We all want our homes to feel comfortable and reflect our personal style—but there’s a fine line between cozy and cringe. While taste is subjective, certain décor choices have earned a reputation for being outdated, overdone, or just plain tacky. And whether your guests say it out loud or not, some of those design decisions might be quietly raising eyebrows. From mismatched themes to overly flashy finishes, these 14 home choices could be making a bigger impression than you think—and not in a good way.
1. Over-the-Top Bathroom Themes
We get it, you love the beach. But turning your bathroom into an all-out nautical explosion—complete with seashell soap dishes and “Live, Laugh, Love” signs—might be a little much. Themes can be fun, but when they’re overdone, they can quickly feel kitschy. House Beautiful reports that modern bathrooms are all about minimalism and timeless design rather than hyper-specific themes.
Instead of plastering your bathroom with themed decor, try incorporating subtle elements. A few textured towels or a piece of wall art can hint at your love for the ocean without making guests feel like they just stepped onto a cruise ship.
2. Fake Plants That Look… Well, Fake
Fake plants can be a lifesaver if you lack a green thumb, but if they look too plastic-y, they’re doing more harm than good. Nothing screams “tacky” like dust-covered, unnaturally shiny leaves that haven’t been touched in years. Even plant experts agree! Apartment Therapy says that while faux greenery can work, it needs to be high quality and well-placed.
If you must go faux, opt for realistic-looking plants in stylish pots. And for the love of home decor, dust them once in a while! Mixing in real plants alongside high-quality faux ones can also help maintain a natural aesthetic without the maintenance.
3. Popcorn Ceilings
If your ceiling looks like a popcorn explosion from the ’70s, it’s time for an upgrade. Not only are these bumpy surfaces outdated, but they can also make your space feel smaller and dingy. Plus, they’re notoriously hard to clean. If you’ve been putting off removing them, just know that your guests are definitely noticing—and silently judging. According to Bob Vila, popcorn ceilings can even hurt your home’s resale value, making it harder to sell when the time comes.
Removing popcorn ceilings can be a messy job, but it’s worth it. Many homeowners opt for a sleek, flat finish or a more modern texture to keep things fresh. If you’re not ready for a full removal, at least make sure any cracks or discoloration are handled. Otherwise, it’s basically a flashing neon sign that says, “I haven’t updated this place in decades!”
4. Outdated Window Treatments
Heavy drapes and outdated blinds aren’t doing your home any favors. Those thick, dust-collecting curtains scream “grandma’s house” rather than chic and modern. Even worse, old-school vertical blinds can instantly age a space. According to Realtor.com, outdated window treatments are a red flag for potential buyers because they hint at a neglected home.
The fix? Swap heavy drapes for airy, light-filtering curtains or sleek roller shades. If privacy is a concern, layered window treatments—like sheer curtains with blackout panels—offer a stylish and functional solution. Your guests (and your future self) will thank you.
5. Harsh Overhead Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room, and bad lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel uninviting. Harsh overhead lights—especially those outdated boob lights—cast unflattering shadows and make everything feel sterile. Designers at The Spruce emphasize the importance of layered lighting to create warmth and ambiance.
Swap out those outdated fixtures for something more modern, like pendant lights or recessed lighting. Adding table lamps, sconces, or dimmable options can also help create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Your guests will appreciate the mood shift—and so will your selfies.
6. Matching Furniture Sets
Buying a matching living room set might seem like an easy way to decorate, but it can quickly make your home look like a furniture showroom. Too much coordination feels dated and uninspired. Instead, design experts suggest mixing textures, materials, and styles for a curated, lived-in vibe.
If you already own a matching set, break it up! Swap a chair or coffee table for something different. Adding unique accent pieces and layering in personal decor will help your space feel more intentional and less like a furniture catalog.
7. Giant Leather Recliners
Yes, they’re comfortable, but those massive leather recliners that swallow half the living room? They’re an eyesore. Unless you have a dedicated media room, they can overwhelm your space and make it feel cramped.
Opt for a stylish yet cozy chair that still offers support without dominating the entire room. If you absolutely refuse to part with the recliner, try balancing it with lighter, more modern furniture pieces to keep things from feeling too bulky.
8. Cluttered Open Shelving
Open shelving can look amazing—when done right. But if it’s packed with mismatched dishes, random knickknacks, and overflowing with clutter, it’s giving chaos. The goal is to make shelves look intentional, not like a storage dumping ground.
The fix? Stick to a color scheme and only display items that actually enhance the space. Group similar objects together and incorporate decorative pieces to break up the visual clutter. If all else fails, maybe closed cabinets are the way to go.
9. Overly Trendy Decor That Dates Quickly
Farmhouse everything? Gray-on-gray? While some trends can elevate a space, going all-in on one aesthetic can backfire. In a few years, you’ll be stuck with a home that feels outdated rather than timeless.
Instead of following every passing trend, mix classic elements with trendier accents that can be easily swapped out. This way, your home stays stylish without feeling like a Pinterest board from five years ago.
10. Excessive Word Art
One or two pieces of cute word art? Fine. But if your walls are filled with signs that say “Gather,” “Kitchen,” or “Live, Laugh, Love,” your guests are probably cringing. At this point, excessive word art is a meme.
If you love inspirational decor, opt for a more subtle approach—maybe a framed quote in an elegant font or something personal that doesn’t scream “HomeGoods clearance aisle.” Less is more!
11. Plastic-Wrapped Furniture
Unless you’re running a museum exhibit, there’s no reason to have plastic-covered furniture. It’s uncomfortable, uninviting, and makes guests feel like they can’t relax.
Take off the plastic, let that furniture breathe, and embrace a lived-in look. Your couch isn’t a rare collectible—it’s meant to be used!
12. Too Many Personal Photos in Common Spaces
Family photos are great, but if every wall is covered with dozens of framed pictures, it can feel overwhelming. Guests might not know where to look, and it can make your home feel more like a shrine than a living space.
Instead of filling every surface with personal photos, curate a few meaningful pieces in designated areas. A well-styled gallery wall or a photo book on the coffee table can keep things personal without overdoing it.
13. Overly Themed Bedrooms
Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, not a theme park attraction. While it’s totally fine to embrace a style you love, going all-in on a single theme—whether it’s a Parisian paradise, a rustic farmhouse overload, or a superhero shrine—can make the space feel more like a gimmick than a cozy retreat. Guests who stay overnight (or even just take a peek) might be thinking, Is this a bedroom or a set design?
The key is balance. If you love a theme, incorporate it subtly. Instead of Eiffel Tower lamps, curtains, bedding, and wall decals, opt for a few tasteful Parisian-inspired pieces alongside neutral decor. The same goes for any aesthetic—mix and match to keep things stylish, not overwhelming. Your guests (and your future self) will appreciate a space that feels thoughtfully curated rather than a one-note Pinterest board from 2012.
14. Cheap, Builder-Grade Light Fixtures
You know those super basic, brass dome light fixtures that seem to come with every apartment and older home? Yeah, those need to go. They’re functional, sure, but they also scream “I haven’t updated anything since move-in day.” Light fixtures are one of the easiest ways to modernize a space, and guests definitely notice when they’re outdated.
Luckily, swapping them out is easy and budget-friendly. Stylish flush mounts, pendant lights, or even a modern chandelier can instantly elevate a room. If you’re renting or on a tight budget, consider upgrading with removable, renter-friendly options. A little lighting glow-up can take your home from “meh” to “wow” in no time.
