Ever wondered what clutters up your home and prevents you from achieving that dream aesthetic? Interior designers are the gurus of space management and style.
They have a knack for spotting what needs to go in order to elevate your living area. Here’s a curated list of 20 items they insist on ditching.
This isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making space for what truly matters.
From outdated styles to unnecessary clutter, here’s what you should consider parting with.
1. Oversized Furniture
Oversized furniture can swamp your living room, making it feel cramped and unwelcome. An interior designer will often suggest replacing these bulky pieces with more appropriately scaled furniture that fits your space.
This doesn’t just create a sense of balance but also opens up pathways, allowing for better movement. Imagine swapping that giant sectional for a sleek, modern sofa that enhances your room’s dimensions. It’s not just about comfort, but also about crafting a space that feels open and inviting.
2. Fake Plants
Artificial plants often collect dust and fail to bring the fresh, vibrant energy that real plants do. Interior designers advocate for replacing them with real greenery to infuse life and freshness into your home. Real plants not only improve air quality but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space.
Consider a low-maintenance option like a succulent or a sturdy snake plant. These living pieces contrast beautifully against different textures and add a touch of nature into your indoor environment.
3. Old Magazines
Stacks of old magazines not only take up valuable space but also collect dust and create visual clutter. Designers often recommend getting rid of these to make your living area appear cleaner and more organized.
In today’s digital age, accessing magazines online can be a space-saving alternative. This change from physical to digital can streamline your environment, allowing your space to breathe and remain organized.
It also frees up your coffee table for more intentional decor choices, such as a curated selection of books.
4. Worn-out Rugs
A worn-out rug can drag down the overall look of your room, making it appear shabby and neglected. Interior designers suggest replacing them with modern, high-quality versions that complement your decor.
A chic rug can become the centerpiece that ties together all elements of your room. Think of a vibrant pattern or a luxurious texture that can transform your space.
It’s about upgrading a foundational piece to elevate the entire atmosphere, creating a cohesive and stylish environment that reflects your personal taste.
5. Outdated Light Fixtures
Outdated light fixtures can detract from the modern look designers aim to achieve. Replacing them with contemporary options can instantly refresh the ambience of a room.
Picture swapping a dated chandelier for sleek pendant lights that offer both style and functionality.
Modern lighting can redefine the atmosphere, adding warmth and elegance to any space. It’s not just about illumination but also about making a bold statement that complements your home’s design, ensuring that every corner is well-lit and aesthetically pleasing.
6. Excessive Throw Pillows
While throw pillows add comfort and style, an excessive number can make your sofa look cluttered. Designers recommend a strategic selection that complements your sofa’s fabric and color. Trim down the number to enhance the overall aesthetic without sacrificing coziness.
Choose pillows that harmonize in color and texture to provide a polished look. It’s about finding the perfect balance between comfort and style, creating a cohesive seating area that invites relaxation without overwhelming the eye with too many details.
7. Bulky Entertainment Centers
Bulky entertainment centers were once a staple in living rooms, but their time has passed. They take up valuable floor space and often dominate the room. Designers recommend transitioning to wall-mounted TVs and slimmer media consoles.
Not only do these alternatives free up space, but they also create a cleaner look. By removing the old entertainment center, you can open up the room, allowing for more design flexibility. Consider donating it to someone in need or recycling it responsibly.
8. Excessive Wall Shelves
Too many wall shelves can make a room feel cluttered and chaotic. While they are great for storage, excessive shelves tend to collect dust and unnecessary items. Interior designers suggest keeping shelving minimal.
Evaluate which shelves are truly needed and remove the rest. By doing so, you can highlight the key pieces and create a more streamlined look. This not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also makes cleaning much easier.
9. Heavy Drapes
Heavy drapes can make a room feel dark and dated. They often obstruct natural light, making the space appear smaller and less inviting. Designers frequently suggest replacing them with lighter curtains or blinds.
Switching to sheer or light-colored window treatments can transform the room. It allows more light in, creating an airy and open atmosphere. Plus, lighter drapes are easier to maintain and change with the seasons.
10. Outdated Curtains
Heavy and outdated curtains can weigh down a room, blocking natural light and making the space feel smaller. Designers recommend replacing them with lighter, modern drapes to instantly brighten and update the look of your room.
Picture sheer or linen curtains that allow sunlight to gently filter through, enhancing the ambiance. This simple switch can also make rooms appear larger and more inviting. It’s about maximizing natural light to create a welcoming and airy atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of your interiors.
