1. Everything Bought from One Store
When every piece of furniture and decor comes from the same retailer, it can make a home feel more like a showroom than a personal space. It’s convenient, sure—but it often lacks the layered, collected feel that comes from mixing sources and styles. The result is a space that feels overly coordinated and a little too “done.” It’s the design equivalent of wearing a matching tracksuit to a wedding.
To avoid this, try blending high and low, old and new. Mix in vintage finds, handmade pieces, or items from different stores to add depth. Even just swapping out a few accessories can break up the uniformity. A home should feel like a story, not a catalog page.
2. Art That’s Still in the Center of the Frame
You know the look—mass-produced prints with generic quotes or abstract blobs, all perfectly centered and hung at eye level. It’s a common go-to when you’re rushing to fill wall space, but it can make a room feel impersonal and rushed. Real art—whether it’s a thrifted painting, a family photo, or something you made yourself—adds soul. And it doesn’t have to be perfectly symmetrical to work.
Try layering art on shelves, mixing frame styles, or hanging pieces in unexpected places. Even a small gallery wall can add instant personality. The goal is to make your walls feel lived-in, not just filled in. Art should reflect your taste, not just your timeline.
3. Matching Throw Pillows on Every Surface
Throw pillows are an easy way to add color and texture, but when they all match perfectly, it can feel like you grabbed the first set you saw and called it a day. It’s a fast fix that lacks personality and depth. Real design takes a little more mixing—of patterns, textures, and sizes. Otherwise, it starts to look like a hotel lobby.
Instead, try combining solids with prints, or mixing materials like velvet, linen, and knit. Odd numbers tend to look more natural than even ones. And don’t be afraid to let things feel a little imperfect. A casually tossed pillow looks more inviting than one that’s been karate-chopped into submission.
4. Rugs That Are Too Small
A rug that floats awkwardly in the middle of the room or barely fits under the coffee table is a classic sign of a rushed design. It’s often the result of buying what’s available instead of what’s right for the space. But a too-small rug can make the whole room feel disjointed and undersized. It’s like wearing pants that are just a little too short—noticeable and awkward.
The right rug should anchor the furniture, not just sit under it. In living rooms, aim for at least the front legs of sofas and chairs to rest on the rug. In dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the chairs when they’re pulled out. Size matters more than you think.
5. No Window Treatments
Bare windows can make a space feel unfinished, even if everything else is styled. It’s a detail that often gets skipped when decorating in a hurry, but it makes a huge difference in how cozy and complete a room feels. Without curtains or shades, rooms can feel cold, echoey, and overly exposed. It’s like forgetting to put on shoes with a great outfit.
Even simple curtain panels or Roman shades can soften a space and add polish. Hang them high and wide to make windows feel larger and ceilings taller. It’s a small investment with a big payoff. Window treatments are the finishing touch that says, “I thought this through.”
6. Furniture That Hugs the Walls
Pushing all your furniture up against the walls might seem like a way to maximize space, but it often has the opposite effect. It can make a room feel sparse and disconnected, like a waiting room instead of a living space. It’s a common move when you’re rushing to arrange things without a clear layout plan. But floating furniture—even just a little—creates intimacy and flow.
Try pulling your sofa away from the wall or angling a chair into a conversation zone. Use rugs to define areas and create a sense of purpose. Even small shifts can make a big difference. A thoughtful layout always beats a fast one.
7. Overuse of Trendy Decor
When a home is filled with every trending item from the past six months—bouclé chairs, squiggle mirrors, checkerboard rugs—it can feel more like a TikTok set than a personal space. Trends aren’t bad, but when they dominate the room, it starts to feel like you’re chasing likes instead of building a home. It’s a fast way to decorate, but not one that lasts.
Instead, pick one or two trends you genuinely love and mix them with timeless pieces. Let your personality lead, not the algorithm. A home should evolve with you, not expire with the next trend cycle. Style is personal—trends are just tools.
8. Lack of Personal Touches
A home that looks good but tells you nothing about who lives there feels incomplete. When there are no books, no photos, no signs of hobbies or history, it can feel like a space that was styled for someone else. It’s often the result of rushing to make things look “done” without taking time to make them feel lived-in. But those personal touches are what make a house feel like home.
Display a favorite book, a travel souvenir, or a piece of art you actually love. Let your space reflect your story, not just your shopping list. Even one meaningful object can shift the whole energy of a room. Design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels.
This post 8 Things That Instantly Make a Home Feel Like It Was Decorated in a Weekend was first published on Greenhouse Black.
