Just like dating icks, there are such things as interior design icks. Creating a beautiful, functional home is a personal journey that reflects your style and personality. However, certain design choices can detract from the uniqueness and comfort of a space. Here are some of my interior design “icks” and tips on how to avoid them for a more stylish-looking home.
But, keep in mind these are MY icks, and as such, are subjective. Everyone has their taste and style, and I encourage people to embrace that. Read What Is My Home Decor Style?
However, I think this post would be fun. So, if you’re interested in a designer’s icks…keep reading.
My Major Interior Design Icks…
1. Artwork from Big Box Stores
The Ick: Generic artwork from big box stores often lacks originality and can make your space impersonal. As an artist, I’ve always believed that artwork is supposed to make you feel something. If the artwork does not mean anything to you, I don’t believe it should be in your home. Some folks install random artwork on their walls that they found on sale at Walmart – it’s no kidding that they don’t feel attached to their home.
How to Avoid It: Invest in original pieces from local artists, or create your own art. You can also find unique pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, or online marketplaces like Etsy. This not only adds character to your space but also supports artists and small businesses. I would encourage people to connect with the art on their walls. Maybe the artwork on your walls are handed down pieces, a nod to your heritage or collected during vacation.
2. Rugs That Are Too Small for the Space
The Ick: A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disjointed and undersized.
How to Avoid It: Choose a rug that fits the scale of the room. In living rooms, the rug should be large enough for the front legs of your furniture to rest on it. In dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the table to accommodate chairs, even when they are pulled out.
3. Word Art
The Ick: Overused word art can feel cliché and detract from the authenticity of your decor. The infamous Live, Laugh, Love art is a major interior design ick of mine as it’s been OVER done and in all honestly is cringe-worthy.
How to Avoid It: Opt for more subtle ways to incorporate words or quotes into your space. Consider custom pieces with meaningful phrases, or use typography art that complements your overall aesthetic without being too on-the-nose.
4. Matching Everything
The Ick: Overly matching furniture and decor can make a space feel sterile, uninspired and dated. Matching furniture sets especially makes me itch, as it takes away the potential for the space to have character and dimension.
How to Avoid It: Mix and match different styles, textures, and colours to create a more dynamic and interesting space. Aim for a cohesive look by balancing complementary elements rather than matching everything perfectly. Things don’t need to match to be cohesive.
5. Overly Trendy Spaces
The Ick: Spaces that rely too heavily on current trends can quickly become dated.
How to Avoid It: Focus on timeless design elements and incorporate trends in small, easily changeable ways. Accessories, throw pillows, and smaller decor items can reflect current trends without committing your entire space to a fleeting style.
Read How To Create a Timeless Interior that Never Goes Out of Style.
6. All-White Kitchens
Now, this one might be controversial and/or surprising…
The Ick: While sleek and modern, all-white kitchens can sometimes feel cold and lack personality. The thing is, I think that there is so much potential for a space, and an all-white kitchen just does not offer a lot in terms of depth, interest or personality. I much prefer colourful kitchens.
How to Avoid It: Add warmth and character to your kitchen with natural materials, colourful accents, or textured elements. Consider wooden cabinets, colourful backsplashes, or patterned tiles to break up the starkness of an all-white palette.
7. Wood-Looking Tile and Faux Brick Walls
The Ick: Faux materials like wood-looking tile and faux brick walls can often look inauthentic and cheapen the overall aesthetic.
How to Avoid It: Use real materials whenever possible or choose high-quality alternatives. If you’re on a budget, consider using these materials sparingly or in combination with real elements to create a more authentic look. For example, use real brick for an accent wall or opt for high-quality materials that mimic wood more convincingly.
8. Painting Over Wood
The Ick: Painting over beautiful, natural wood can hide its unique grain and character, resulting in a loss of the natural warmth and texture it brings to a space.
How to Avoid It: Preserve the natural beauty of wood whenever possible. Instead of painting over wood, consider refinishing it to enhance its natural tones. If you must paint, choose colours that complement the wood’s original hues and use a technique that allows some of the grain to show through. This way, you maintain the integrity of the wood while updating the look to fit your design.
9. Overly Decorated Spaces
The Ick: Overly decorated spaces can feel cluttered, overwhelming, and lack a cohesive design direction.
How to Avoid It: Embrace the “less is more” philosophy. Focus on a few key pieces that make a statement and curate your decor thoughtfully. Allow for negative space to let your room breathe and create a more relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Prioritize quality over quantity, and ensure each item serves a purpose or brings you joy. By simplifying your decor, you create a more harmonious and visually appealing space.
Closing Off the Interior Design Ick List
Creating a home that reflects your personality and style involves making thoughtful design choices that go beyond the latest trends and big box store offerings. By focusing on quality, authenticity, and personal touches, you can avoid these common interior design icks and create a space that feels both stylish and uniquely yours.
Remember, the best interiors are those that tell your story and provide a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.
What to learn more and connect with me one-on-one? Book one of my eDesign Services.
