From questionable colors to tacky finishes, let’s take a look at 19 of the most questionable choices homeowners have unleashed upon their living spaces.
Clashing Patterns
Although you can add interest by incorporating different patterns and prints, there’s a difference between an elegant touch of floral and a wall-to-wall geometric nightmare of every shape known to man. Covering every surface in a mishmash of mismatched prints leads to a pattern overload that isn’t pleasant to look at. Choose complementary patterns on one wall, as throw cushions, or a rug, but definitely don’t go for patterns on everything.
Extreme Minimalism
While minimalism has its appeal, taking it to the extreme can result in a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere that may remind guests of a hospital. A completely stark and empty space is reminiscent of a home that isn’t lived in, lacking personality, homeliness, and warmth. Strike a balance by incorporating a little of something you like (family photos, your favorite color, ornaments, or books) to make the space feel inviting and lived-in.
Excessive Taxidermy
Bringing the great outdoors inside is one thing, but turning your living room into a horror show or museum exhibit is quite another. No one wants to feel like they’re being watched by an army of preserved animals, no matter how realistic. Instead, opt for tasteful nature-inspired decor like botanical prints or animal-inspired sculptures that will capture the essence of the wilderness without creeping out your visitors.
Animal Print Overload
If you want an exotic flair, a little animal print might work. Too many or too many types, however, can turn your home into a safari-themed nightmare. If you’ve got leopard print rugs, snake-skin lamps, and zebra-striped walls, the urge to showcase the entire animal kingdom has gone too far. Remember, moderation is key here. A few carefully placed accents can provide the desired effect without transforming your space into a tragic ‘skin’ exhibit.
Plastic Furniture Covers
While protecting your furniture is important and can improve its longevity, covering it entirely in plastic is a design choice best left to your grandparents. Not only does it detract from the visual appeal of your furnishings, but it also creates an unwelcoming and unfinished feel. Let the natural beauty of your furniture shine by opting for more modern methods of preservation, such as stain-resistant fabrics, natural leather, or removable covers.
Over-the-Top Gold
Gold is often associated with opulence and royalty, so it can add elegance and sophistication, but it has the opposite effect when used in excess. Too much gold is gaudy and tacky, giving the impression of ‘trying too hard.’. Beware of using gold on every piece of furniture, light fixture, and accessory; a little gold goes a long way. If you want opulence, try some royal blue, regal purple, or other deep, rich colors like red.
Unconvincing Faux Finishes
If cost is an issue, finishes that mimic an expensive material like hardwood or marble can be a cheaper way to get the look, but only when done properly. Beware of faux finishes that try too hard to imitate the real thing or of ultra-cheap alternatives that fall laughably short. It might be better to save up for the real deal or explore alternative options that don’t rely on imitation.
Themed Bathrooms
We’re not denying that themes can’t be fun, but going overboard on a very specific inspiration can lead to design disaster. Bathrooms seem to fall victim to this more often, with tropical beach themes complete with fake palm trees or fully nautical boat-themed spaces. If you’re not careful, it might feel like stepping onto a corny movie set. Instead, aim for subtle nods to your chosen theme through accessories, color choices, or artwork.
Shag Carpeting
Long-piled carpeting had its heyday in the ’70s, and that’s exactly where it should stay. The long, shaggy fibers may have been cozy back then, but they collect dust and dirt like nobody’s business, and there are now much better options if warmth is needed (like underfloor heating). Plus, they make a room look dated and unkempt. We recommend more modern, low-pile carpets or hardwood floors for a cleaner and more stylish look.
Wallpaper Borders
Once popular for dividing a wall through the middle or crowning it, nowadays, borders make a room look dated and visually cluttered. Avoid the temptation to add a matching border just because one’s available, and definitely don’t use them on every wall. Instead, carefully choose a more elegant wallpaper that covers the entire wall or experiment with paint to create interest in a more contemporary way.
Excessive Neon
Neon colors can be vibrant, fun, and energizing, but using them excessively can create an overwhelming visual assault on the senses that may make your home look more like a nightclub. To avoid inducing headaches in your guests, use neon accents sparingly and balance them with milder tones for a more harmonious and relaxing space.
Oversized Furniture
Just because you fell in love with that couch at the store doesn’t mean you should cram it into whatever space you have. Having an oversized piece of furniture in a small space is inefficient and makes a small room look and feel smaller. Measure your space before furniture shopping and go for pieces that will give enough room for full and easy functionality. You shouldn’t have to walk sideways to get past the coffee table!
