1. Too Many Family Photos in Public Spaces
Family photos are important—but when every wall is covered in portraits, it can feel more like a shrine than a home. Designers recommend keeping personal photos to more intimate areas like hallways or bedrooms. In living rooms or dining areas, they can overwhelm the space and limit design flexibility. It’s about balance, not banishment.
Mix in art, mirrors, or objects that reflect your interests and style. Let your home tell your story in layers. Family is part of that—but not the whole picture. Curate, don’t clutter.
2. Generic Inspirational Quote Art
“Live, Laugh, Love” had its moment—but that moment has passed. Mass-produced quote art feels impersonal and overdone, especially when it’s the same phrases seen in every big-box store. Designers crave originality and authenticity, and these signs often do the opposite. They flatten a space instead of adding depth.
If you love words, opt for framed poetry, handwritten notes, or typography that means something to you. Better yet, support a local artist who can create something custom. Your walls should reflect your voice, not a cliché. Meaning beats mass appeal every time.
3. Overly Themed Decor (Especially Nautical)
Unless you live on a boat, anchors, oars, and rope knots probably don’t belong on your walls. Themed decor can quickly veer into kitsch, especially when it’s too literal. Designers want your space to feel curated, not like a souvenir shop. A little nod to a theme is fine—an entire wall of it is not.
Instead, choose pieces that evoke a feeling or memory without spelling it out. A seascape painting or driftwood sculpture can be far more elegant. Subtlety is your friend. Let the theme whisper, not shout.
4. Wall Decals That Try Too Hard
Peel-and-stick decals can be fun for kids’ rooms, but in main living areas, they often feel juvenile or temporary. Script fonts, faux brick patterns, or oversized florals can cheapen a space if not done thoughtfully. Designers prefer texture and depth over flat, sticker-like visuals. And decals rarely hold up over time.
If you want impact, consider wallpaper, stenciling, or even a painted mural. These options feel more intentional and lasting. Your walls deserve more than a quick fix. They deserve commitment.
5. Tiny Art on Huge Walls
A single 8×10 print floating on a large wall doesn’t make a statement—it just looks lost. Scale matters, and undersized art can make a room feel unfinished or awkward. Designers often see this mistake in living rooms and bedrooms where the wall space dwarfs the artwork. It’s not minimal—it’s mismatched.
Go bigger or group smaller pieces into a gallery wall. Art should anchor the space, not disappear into it. When in doubt, size up. Your walls can handle more than you think.
6. Faux Window Frames and Shutters
Hanging decorative window frames or shutters indoors might seem charming, but they often confuse the eye and disrupt the flow of a room. They’re meant to frame a view—not pretend to be one. Designers see them as filler pieces that don’t serve a real purpose. And they rarely age well.
If you want architectural interest, try a vintage mirror, a sculptural piece, or even a salvaged door with character. Let your walls tell a story—not play dress-up. Authenticity always wins.
7. Clocks That Don’t Work (or Are Just for Show)
A large wall clock can be a beautiful focal point—but only if it actually works. Designers often see clocks that are either broken or purely decorative, which can feel lazy or confusing. It’s a functional item pretending to be art. And that disconnect is noticeable.
If you love the look, make sure it’s ticking—or choose a sculptural piece that doesn’t pretend to tell time. Form and function should go hand in hand. Otherwise, it’s just dead weight on your wall.
8. Mass-Produced “Abstract” Prints
Those generic brushstroke canvases from big-box stores might fill a wall, but they rarely add soul. Designers can spot them instantly—and so can guests. They’re meant to be neutral, but they often just feel forgettable. Art should spark emotion, not just fill space.
Instead, look for local artists, vintage finds, or even DIY pieces that reflect your taste. You don’t need a gallery budget to find meaningful art. Just a little intention. Your walls deserve something with a heartbeat.
9. Empty Picture Frames
Hanging empty frames as decor was once a quirky trend, but now it just feels unfinished. Without art or photos, they lack purpose and can make a space feel incomplete. Designers see them as missed opportunities—why hang a frame if there’s nothing to frame? It’s more confusing than creative.
If you love the shape or texture, fill it with something meaningful: fabric, pressed flowers, or even a mirror. Give it a reason to be there. Your walls should feel intentional, not experimental.
10. Wall-Mounted Word Sculptures
Metal or wooden words like “Eat,” “Home,” or “Relax” might seem welcoming, but they’ve become design clichés. They tell people what to feel instead of letting the space evoke it naturally. Designers are moving away from literal decor in favor of more nuanced storytelling. Your home should speak for itself.
If you want to add warmth, do it through color, lighting, and texture. Let your space feel lived-in, not labeled. Words belong in books and conversations—not bolted to the wall.
This post 10 Things Designers Wish You’d Stop Hanging on Your Walls was first published on Greenhouse Black.
