Grayson West
You’d think interior designers’ homes are filled with the latest trends, yet that’s not always true. The pros know which “stylish” pieces look good only in showrooms and which popular choices secretly ruin comfort or flow. Their own spaces follow different, unexpected rules shaped by years of experience and trial. So, let’s discover what seasoned designers skip at home and see if your decor makes the cut.
Overhead Fluorescent Lighting
Nothing kills a room’s vibe faster than those buzzing fluorescent tubes. Designers steer clear because the cold glow flattens colors and kills warmth. Plus, they’re packed with mercury, which is risky if they break. Softer, layered lighting, on the other hand, makes any space instantly feel safer and more human.
Matching Furniture Sets
Although perfectly coordinated furniture might seem like a shortcut to style, interior pros say it’s actually a creativity killer. Matching sets make rooms feel stiff and impersonal. Instead, mixing textures, shapes, and eras brings personality. The result feels collected over time rather than copied from a catalog.
Wall-To-Wall Carpeting
Few things age a home faster than wall-to-wall carpet. The professionals dodge it because it traps dust and is tough to keep clean. Hardwood or vinyl floors add modern polish, while rugs let you switch up your look whenever the mood strikes.
Trendy Accent Walls
That single bold wall you loved in 2015? People have moved on. Accent walls can disrupt balance and make spaces feel dated. A unified color scheme brings calm and flow. For interest, textured paint or subtle wallpaper achieves depth without shouting for attention.
Cheap Replica Art
Designers can spot knockoff art from a mile away, and they won’t hang it at home. Replicas lack the emotion and story that originals carry. Even a small handmade print or local piece can upgrade a space, making it feel personal instead of mass-produced.
Open Shelving In Kitchens
It’s easy to fall for those Pinterest-perfect open shelves until life happens. One week of cooking, and suddenly, grease, crumbs, and mismatched mugs take over. Experienced home stylists know that mixing concealed cabinets with selective open storage keeps the beauty without the chaos.
Too Many Throw Pillows
If you have to clear a mountain of pillows just to sit, that’s your sign to cut back. Too many cushions make a room feel crowded instead of cozy. A few well-chosen ones add charm and comfort without taking over the whole couch.
Glossy Marble Countertops
In design circles, polished marble is admired but rarely recommended for active kitchens. Its surface etches and stains easily, which reveals every fingerprint. Meanwhile, honed marble delivers the same refined look yet resists daily wear, making it a more livable and lasting choice.
Heavy Window Drapes
Designers love drama, just not the kind that blocks sunlight. Heavy drapes make rooms feel stuffy and dark while hoarding dust. Sheer or linen curtains, on the other hand, brighten everything and bring that airy feel every home deserves. Light always wins.
Oversized Sectional Sofas
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it swallows your living room. Home style insiders skip bulky sectionals because they dominate layouts and limit flexibility. Modular sofas keep things cozy yet adaptable. You can reconfigure them anytime and still have space to host or rearrange.