When it comes to your home, certain décor choices may not just make your space feel outdated, but can also decrease its overall value. If you’re aiming for a stylish, updated look that enhances your home’s aesthetic, these 13 décor mistakes are ones you should avoid. Keep reading to discover how to enhance your space without making choices that could secretly be diminishing its appeal.
1. Overuse of Bold Accent Walls
While a bold accent wall might seem like a fun way to add personality to a room, overusing this trend can actually make your space feel smaller or more disjointed. Strong, vibrant colors might clash with the rest of the room’s décor or make the space feel like it’s lacking cohesiveness. According to House Digest, homeowners often regret painting too many walls bold colors, as these choices can create a disconnected feel rather than a unified atmosphere in the home. Neutral tones are often a better choice for creating a unified look, as they allow for easier integration with the rest of the room’s design.
Accent walls should be used strategically to highlight certain areas, but when overdone, they can make a room look cluttered or dated. Experts from The Spruce suggest that using complementary tones or simply focusing on the right lighting can go a long way without the need for overly dramatic statements. When in doubt, consider using one subtle accent wall rather than making bold color choices throughout an entire room.
2. Heavy, Dark Furniture
Dark, bulky furniture pieces can make a room feel smaller and heavier than it needs to be, especially in rooms with limited natural light. While rich, dark tones may seem elegant, they can quickly dominate a room, drawing attention away from other design elements. Elle Decor advises that light-colored or more streamlined furniture pieces tend to make a room feel more open and inviting, and these styles are much more in tune with modern design trends.
Instead of dark furniture, opt for neutral shades, or incorporate pieces made of lighter woods, glass, or metallic finishes. These options make the space feel airier and more contemporary, which in turn enhances its overall appeal and value. Furthermore, Architectural Digest points out that using lighter furniture in areas with less natural light can have a significant positive impact on the room’s overall ambiance and perception.
3. Too Much Matching Furniture
While it’s tempting to buy an entire furniture set from the same brand or collection, it can often lead to a space that feels too uniform and lacks character. A matching set may feel overly manufactured and leave the space looking sterile or uninspired. House Beautiful highlights that mixing and matching different styles of furniture creates a more dynamic and personalized atmosphere, which is essential for a home that feels unique and lived-in.
By incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and design influences, you create a room with depth and interest. This eclectic approach often leads to a more refined and sophisticated look, boosting both the style and value of your home. HGTV also recommends adding accent pieces from different eras to provide visual interest and prevent your home from looking too ‘set in stone.’
4. Excessive Use of Faux Materials
Faux materials, such as imitation wood paneling, plastic finishes, or synthetic fabrics, might seem like a cost-effective way to furnish your home, but they can quickly make a room appear cheap or outdated. Real wood, natural stone, and high-quality fabrics add a touch of luxury that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate. Architectural Digest emphasizes the importance of using natural materials in interior design, noting that they tend to age better and enhance a space’s long-term appeal.
Over time, faux materials can also wear poorly and lose their visual appeal. For a home that maintains its value, it’s worth investing in more timeless, quality finishes. These materials not only improve the room’s overall look but will also hold their value for years to come. Elle Decor suggests that swapping out faux materials for more authentic materials, such as hardwood floors or stone countertops, can immediately elevate a space.
5. Overly Themed Rooms
While themed rooms, such as beach or country cottage styles, can be fun for certain spaces, they often create a dated atmosphere that detracts from your home’s value. Over-the-top themes can make it hard for potential buyers to envision the space as their own. Stick to more universal, versatile styles for a look that appeals to a broader audience.
Instead of committing to an entire room inspired by one theme, you can incorporate subtle thematic elements, like coastal artwork or rustic accents, that still give a sense of the theme without overwhelming the space. This will ensure your home feels timeless and adaptable.
6. Overuse of Wall Decals and Stickers
Wall decals and removable stickers might seem like a fun way to add personality, but they can make your home look less sophisticated. When overused, they may also give the impression that you don’t care about your walls or décor, making the space feel less polished.
Instead, opt for high-quality artwork, framed prints, or even simple statement pieces like mirrors or shelves that serve both form and function. These touches are far more elegant and will elevate your home’s overall aesthetic while avoiding the risk of looking juvenile.
7. Lack of Proper Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in defining the mood and atmosphere of a room. A common mistake is relying solely on overhead lighting or failing to layer different types of lighting throughout the space. Proper lighting can highlight architectural features, create warmth, and make a room feel more inviting.
Incorporating task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting ensures that each area of the room is well-lit and functional. It also allows for flexibility, as you can change the ambiance depending on the time of day or occasion. Investing in the right lighting fixtures can be an easy way to elevate the look of your home.
8. Excessive Use of Small Decor Items
Having too many small décor items, like knick-knacks or tiny accessories, can create a cluttered look and distract from the bigger picture. While these items may have sentimental value or serve as fun accents, they can quickly overwhelm a space when used in excess.
Try to limit your décor items to a few statement pieces that truly reflect your style. By giving these items room to shine, your home will look cleaner and more refined. Additionally, it helps the space feel more curated rather than chaotic.
9. Overcrowded Shelving
Shelves are an excellent way to display decorative objects, books, and personal items, but when they are too full, they can create visual clutter. Shelving units that are packed with too many items can make the space feel chaotic and diminish the overall aesthetic.
Try to keep your shelves balanced, with only a few carefully chosen pieces on display. Incorporating some empty space or greenery can also provide breathing room, making the shelves look more thoughtfully arranged and contributing to a clean, open atmosphere.
10. Cheap or Outdated Wallpaper
While wallpaper can make a bold statement, outdated or poorly chosen wallpaper can make your home look dated or tacky. In particular, patterns that were once trendy (like bold florals or dramatic stripes) can make a space feel like it’s stuck in the past.
Instead of wallpaper, consider using a fresh coat of paint in a neutral or contemporary shade. If you love patterns, look for wallpaper with a timeless design or use it sparingly, such as on one accent wall to create an inviting focal point.
11. Overly Bright Colors
Bright, saturated colors can be exciting and energetic, but if overused, they can overwhelm a space. Neon or overly intense hues can make a room feel smaller or less inviting. Instead, use vibrant shades sparingly, especially in smaller rooms or areas that need to feel calm and welcoming.
Choosing softer, more muted tones as your base palette allows bright colors to serve as accents, creating a balanced, harmonious space. This strategy gives you the flexibility to introduce bold colors while maintaining a refined look.
12. Carpeting in High-Traffic Areas
Carpet may feel cozy, but in high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms, it tends to show wear and stains much faster than hard flooring options. This can make a room look dingy and outdated, even if the rest of the décor is fresh and modern.
Hardwood floors, tiles, or polished concrete are great alternatives that provide a sleek, durable look. Not only do these materials look more upscale, but they are easier to maintain, and their timeless appearance will continue to add value to your home over time.
13. Clashing Furniture Styles
When different styles of furniture are mixed without thought, it can create a disjointed and chaotic look. For example, pairing contemporary pieces with vintage or rustic furniture without regard for cohesion can leave a room feeling unbalanced.
Instead, focus on combining furniture from complementary styles that share similar colors or finishes. By choosing pieces that work well together, you create a polished, curated look that enhances the flow of the space and ensures the room feels cohesive and sophisticated.