Fake Fruit
Decorative bowls filled with fake fruit may seem like a fun way to add a pop of ‘natural’ color, but only the most expensive ones avoid looking cheap and artificial. Not to mention, they attract dust and will quickly appear grey and furry without frequent cleaning. Instead, choose fresh flowers, plants, or fruity artwork to add visual interest without the need for tacky imitations.
Too Many Photographs
Gallery walls can be a fantastic way to showcase your family photos or beloved artwork, but once again, it’s important not to go over the top. Too many frames clustered together can result in a chaotic display and may also be time-consuming to dust. Opt for a more curated approach, selecting a few key pieces of art or your very favorite photographs; it really is a ‘less is more’ kind of situation.
Everything Matching
We’re not saying coordination isn’t important, but matching everything too perfectly can actually diminish your chosen color, pattern, or style. Avoid the temptation to have every piece of furniture, soft furnishing, and accessory in the same color or pattern; this isn’t the way to use them to the best effect. Combining your favorite elements with complementary design choices will greatly enhance your space and prevent it from looking monotonous or ‘too much.’
Oversized Word Art
It can be fun to incorporate meaningful quotes or phrases into your decor, but be cautious with the size of the text you have gracing your walls. Oversized word art can dominate a room and feel overwhelming. Unless you’re deliberately trying to create the sense that you’re trapped inside a book, choose smaller, well-placed pieces of text that don’t dominate.
Chandeliers
They can be a stunning focal point in a grandiose room, but an excessively large or ornate chandelier can look gaudy, particularly if your home is modern or cozy. Keep the scale of the chandelier proportionate to the room, and always consider the time period and styling of your other furniture and decorations. Opt for smaller, more minimal, or modern styles if that’s what fits your room better.
Plastic Plant Overload
While incorporating natural greenery into your decor is always a great idea, relying on plastic plants can cheapen the look. We recommend real plants; they not only provide a fresh and vibrant atmosphere but also offer numerous health benefits and can be a joy to nurture. If you must have fake flowers, introduce some real plants as well to strike a balance between easy maintenance and natural beauty.
Over-Accessorizing
Accessories enhance the overall look of a room, but too many can turn it into a cluttered and impractical space. Don’t fill every surface with decorative items; it increases stress and involves more cleaning. Focus on a few key pieces that are sentimental or complement the existing decor, and resist the urge to turn your living room into an Aladdin’s cave of knick-knacks or a mountain of cushions.
MORE FROM LOVED BY CURLS – 19 FALSE MYTHS THAT ARE SO OBVIOUS YOU’LL KICK YOURSELF FOR BELIEVING THEM
Sometimes it’s hard to sift fact from fiction, especially when certain long-ingrained myths are still perpetuated by society and in the media. A recent internet survey asked, “What’s an annoying myth that people still cling to?” We collected the 21 best responses.
19 FALSE MYTHS THAT ARE SO OBVIOUS YOU’LL KICK YOURSELF FOR BELIEVING THEM
BOOMER TALK: 18 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MILLENNIALS CAN’T STAND TO HEAR
People often talk about how different generations are. In our fast-changing world today, the differences between baby boomers and millennials seem bigger than ever. Here are 18 things boomers say that really annoy millennials!
BOOMER TALK: 18 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MILLENNIALS CAN’T STAND TO HEAR
HUSH-HUSH: 16 SECRETS MEN HAVE BUT WON’T SHARE WITH WOMEN
Have you ever wondered what men really think or do? Then look no further. A recent internet survey asked, “What are some ‘guy secrets’ girls don’t know about?” Here are the top 16 answers:
HUSH-HUSH: 16 SECRETS MEN HAVE BUT WON’T SHARE WITH WOMEN
13 ILLEGAL THINGS PEOPLE WISH THEY COULD DO WITHOUT BEING ARRESTED
An internet survey recently asked, “What is one thing that should be legalized?” Here are the 14 best responses:
13 ILLEGAL THINGS PEOPLE WISH THEY COULD DO WITHOUT BEING ARRESTED
18 CRINGE-WORTHY PHRASES THAT GEN X THOUGHT WERE COOL BUT GEN Z FINDS EMBARRASSING
Gen X came up with a lot of cool phrases that are still used today however not so much by Gen Z. An internet survey recently asked, “What was a big or popular saying when you were a teen?” Here are the top 18 answers.
18 CRINGE-WORTHY PHRASES THAT GEN X THOUGHT WERE COOL BUT GEN Z FINDS EMBARRASSING
