05/22/2026
We’re horrified!!! Kidding. Sort of. 😂
Look—your house should reflect YOU. If you love it, that’s what matters most. But after years of doing this, there are definitely a few things we see over and over that tend to fight against good flow, balance, and that layered, timeless feel people are usually after.
1️⃣ Accent walls
Sometimes they work. But a lot of times they just visually chop up a room instead of helping it feel cohesive. We almost always prefer letting color, texture, and contrast flow throughout the whole space rather than creating one random “feature” wall.
2️⃣ Mass-produced sign art
We promise your guests know this is the kitchen and that they should gather. 😅 Homes feel much more personal when the art actually means something to you—collected pieces, original art, vintage finds, family photos, even weird little things with a story behind them.
3️⃣ Rugs that are way too small
If the rug is floating in the middle of the room barely touching the furniture… Lawd. A rug should anchor the space and help everything relate to each other—not sit there looking nervous under the coffee table.
4️⃣ “Can we make it look exactly like this Pinterest photo for $400?”
Pinterest is FULL of custom upholstery, layered textiles, designer lighting, millwork, antiques, and materials that cost real money. Beautiful homes absolutely can be built thoughtfully and on a budget—but those really polished spaces are usually layered over time, not pulled together in one Target run and a prayer.
5️⃣ Builder-grade everything
Builder-grade finishes are meant to appeal to the masses and keep costs down, which is exactly why homes can end up feeling a little flat afterward. The good news? Lighting, hardware, paint, wallpaper, and trim details can completely change the feel of a house without requiring a massive renovation.
And truly—no judgment if you currently have one (or all five) of these in your house. We still love you dearly. We just may gently try to talk you out of it during your next design consult.
