Home is where the heart is, and naturally, we all want our homes to be comfortable, inviting, and reflective of our personal style. However, there’s quite a fine line between tasteful and tacky when it comes to home decor. Many homeowners, in an attempt to make their spaces unique, often make design choices that end up being more of an eyesore than an eye-catcher. While everyone has different tastes, some decorating choices are almost universally considered “tacky” by potential home buyers. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to avoid common decorating pitfalls, it can be helpful to know what these faux pas are. So, let’s dive in and explore 15 home decor choices that many buyers consider tacky.
1. Overdone Themed Rooms
While it’s fine to have a theme for a room, overdoing it can make a space feel like a movie set rather than a home. For example, a nautical theme in a bathroom can be tastefully done with subtle details like seashell soap dispensers or a porthole mirror. However, a full-sized ship’s anchor taking up a corner of the room would be considered over the top. The trick is to incorporate the theme subtly and tastefully.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to themed rooms. As Buzzfeed suggests, the design should be more of a nod to the theme rather than a literal interpretation.
2. Clashing Color Schemes
Choosing the right color scheme is critical for creating a harmonious and inviting space. However, using too many bold colors that clash can make a room feel chaotic and unbalanced. It’s essential to understand basic color theory and how different colors interact with each other. For example, using complementary colors can create a dynamic look, but too many conflicting colors can be jarring.
As a rule of thumb, stick to a limited color palette and use patterns and textures to add visual interest. According to Good Housekeeping, having more than three main colors in a room can make it look busy and uncoordinated.
3. Excessive Use of Animal Prints
Animal prints can add a touch of glamour and drama to a room when used sparingly. However, too much of it can make your space look dated and tacky. A zebra-print throw pillow or a leopard-print rug can be a chic accent, but covering an entire sofa or wall in animal print is likely to be overwhelming.
Like with themed rooms, the key to using animal prints successfully is moderation. Stick to one or two animal-print accents per room, and balance them with solid colors and simple patterns.
4. Faux Plants or Flowers
Faux plants and flowers can be a practical choice for those without a green thumb, but they can often look cheap and unconvincing. Many homebuyers see them as a sign of laziness or lack of care. Real plants not only look better, but they also improve air quality and create a more inviting environment.
If you struggle with keeping plants alive, consider low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants. Alternatively, regularly replace your faux plants so they always look fresh and realistic.
5. Overloaded Gallery Walls
Gallery walls can be an excellent way to display your favorite art pieces or family photos. However, an overloaded gallery wall can make a room feel cluttered and chaotic. It’s important to carefully curate the pieces you display and ensure there’s enough space between each one. As Reddit’s Interior Design community suggests, gallery walls should enhance a room, not overwhelm it.
Try to stick to one or two large pieces and a few smaller ones. Also, ensure the colors and styles of the pieces complement each other and the overall decor of the room.
6. Outdated Wallpaper Patterns
Wallpaper can be a great way to add pattern and texture to a room. However, outdated patterns or poor-quality wallpaper can make a room feel old-fashioned and unappealing. It’s important to choose modern, high-quality wallpaper and make sure it’s applied correctly.
Remember, wallpaper is a commitment. It’s not as easy to change as paint, so make sure you choose a pattern and color you’ll be happy with for several years. And if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, stick to neutral colors and subtle patterns that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
7. Too Many Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add comfort and style to a sofa or bed, but too many can be overwhelming and impractical. A sofa piled high with pillows can look cluttered and leave little room for sitting. Plus, constantly having to move pillows to sit down can be annoying.
Stick to a few well-chosen throw pillows that enhance your decor without overwhelming your furniture. As a rule of thumb, there should always be more open seating space than occupied by pillows.
8. Neon-Colored Furniture
While bold colors can add personality and visual interest to a room, neon-colored furniture is often considered tacky and overwhelming. Neon colors can be hard to incorporate into a cohesive color scheme, and they can make a room feel overly trendy and short-lived.
If you love bright colors, consider using them in smaller doses, like in accessories or wall art. Or, choose furniture in more muted, sophisticated shades and add pops of color with throw pillows or rugs.
9. Plastic Furniture Covers
Although they might keep your furniture clean, plastic covers are often seen as outdated and uninviting. They can make a room feel like a museum exhibit rather than a lived-in space. Plus, they’re not very comfortable to sit on.
If you’re concerned about keeping your furniture clean, consider using washable slipcovers. They can be easily removed and cleaned, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your decor.
10. Oversized and Overstated Wall Decor
While a large piece of wall art can be a stunning focal point, oversized and overstated wall decor can dominate a room and make it feel smaller. It’s important to choose wall decor that’s in proportion with the size of your room and your furniture. A huge wall clock or a giant painting in a small room can feel out of place and overwhelming.
Remember, your wall decor should enhance your space, not overpower it. Choose pieces that complement your overall decor and create balance in your room.
11. Uncoordinated Mismatched Furniture
While mismatched furniture can add character to a room, it needs to be done thoughtfully. Random pieces of furniture with different styles, colors, and materials can make a room feel uncoordinated and chaotic. It’s important to have a cohesive design plan and choose furniture that complements each other.
If you love the eclectic look, try to stick to a consistent color scheme or design style. This can help tie the room together and make it feel more coordinated.
12. Excessive Kitsch or Novelty Items
Everyone has their guilty pleasures when it comes to kitschy or novelty items. However, displaying too many of them can make your home look cluttered and immature. It’s fine to have a few fun pieces that express your personality, but try to keep it to a minimum.
Remember, your home should reflect who you are, but it should also feel like a grown-up space. Choose a few treasured pieces to display, and store the rest.
13. DIY Gone Wrong Projects
DIY projects can be a great way to personalize your home and save money. However, poorly executed DIY projects can look amateurish and decrease the value of your home. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s better to hire a professional or stick to simple projects.
As Laurel Bern Interiors suggests, buyers often appreciate a well-executed DIY project, but they can be put off by ones that look amateurish or unfinished.
14. Cluttered and Unorganized Spaces
A cluttered and disorganized space can make a home feel smaller and less inviting. Plus, it can be a sign of a lack of maintenance and care. It’s important to have adequate storage and to regularly declutter your home.
Remember, a clean and organized home not only looks better, but it also feels more relaxing and comfortable. Make sure everything has its place, and try to keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items.
15. Overuse of Trendy Pieces with No Personal Touches
While it’s great to keep up with the latest design trends, overusing trendy pieces can make a home feel impersonal and short-lived. Plus, trends change quickly, so what’s in style now might be out of style in a few years. It’s important to choose timeless pieces that reflect your personal style and will stand the test of time.
Remember, your home should be a reflection of who you are, not a replica of a catalog or showroom. Choose pieces that you love and that have meaning to you, and your home will feel authentic and inviting.
