You might not always realize it, but certain design choices can make your home feel more like your mom’s house than a modern space. These familiar touches often create comfort but can also hold back a fresh, updated look.
Understanding what specific elements contribute to that “mom’s house” vibe can help you refresh your space without losing warmth. Knowing what to change allows you to create a home that feels both comfortable and current.
Heavy floral curtains with lace trim
If your curtains have busy floral patterns and lace trim, they might give your space a dated feel. These styles were popular decades ago but can make rooms look heavier and less fresh today.
You might want to swap them out for lighter fabrics or simpler designs. Sheer panels or solid colors can brighten your rooms and create a more modern look without losing warmth.
Changing curtains is an easy update that makes a noticeable difference. It helps your home feel less like “Mom’s house” and more like your own contemporary space.
Cluttered shelves filled with knick-knacks
If your shelves are crowded with many small items, it can make your space feel dated and cluttered. You might have inherited or held onto lots of little keepsakes, which can create a busy look.
Try paring down the number of knick-knacks you display. Choose a few meaningful pieces and arrange them with space around them.
Leaving some open shelf area helps your room feel more open and modern. It also draws attention to the items you really want to highlight.
Simple and intentional is the way to go when styling shelves today. It makes your home look refreshed, rather than stuck in “mom’s house” mode.
Overstuffed sofas with faded upholstery
If your sofa looks like it’s been around forever, with sagging cushions and fabric that’s lost its color, it might be giving off that “mom’s house” vibe.
These overstuffed sofas were popular years ago, but they can make your space feel dated and less fresh.
Consider how worn upholstery can weigh down the look of a room, even if the sofa is still comfortable.
Updating to cleaner lines and fresher fabrics can lift the whole room, making your space feel brighter and more modern.
Wall-to-wall beige carpeting
If your floors are covered in wall-to-wall beige carpeting, it might be giving your home a dated vibe. Beige carpet was popular in past decades, but today’s trends favor hardwood, tile, or area rugs for more texture and style.
You might find beige carpets hard to keep fresh, especially if stains or wear have set in over time. Updating your flooring or adding colorful rugs can instantly modernize your space and make it feel more personalized.
Photos in ornate gold frames
If your walls are filled with photos in heavy, ornate gold frames, it might be giving off a “mom’s house” vibe. These frames were popular in past decades but can feel outdated today.
Switching to simpler, more streamlined frames can instantly update your space. Think sleek metals, matte black, or natural wood for a fresh look.
You don’t have to get rid of your photos—just rethink how you showcase them. Modern frames let your pictures stand out without overwhelming the room.
Doilies on tables and armrests
Doilies might bring a comforting, nostalgic feel, but they also signal a style stuck in the past. Placing delicate crocheted or lace doilies on tables and armrests is a classic “mom’s house” detail that can make your space look outdated.
If you want a fresher look, consider skipping doilies or replacing them with simple runners or placemats. These options protect surfaces without calling attention to themselves. This small change can instantly update the room’s vibe without losing warmth.
