5 Home Features Interior Designers Advise Against

When you’re in the midst of remodeling or updating your space, it’s easy to get caught up in a long list of purchases and plans. But have you considered what you should avoid? Identifying unnecessary items or projects can elevate your home without draining your resources. Hold off on hitting “add to cart” or moving things around just yet. Here are seven things interior designers suggest you skip when outfitting your home.

Synchronized Furniture Collections

Although it may seem convenient to purchase a matching sofa, loveseat, and accent chair, interior designers advise against matching sets. “As much as I like a matchy matchy moment, everyone should stay away from perfectly matching furniture,” says interior designer Amy Switzer. “Matching furniture sets can make a space feel sterile and less personalized.”

Decor Covering Every Corner

While having a sparsely furnished home can feel dull, filling every inch with furniture and decor can create a cluttered environment. “While a home should incorporate decorative elements, adding too many can easily overwhelm a space,” notes interior designer Audrey Scheck.

She suggests adopting a less-is-more philosophy by leaving some empty space. “This will create a more balanced vignette by allowing individual pieces to have their moment to shine,” Scheck advises. “Incorporating a few statement pieces in different shapes and sizes will create visual interest and inject personality into your home.”

Switzer recommends investing in timeless, high-quality pieces you adore and then complementing them with smaller decor items that can easily adapt to changing trends.

Displaying Large Collections

While collecting can be enjoyable, displaying entire collections might not always contribute to a cozy and inviting home environment. Excessive collections can make a space feel cramped and cluttered. “Once you graduate college, I promise you that you do not need the full shelves of the around-the-world shot glasses that you collected from travels,” says Switzer.

Instead, consider storing them in your kitchen and bringing them out for special occasions.

Generic Artwork

If you're rushing to decorate your walls, you may be tempted to grab the first piece of art you find online—but this approach can fall short. “Try to stay away from generic or mass-produced artwork; it can lack personality and fail to reflect individual taste,” advises Switzer. “There are so many artisans around the world who offer affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces that can be personalized to suit your taste.”

If your home is mostly filled with mass-produced art, don't be too quick to toss it out. By incorporating original artwork, you can bring a touch of character and charm to your space," Switzer advises. "Affordable, unique pieces can be found at local antique shops, flea markets, or through small businesses.

Independent artists offer many places to purchase art, including Etsy, the beautifully curated Artfully Walls, or Big Wall Decor for larger art pieces.

A Sea of Pillows

When it comes to pillows, Switzer believes it's easy to go overboard. “While decorative pillows are delightful, an excess of them can become impractical. It’s important to carefully select a few pillows that bring balance in color and texture, without overwhelming the room.”