We’ve all been there—walking into a house and being greeted by something so visually perplexing that it takes everything in you not to blurt out, “What… is that?”
Maybe it was a neon sign in the kitchen that said “Live, Laugh, Lasagna,” or perhaps it was an inflatable palm tree doubling as a coat rack.
The point is, sometimes our design choices teeter into tacky territory, and the worst part is, we might not even realize it. If you’re wondering if your home falls into this category, don’t worry. I’m here to help.
Here are 10 signs your home might be a little on the tacky side—and some tips to bring it back to chic.
1. Overloading on Word Art
If your walls are a collage of inspirational quotes like “Gather Here With Grateful Hearts” and “Bless This Mess,” it might be time to pump the brakes.
While the message is beautiful, there’s really no need to display it in every room in your house!
Fix It: Try swapping out word art for meaningful art. A striking abstract painting or even a family photo can speak volumes without, you know, actually speaking.
2. Plastic Furniture Covers
Unless you’re living in 1974 or trying to preserve your sofa for the next 200 years, plastic furniture covers have no place in modern homes.
The sound alone—squeak, squeak—is enough to make guests rethink their visit.
Fix It: Invest in a good slip-on cover instead. Your couch can stay clean and sit-worthy.
3. Bathroom Carpet
Listen, I get the appeal of stepping onto something soft after a shower, but carpet in the bathroom? No, thank you. It’s basically a sponge for germs, moisture, and regret.
Fix It: Replace that questionable carpet with a plush, washable bath mat. Bonus points if it matches your towels.
4. Too Many Themed Rooms
A beach-themed bathroom is cute. A beach-themed everything? Not so much. Your home shouldn’t look like a surf shop exploded in it.
Fix It: If you’re married to a theme, keep it subtle. A seashell soap dish? Fine. A life-sized wooden mermaid statue? Maybe not.
5. Mismatched Holiday Décor
It’s October, and you’ve got Santa Claus figurines, Halloween pumpkins, and a Fourth of July wreath all on display. Pick a lane, my friend.
Fix It: Rotate your seasonal décor. Create a designated storage area for off-season items, so your home doesn’t look like a holiday flea market year-round.
6. Hoarding Fake Plants
Fake plants have come a long way, but if your home looks like a synthetic jungle, it might be time to reassess. Also, if the dust on those leaves is thick enough to write your name in, it’s game over.
Fix It: Balance fake plants with real ones. Start with a low-maintenance option like a snake plant or pothos. Bonus: they clean the air, unlike their plastic counterparts.
7. Clashing Colors and Patterns
Polka dots, leopard print, and neon green—all in one room? Bold choice. But also, why?
Fix It: Pick a cohesive color palette and stick with it. Think complementary shades, not visual warfare.
8. Over-The-Top Lighting Fixtures
That chandelier made entirely of antlers might’ve seemed quirky at first, but now it’s just aggressively confusing.
Fix It: Opt for timeless lighting. A sleek pendant lamp or a classic drum shade is much less likely to give your guests an existential crisis.
9. TV as the Centerpiece
If the entire room is oriented around a massive television, you might be sending the message that Netflix is your true passion. While there’s no shame in that, let’s not make it so obvious.
Fix It: Reorganize the layout. Use your TV as just one focal point, and add other interest pieces like artwork, bookshelves, or a statement chair.
10. Too Many Trinkets
A few knick-knacks here and there are fine, but if your home looks like a souvenir shop exploded, you might need to scale back.
Fix It: Practice the art of editing. Keep only the items that truly bring you joy or hold sentimental value. And please, no one needs 17 cat figurines staring at them from the mantle.