Decorating your home is a chance to express your personal style while creating a comfortable, welcoming space. However, some design choices can unintentionally make a room feel outdated or less functional.
Understanding common decorating mistakes that are often linked to the Baby Boomer generation can help you refresh your space and avoid styles that no longer suit modern tastes. By being aware of these trends, you can make more thoughtful decisions that improve both the look and feel of your home.
Overusing tiny decorative animals and seasonal trinkets that create clutter
You might love collecting small animal figurines and seasonal trinkets. But when every shelf or surface is crowded with these items, it can make your space feel chaotic.
Too many tiny decorations distract the eye from your room’s main style. Instead of adding charm, they create visual clutter that makes your space look busy and less inviting.
Try selecting a few meaningful pieces and give them room to stand out. Rotate seasonal decor rather than displaying everything at once. This keeps your home feeling fresh without overwhelming your space.
Clinging to outdated floral wallpaper from the 70s and 80s
If your walls still sport busy floral wallpaper from the 70s or 80s, it might be time to rethink it. These patterns can make your space feel stuck in the past and overly chaotic.
You don’t have to remove it to update the look. Consider painting over or using the wallpaper on just one accent wall. Pairing vintage florals with modern, simple furniture can also refresh the style without losing charm.
Filling shelves with excessive knick-knacks that overwhelm the space
When you fill shelves with too many small knick-knacks, it can make your space feel cluttered and chaotic. Instead of showcasing your treasured items, everything competes for attention, creating visual noise.
Try mixing larger pieces with a few smaller ones to give your shelves a balanced, pulled-together look. Leaving some empty space helps each item stand out without crowding the shelf.
If you have many small items, consider clear storage solutions to keep things organized and easy to find. This way, you can still enjoy your collection without feeling overwhelmed by it.
Ignoring modern lighting while sticking to old-fashioned, heavy fixtures
If your home still features dark, heavy chandeliers or outdated brass finishes, it might be time to rethink your lighting. These older styles can weigh down a room and make your space feel stuck in the past.
Choosing sleek, modern fixtures can brighten your rooms both visually and atmospherically. You don’t need to lose charm—just look for designs that blend simplicity with function.
Updating your lighting not only lifts the look but can improve energy efficiency. Modern fixtures often use LEDs, which save money and last longer than traditional bulbs.