11. Cluttered Bookshelves
Bookshelves burdened with too many items can overwhelm a room, turning a potential focal point into a chaotic mess. Interior designers suggest curating and organizing your collection to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing display.
Consider grouping books by color or size and interspersing them with decorative items like vases or small art pieces. This approach not only showcases your personal style but also makes your space feel more structured and intentional.
A well-organized bookshelf can transform into a sophisticated feature of your home.
12. Outdated Wall Art
Outdated and mismatched wall art can hinder your home’s style evolution. Designers advocate for updating these pieces to reflect current trends and personal tastes. Consider choosing art that resonates with your personality or adds a splash of color to your walls.
This could mean investing in a statement piece or creating a gallery wall with a cohesive theme. By refreshing your wall art, you not only modernize your space but also inject a bit of your own character into your home’s decor.
13. Extra Dining Chairs
Extra dining chairs often clutter the room, detracting from its spaciousness and style. Interior designers encourage keeping only what’s necessary for daily use, storing additional chairs elsewhere until needed. This not only frees up space but also enhances the room’s functionality and flow.
From a design perspective, a less crowded dining area appears more inviting and elegant. It’s about achieving a balance between practicality and aesthetics, allowing for easy movement and a more enjoyable dining experience in a well-organized space.
14. Plastic Storage Bins
Plastic storage bins, while functional, can disrupt the visual harmony of a room. Designers often recommend replacing these with more stylish storage solutions that complement your decor. Think woven baskets or sleek, minimalist boxes that can enhance the aesthetic of any space.
This change not only tidies up your room but also adds a touch of sophistication. By choosing storage that aligns with your interior style, you create a seamless look that integrates function and beauty, maintaining an organized yet visually appealing environment.
15. Old Bedding
Old and mismatched bedding can undermine the comfort and style of your bedroom. Designers suggest investing in new, coordinated bedding sets that bring both luxury and harmony to your space. Imagine plush duvets and soft linens in complementing hues and patterns, enhancing the tranquility of your sleeping area.
This update not only improves the visual appeal but also enhances your sleep experience with quality materials. A well-dressed bed creates a focal point of relaxation and style, making your bedroom a true sanctuary.
16. Mismatch Dinnerware
A hodgepodge of mismatched dinnerware can clutter cabinets and make entertaining less enjoyable. Interior designers often suggest investing in a cohesive set of dinnerware.
This doesn’t mean you have to buy new; consider donating or repurposing pieces that no longer fit your collection. A unified set of dishes enhances the presentation of your meals and brings an elegant touch to dining occasions.
Having a cohesive dinnerware set can simplify your kitchen space and make everyday dining feel more special. This approach reflects a well-thought-out design and attention to detail, elevating your home’s aesthetic.
17. Old Towels
Old towels can detract from the overall aesthetic and comfort of your bathroom. Designers advocate for refreshing your towel collection with plush, new options that add a touch of luxury and color. Imagine stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a soft, absorbent towel that complements your bathroom decor.
This simple update can transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience. It’s about enhancing both function and style, ensuring your bathroom reflects a clean, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere.
18. Faded Outdoor Furniture
Faded and rusted outdoor furniture can diminish the appeal of your backyard or patio area. Interior designers often recommend upgrading to modern, weather-resistant pieces that enhance your outdoor space. Imagine lounging in sleek, stylish furniture that complements the natural surroundings, offering both comfort and durability.
This upgrade not only improves the visual appeal but also extends the usability of your outdoor area. It’s about creating an inviting retreat where you can relax and entertain, enjoying the beauty of your outdoor environment with style.
19. Old Carpeting
Old and stained carpeting can make a space feel outdated and unclean. Designers often suggest replacing it with modern flooring options, such as hardwood or laminate, to refresh and elevate the room’s appearance.
New flooring can dramatically change the look and feel of a space, adding a sense of cleanliness and modernity. It’s about investing in a foundational change that not only enhances aesthetics but also improves the overall quality of your living environment, making it more welcoming and stylish.
20. Unnecessary Knick-knacks
Excessive knick-knacks can clutter surfaces and make a room feel chaotic. Interior designers often recommend decluttering to create a more streamlined and sophisticated look. By keeping only the most meaningful or visually appealing pieces, you allow your space to breathe and your decor to shine.
This not only simplifies your environment but also highlights your personal style without overwhelming it. A well-curated collection can enhance the aesthetic of your room, turning surfaces into showcases of intentional design rather than collections of random items.