Want to elevate your home design?
Start by editing out these things.
Pieter Estersohn/Getty Images
Hiring an interior designer can seem a bit intimidating and vulnerable.
Photo:Pieter Estersohn/Getty Images
You might worry they’ll insist on tossing everything you own and starting from scratch.
“Too often we indulge in hasty or trendy purchases just to fill our spaces.
“Nothing screams cold and sterile like matchy-matchy furniture sets straight from the showroom floor,” Holland says.
Builder-Grade Selections
There’s nothing designers dislike more than builder-grade selections.
Builders and developers often buy these items in bulk to cut down on costs.
But this is far from a creative choice.
“Nothing transforms a home more than getting rid of builder-grade selections,” Holland says.
Even renters can take advantage of easily reversible cosmetic upgrades.”
These items just require too much work to maintain.
“It’s incredible what happens to a space when they are no longer there.”
When done poorly, it’s the first thing people notice."
Lifeless Throw Pillows
While you might love your throw pillows, they have a finite life.
“Those deflated, shapeless pillows aren’t doing your sofa any favors,” says Davis.
Even this simple swap can completely shift the vibe of a living space."
“If something is damaged beyond repair or is uncomfortable, it is no longer functional.
It’s time to replace it with something you will love and actually use.”
Inappropriately Sized Items
Scale is crucial for creating a beautiful and comfortable home.
This applies to both furniture and accessories.
“We recommend removing any items that create an overcrowded space,” Filbin says.
“Overwhelming environments prevent viewers from finding a place for their eyes to rest.
This often happens when every inch of a wall is filled or when knickknacks are scattered everywhere.
Instead, we suggest thoughtfully and intentionally grouping items together,” explains Filbin.
The same rule also applies to items like light fixtures.
