make a space feel dated," she explains. "In my 1990’s builder-grade home, it was basic flush mounts, which have been coined 'boob lights.' I think we’ve replaced almost all of them by now."
