16 Things Interior Decorators Would Never Have In Their Backyards
Ever wondered why some backyards look magazine-worthy while others fall flat? Professional interior decorators apply their design expertise beyond four walls, creating outdoor spaces that feel like natural extensions of beautiful homes.
Before you revamp your backyard this season, consider these design choices that make professionals cringe – avoiding these common mistakes could transform your outdoor oasis from mediocre to magnificent.
1. Plastic Adirondack Chairs
Nothing screams “I bought this on clearance” quite like those mass-produced plastic chairs in unnatural colors. While they might seem practical, they crack, fade, and cheapen your entire outdoor aesthetic.
Quality decorators invest in real wood or high-end composite materials that age gracefully. Your backyard deserves seating that invites relaxation, not pieces that look disposable.
2. Faux Grass Rugs
Imagine stepping onto artificial turf that’s been baking in the sun all day. Yikes! These synthetic carpets trap heat, collect debris, and never quite mimic the real thing.
Rather than this unconvincing shortcut, design professionals opt for natural ground covers, stone pavers, or genuine grass. Creating authentic outdoor spaces means embracing materials that belong in nature, not plastic imitations.
3. Tacky Garden Gnomes
Those little bearded figures might seem whimsical, but they’ve become the ultimate backyard cliché. Professional decorators avoid kitschy character collections that distract from thoughtful landscaping.
Instead of populating your garden with an army of ceramic creatures, focus on sculptural elements with artistic merit. A single well-chosen piece creates more impact than a crowd of mass-produced figurines.
4. Overly Themed Decor
You’ve seen it – the nautical wonderland complete with anchors, rope, and seashells… in a suburban Kansas backyard. When design themes disconnect from your actual location, they create jarring visual confusion.
Authenticity matters in outdoor spaces. Professional decorators select themes that honor the natural surroundings and architectural style of your home, creating harmony rather than fantasy worlds that feel out of place.
5. Solar Lights That Change Colors
While you might enjoy that rainbow light show initially, design professionals cringe at these carnival-like fixtures. The constantly shifting hues create visual chaos rather than the serene atmosphere your outdoor space deserves.
Sophisticated lighting design uses consistent, warm illumination to highlight architectural features and create ambiance. Quality outdoor spaces feel like extensions of well-designed interiors, not amusement park attractions.
6. White Rock Landscaping
Have you noticed how those pristine white rocks quickly become dingy gray magnets for leaves and debris? This high-maintenance option creates harsh visual contrast that rarely complements natural settings.
Landscape designers prefer materials that age gracefully and blend with the environment. Natural mulch, river rocks, or regional stone options integrate with plants while providing better weed suppression without the blinding glare.
7. Wicker Furniture That Can’t Withstand Weather
That bargain patio set looked charming in the store, but after one season of rain and sun? Yikes! Low-quality wicker quickly unravels, creating a shabby appearance that screams neglect.
Design professionals invest in properly treated outdoor materials specifically engineered for your climate. Quality outdoor furniture should maintain its beauty through multiple seasons, becoming more inviting with age rather than deteriorating rapidly.
8. Fading or Torn Outdoor Umbrellas
First impressions matter, and that sun-bleached, fraying umbrella announces to guests that maintenance isn’t your priority. The centerpiece of your outdoor dining area deserves better than looking like it survived a hurricane.
Quality-conscious decorators select fade-resistant fabrics with proper UV protection. They also recognize when it’s time for replacement rather than letting deteriorating elements diminish the entire space.
9. Cheap Vinyl Gazebos
When summer storms arrive, these flimsy structures often become neighborhood tumbleweeds! Beyond safety concerns, their lightweight materials and mass-produced designs lack architectural integrity and permanence.
Thoughtful outdoor spaces feature structures with proper foundations and quality materials. Whether wood, metal, or stone, a well-constructed gazebo should feel like an intentional extension of your home, not a temporary camping accessory.
10. Random Paving Stones Without Cohesion
Walking across mismatched stepping stones feels like navigating an obstacle course rather than enjoying a garden path. This haphazard approach creates visual confusion and practical problems for guests navigating your yard.
Professional landscape design incorporates thoughtful pathways with consistent materials and proper spacing. A well-designed walkway guides the eye while providing safe, comfortable passage through your outdoor spaces.
11. Inflatable Pools as Permanent Features
Let’s be honest – that blue vinyl circle with the saggy sides was never meant to be a season-long installation. When left in place, these temporary pools damage lawns, collect debris, and create eyesores visible from every angle.
Designers understand the need for cooling off but recommend either proper in-ground solutions or creating dedicated spaces that can be enjoyed when water features aren’t in use.
12. Cluttered Collections of Planters
A hodgepodge of mismatched containers in varying sizes, materials, and styles creates visual chaos rather than the serene garden atmosphere you’re seeking. Scattered randomly, they make maintenance harder and impact impossible.
Garden design professionals select containers that complement each other and your home’s architecture. They arrange them with purpose, creating focal points and visual rhythm rather than scattered afterthoughts.
13. Plastic Fencing or Trellises
Sunshine is not kind to these budget-friendly options! Within months, that bright white lattice turns brittle and yellowed, creating an aged appearance that no amount of cleaning can restore.
When selecting structural elements, designers choose materials with appropriate durability and aging characteristics. Wood, metal, or quality composites develop character over time rather than simply deteriorating under environmental stress.
14. Overly Bright LED String Lights
While twinkling lights create magic, those ultra-bright LED strands with harsh blue-white glare transform your evening garden from romantic retreat to parking lot security lighting. Subtle illumination is an art form!
Professional lighting design considers color temperature and brightness levels carefully. The goal is gentle enhancement of nighttime spaces, not blinding illumination that destroys the intimate atmosphere outdoor areas should provide.
15. Outdated Iron Furniture with Peeling Paint
Remember that vintage iron set inherited from grandma? Unless properly restored, those rusting surfaces and flaking paint create both visual and practical problems – nobody enjoys rust stains on their summer outfits!
Quality iron pieces require proper maintenance or professional restoration. Designers either commit to the upkeep these classics demand or choose modern materials engineered for easier care without sacrificing style.
16. Faux Ivy Privacy Screens
From just a few feet away, those plastic vines fooling absolutely no one become sad reminders of shortcuts taken. Sun-faded and dust-collecting, artificial foliage lacks the living beauty and movement of real plants.
Privacy solutions should feel intentional and authentic. Professional designers use architectural elements, genuine climbing plants, or thoughtfully positioned trees to create natural screening that improves with age rather than deteriorating.
