As the summer sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, it's time to embrace the season's vibrancy and refresh your home. But before you dive into a full-scale renovation, consider the power of decluttering and editing. Interior designers are urging homeowners to let go of certain items to create a lighter, more relaxed atmosphere. Here's a curated list of 19 things to bid farewell to before summer ends, along with expert insights and commentary.
Tired, Saggy, Half-Filled Pillows
Personally, I think that tired, saggy, half-filled pillows are a design no-no. They not only fail to provide proper support but also detract from the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. As Jennie Bishop, founding principal of Bishop Studio, advises, it's time to replace them. These pillows can make your bed look uninviting and outdated. Instead, opt for fresh, supportive pillows that enhance the look and feel of your bedroom.
The Pillows That Came With Your Sofa
Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio, strongly recommends getting rid of the pillows that came with your sofa. These generic, matching pillowcases can make your sofa look dated and uninviting. Instead, embrace an eclectic mix of patterned and textural pillows to elevate your sofa's style. This simple change can instantly transform the look and feel of your living room.
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching furniture sets were once considered a design staple, but now they're seen as a rookie mistake. As Deborah Jeanne, principal designer of Jeanne Renee Fine Interiors, explains, a complete matching set can make your home feel more like a showroom than a lived-in space. Embrace the beauty of collected interiors over purchased sets. Add complementary furnishings to create a more thoughtful and unique look.
Bleached, Whitewashed, or Grayed Wood
Discarding bleached, whitewashed, or grayed wood is essential for making room for the striking natural grains of wood. As Leah Hook suggests, let wood be in its natural state. Overworked finishes that remove the grain and tone variation of wood are overrated. Embrace the beauty of natural wood to add warmth and character to your home.
Blankets Covering Your Sofa
Blankets are meant to add comfort and warmth, but covering your entire sofa with them is a no-go. As Jennie Bishop points out, it's like putting plastic on your grandmother's divan. Instead, opt for a throw to add texture and functionality to your sofa. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your living room.
The Everyday Tablecloth
Full-coverage textiles should be reconsidered, especially on the table. As Jennie Bishop advises, a table is made to be used, seen, and patinated. A beautiful dining table deserves to be showcased, not covered. Opt for a tablecloth that complements your table and allows it to shine.
Faux Florals and Plants
Faux florals and greenery have become commonplace, but it's time to ditch them. As Deborah Jeanne suggests, summer is the perfect time to bring in fresh flowers from your yard or your neighbor's. If you don't have a green thumb, get creative with other decor options. Embrace the beauty of live plants to add a touch of nature to your home.
Overdone Decorative Objects
Too many decorative objects can lend to a cluttered, chaotic home. As Sarah Moore, founder and principal designer of Sarah Catherine Design, advises, give your eyes a place to rest. This will not only create a more curated feel but also highlight the truly special items in your home.
Rugs That Don't Fit the Scale of the Room
One of the biggest design faux pas is setting the stage for a room with a rug that is far too small. As Leah Hook suggests, if the rug doesn't fit under all the front legs of your furniture, it shouldn't be in the room. This simple change can instantly transform the look and feel of your space, making it feel bigger, quieter, and more luxurious.
Boring Bath Mats
Bath mats are officially dead, according to Rachael Rummel, VERANDA's Style Director. Instead, opt for small antique or vintage rugs to add color and personality to your bathroom. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your bathroom.
Cold Lighting—and "Big" Lights
No matter the season, a home's lighting feels most inviting when it's warm. As Jennie Bishop advocates, prioritize charming accent lighting over harsh overhead illumination. Soft, warm bulbs and layered lights can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Bedside Table Lamps
Wall-mounted sconces are better than table lamps when it comes to bedside task lighting, as Leah Hook suggests. Sconces feel intentional and elevated, leaving your nightstand surface free and clear for the things that matter. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your bedroom.
Old Lampshades
A fresh lampshade is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to update a room, as Deborah Jeanne advises. A tired or poorly proportioned shade can make even a wonderful lamp look dated. Embrace the beauty of new lampshades to add a touch of freshness to your home.
Heavy Blackout Curtains
Heavy blackout curtains are overkill, according to Sarah Moore. Instead, layer drapes over a woven shade or wood blinds to allow a little natural light into your bedroom. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your bedroom, promoting a healthier sleep cycle.
Frameless Mirrors
Frameless mirrors are a missed opportunity, as Leah Hook considers them a major faux pas. The frame is an opportunity to add depth to the space with color, texture, and pattern. Embrace the beauty of framed mirrors to add a touch of elegance to your home.
Family Photos Everywhere
Family photos peppered all over the house look messy and dated, as Jennie Bishop advises. Concentrate these to a semi-private wall and make a thoughtful statement. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your home, creating a more curated and elegant atmosphere.
Worn Outdoor Goods
Faded cushions and tired outdoor accessories can make your home feel neglected, as Deborah Jeanne points out. Take stock of your outdoor furniture, lanterns, planters, and watering cans, and edit as needed. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your outdoor spaces.
Fast-Fashion Seasonal Decor
Fast-fashion seasonal decor tends to be on trend today and gone tomorrow, as Sarah Moore explains. Instead, invest in timeless decor and lean into making your space feel seasonal with items like bowls of fresh fruit or flowers in vases around your home. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your home, creating a more curated and elegant atmosphere.
Anything You Are Keeping Purely Out of Guilt
If you're holding on to a decor item as a way to satisfy others, it's time to reconsider, as Deborah Jeanne assures. Keep the memory, photograph the object, and allow your home to reflect the life you are living now. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your home, creating a more authentic and personalized atmosphere.
Not Quite Ready to Part Ways? Do This Instead
If you're not quite ready to part ways with certain items, consider stashing them in a closet and seeing how long it takes you to miss them, as Sarah Moore suggests. If you forget about them completely, then you have your answer. This simple change can instantly refresh the look and feel of your home, creating a more curated and elegant atmosphere.
