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Not everything is worth keeping.
Have you noticed something in your space that doesn’t feel quite right? If so, it might be due to excessive home décor that no longer reflects your personal style—and that’s taking up valuable real estate in your home. It may be time to part with some of these objects.
However, getting rid of items can be difficult, even if you’ve outgrown them. If you need a little push to reevaluate your décor, we spoke with interior designers about the items they typically advise clients to discard or donate.
Related: 10 Kitchen Tools You Should Throw Away ASAP
Cliché Word Art
We all want to live, laugh, love—but you don’t have to announce it to every guest who steps through your front door. If you have these wordy signs, it may be time to take them off the wall.
“Get rid of anything with slogans or cheesy sayings,” says Amy Fischer, owner and principal designer at Rosehill Design Studio. “They feel mass-produced, are visually noisy, and dated.”
Instead, consider framing a tour poster from your favorite artist or hunting down unique artwork at a vintage shop. Adding real personality to your walls will feel more authentic.
Decorative Beads
Stop, drop, and check your nearest decorative bowl or tray. If you have the Instagram-famous wooden beads inside, then it might be time to add them to the donation bag.
“My biggest pet peeve is decorative prayer beads spilling over a rustic bowl–please make it stop! This boho trend definitely had its moment, and now it’s time to move on,” says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors.
Try natural stones and materials with layered textures instead. You can also add a marble knot or a stack of vintage matchbooks in your bowl for more visual interest.
Anything Faux Distressed
Farmhouse chic is falling out of style—and the distressed look is going with it.
“Faux distressed knick-knacks disrupt the integrity of a historic home,” says Terry Stewart, founder of Terry Stewart Interior Design Associates. “In spaces with original plasterwork or vintage millwork, these items feel out of place and dilute the architecture’s story.”
You can still choose items that have a worn-in feel, but select pieces with an authentic vintage patina for an upgraded look.
Small, Unframed Personal Photos
Scattering a bevy of unframed photos adds a cluttered feel to most rooms.
Olivia Martin, an interior designer at Berberorugs, recommends tossing or storing these keepsakes elsewhere, like in a photo album or scrapbook. They’re often a dust magnet and can be difficult to keep clean.
For folks who still want meaningful photos, consider having a few larger portraits professionally framed. These can then be hung on a gallery wall or entryway, which feels more curated.
Scented Candles on Every Surface
Candles are cozy, but having lots can be overwhelming in any space.
“I’ll see scented candles on every table or surface, which makes a space feel cluttered,” says Jones. “Opt for one larger candle on top of a stack of books and call it a day.” For a more layered scent experience, pair the aforementioned single candle with natural elements such as dried herbs or a subtle room spray.
Excessive Trinkets
Having too many trinkets on your shelves can read as chaotic and disorganized.
“They often don’t have the scale and proportion to fill up the space effectively and instead draw your eye to a mess,” says Fischer.
You don’t have to get rid of every trinket or little item, but keeping the pieces that mean the most to you and getting rid of the rest is ideal. Replace the clutter with larger pieces like a bold vase, a visually interesting lamp, or a stack of vintage books.
Related: How to Find Valuable Books in Thrift Stores, Estate Sales, or Even Your Own Shelves
Artificial Flowers
Artificial blooms might seem like the right call, but they rarely add anything to a space.
“It’s outdated and doesn’t fit into modern interiors,” says Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D. Choosing fresh greenery is the best alternative, but if that isn’t an option, consider adding dried florals or branches to add texture and a more natural feel.
Anything With Structural Damage
It can be hard to part with items that hold a special place in our hearts, but there comes a time when it’s a good idea to let them go.
“A decorative piece is beyond saving when its core material is compromised by extreme structural damage, like rot, rust, or extensive cracking; when its damage is so significant that restoration is prohibitively expensive,” says Martin.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart
