I Asked a Designer to Critique My Home and These Were the 15 Things They Told Me to Get Rid Of

Julie Ann - June 25, 2025

Inviting a professional designer into my home was both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking. I wondered what they’d notice that I had long overlooked. Within minutes, their expert eye caught details and design choices I never questioned. Suddenly, I saw my living space through a new lens—one that balanced style, function, and comfort. The advice was surprisingly direct, sometimes challenging, but always practical. This article shares the fifteen things my designer recommended I let go of—actionable tips for anyone ready to refresh their home with intention.

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1. Outdated Window Treatments

The designer’s first observation was my heavy drapes and faded blinds—classic culprits that instantly age a space. They explained that bulky valances and dark fabrics block precious natural light, making rooms feel smaller and less inviting. Their advice? Replace them with simple roller shades or light, airy linen curtains. This effortless change can brighten the entire atmosphere, lending a fresh, modern feel that’s both welcoming and timeless.

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2. Excess Throw Pillows

My sofa was overflowing with throw pillows—a mix of colors, shapes, and patterns. The designer pointed out that this cluttered look can actually make seating less inviting. “Less is more,” they advised, suggesting I keep just two or three in coordinating tones or prints.Streamlined pillows not only enhance comfort but also create a more polished, intentional vibe. Plus, fewer pillows mean less dust and easier cleaning—an instant win.

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3. Faux Plants and Flowers

The corners of my rooms were dotted with artificial greenery—once a quick fix, now just dust collectors. The designer explained that faux plants and flowers often lack the vibrancy and texture of the real thing, making spaces feel less welcoming. Switching to real plants, or even a simple vase of fresh branches, instantly adds life and movement. They also suggested easy-care options like snake plants or pothos for anyone wary of maintenance.

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4. Oversized or Bulky Furniture

One major critique was my oversized sectional dominating the living room. The designer explained how bulky furniture can disrupt the flow and make even spacious rooms feel cramped. “Scale is everything,” they noted, recommending I swap out large pieces for more streamlined, proportionate options. A sleek, well-sized sofa or chairs can open up the room, improving both comfort and visual harmony. The right scale transforms not just the look, but the feel of your space.

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5. Old Rugs With Dated Patterns

My designer immediately zeroed in on my faded, busy-patterned rug—a holdover from another era. They explained that old, worn rugs with dated motifs can make a room feel tired and out of sync with current styles. Switching to a neutral or modern-patterned rug instantly updates the space, making it feel brighter and more cohesive. A contemporary design, compared to an old Persian-style rug, can completely alter the room’s energy.

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6. Unmatched or Excess Chairs

My dining area had become a collection of random chairs—some inherited, others collected over time. The designer pointed out how too many or mismatched seats create visual clutter and disrupt flow. Editing down to essential, coordinating chairs instantly brought balance and order to the space. A thoughtfully chosen set looks intentional, while too many different styles feel chaotic. Cohesion in seating arrangements makes a room feel more inviting and harmonious.

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7. Fake Fruit Bowls

Artificial fruit displays on my kitchen counter had become more of a dust trap than a decorative touch. The designer noted that fake fruit bowls often look dated and inauthentic, detracting from a fresh, modern vibe. Their recommendation? Replace them with a real bowl of seasonal fruit, a simple vase of flowers, or even clear surfaces. This simple change made both my kitchen and dining table feel more genuine and inviting.

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8. Cluttered Entryway Tables

My entryway table was a catch-all for keys, mail, and random trinkets—creating instant chaos for anyone walking in. The designer explained that a cluttered entry sets a hectic tone for the whole home. They recommended streamlined storage, like a small basket for essentials, and limiting decor to a curated tray or a single vase. The shift from cluttered to organized made my entryway far more welcoming and stylish.

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9. Old or Unused Electronics

Tangled cords and outdated electronics had quietly multiplied in my living space, adding unnecessary visual noise. The designer pointed out how unused gadgets and old speakers take up space without adding value. They suggested recycling or donating tech I no longer use, and concealing cords for a more streamlined appearance. Decluttering electronics immediately made my shelves and media console look intentional, rather than chaotic.

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10. Themed Decor Collections

My kitchen’s rooster motif and a bathroom full of seashells hadn’t gone unnoticed. The designer explained that over-the-top themed collections can quickly date a room and come across as kitschy. Their advice was to edit these collections down, keeping only the most meaningful pieces and blending them with modern elements. This shift created a more curated, sophisticated look, rather than one that felt like a themed souvenir shop.

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11. Cheap Art Prints and Posters

Walls covered in mass-produced prints and posters can make a space feel generic. The designer emphasized that inexpensive art often cheapens the overall look of a room. Their suggestion? Invest in one or two original pieces, or frame personal photos and mementos for added character. Elevated options like a hand-painted canvas or a gallery of family photos bring depth, warmth, and individuality to your walls.

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12. Worn-Out Towels and Linens

The designer noticed my stack of faded, mismatched towels and bedding right away. Old, threadbare linens can make even a well-designed space feel neglected. They recommended investing in a cohesive set in soothing, neutral colors for a spa-like effect. Fresh, fluffy towels and crisp bedding not only look better but also elevate daily comfort, making bedrooms and baths feel instantly more inviting and luxurious.

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13. Excessive Trinkets and Knickknacks

Every surface in my home seemed to be dotted with small figurines and souvenirs. The designer noted that too many trinkets create visual clutter and make dusting a chore. Their advice was to pare down collections, keeping only a few favorites and arranging them in a minimalist vignette. This shift from crowded shelves to intentional displays brought a sense of calm and focus to each room.

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14. Unused Exercise Equipment

An old treadmill and scattered weights had turned my guest room into a makeshift storage area. The designer pointed out that abandoned exercise gear is a common eyesore, eating up precious square footage. Their advice: sell, donate, or relocate any equipment you don’t use regularly. Clearing out these items allowed me to transform the cluttered space into a functional, inviting retreat for guests—or myself.

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15. Dated Light Fixtures

My old brass chandelier and basic builder-grade fixtures were instantly called out by the designer. Dated lighting can anchor a room in the past and dim its style potential. They suggested swapping in modern or timeless pieces with updated finishes like matte black, brass, or glass. The effect was immediate—fresh fixtures in key spaces elevated the entire home, adding both function and contemporary flair.

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Conclusion

Letting go of dated and unnecessary items, as my designer showed me, can truly transform a home. By embracing intentional choices—swapping heavy drapes, streamlining decor, and updating lighting—you’ll create a space that feels fresher, more modern, and uniquely yours. If you’ve been feeling stuck, start with just one room. Your home deserves to reflect who you are today, not who you were years ago.

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