As the summer sun shines brighter, it's time to embrace the season's lighter, more relaxed vibe. Interior designers are urging homeowners to declutter and refresh their spaces, shedding light on the items that might be weighing down your home. From tired pillows to overdone decorative objects, here's a curated list of 19 things to bid farewell to before summer ends, as recommended by industry experts.
1. Saggy, Half-Filled Pillows
Jennie Bishop, founding principal of Bishop Studio, emphasizes the importance of replacing saggy, half-filled pillows. These pillows not only fail to provide proper head support but also detract from the overall aesthetic of your bed. Opt for fresh, supportive pillows to elevate your bedroom's style and comfort.
2. Matching Furniture Sets
Deborah Jeanne, principal designer of Jeanne Renee Fine Interiors, advises against the classic matching furniture sets. These sets can make a home feel more like a showroom than a lived-in space. Embrace the eclectic and mix and match furnishings to create a unique, collected interior that reflects your personality.
3. Bleached Wood
Leah Hook, founder of Gray Oak Studio, encourages homeowners to let wood be in its natural state. Discard any bleached or overworked finishes that remove the wood's natural grains and tones. Embrace the beauty of natural wood variations for a more authentic and striking aesthetic.
4. Full-Coverage Textiles
Bishop suggests streamlining your blanket collection, especially during summer. Full-coverage blankets on sofas can make a room feel heavy and cluttered. Opt for lighter throws and edit your pillow collection to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
5. Everyday Tablecloths
Bishop also recommends reconsidering full-coverage tablecloths, especially on dining tables. Tables are meant to be used and seen, so allow them to develop a patina over time. A simple tablecloth can be replaced with a more functional and aesthetically pleasing option.
6. Faux Florals and Plants
Jeanne advises against faux florals and greenery, suggesting instead to bring in fresh flowers from your garden or neighbors' yards. Sarah Moore, founder of Sarah Catherine Design, agrees, emphasizing the importance of real plants for a more natural and authentic decor.
7. Overdone Decorative Objects
Moore recommends a curated approach to decorative objects. Too many trinkets can create a cluttered and overwhelming space. Focus on styling and letting special items shine without clutter, allowing your eyes to rest and appreciate the beauty of each piece.
8. Rugs That Don't Fit the Room
Hook stresses the importance of evaluating rug sizes. A rug that doesn't fit under all the front legs of your furniture can make a room feel small and awkward. Opt for rugs that address the furniture arrangement and create a sense of luxury and spaciousness.
9. Boring Bath Mats
Hook suggests upgrading bath mats with color and personality. A simple, flat bath mat can be replaced with an interesting option, adding a touch of style to your bathroom, especially in predominantly white spaces.
10. Cold Lighting
Bishop advocates for warm lighting throughout the home. Cold, overhead ceiling lights can be replaced with soft, warm bulbs and layered lighting to create a more inviting and cozy atmosphere.
11. Bedside Table Lamps
Hook recommends wall-mounted sconces over bedside table lamps for task lighting. Sconces provide a more elevated and intentional feel, keeping your nightstand surface clear for essential items.
12. Old Lampshades
Jeanne suggests updating lampshades for a fresh and affordable room transformation. A tired or poorly proportioned shade can make a lamp look dated, so consider a new shade to instantly update your space.
13. Heavy Blackout Curtains
Moore challenges the notion of heavy blackout curtains in bedrooms. Allow natural light to enter your space, especially in the morning, to promote a healthy sleep cycle. Layer drapes or woven shades for a more functional and natural lighting solution.
14. Frameless Mirrors
Hook believes that mirrors should always be framed, even in bathrooms. Frames add depth, color, and texture to a space, making a statement and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
15. Overfilled Family Photos
Bishop advises against peppering family photos all over the house. Concentrate these memories on a semi-private wall to create a thoughtful and curated display, avoiding a messy and dated look.
16. Worn Outdoor Goods
Jeanne emphasizes the importance of refreshing outdoor spaces, including patios. Edit outdoor furniture, lanterns, planters, and watering cans to create a well-maintained and inviting outdoor environment.
17. Fast-Fashion Seasonal Decor
Moore encourages a shift away from fast-fashion seasonal decor. Invest in timeless pieces and create a seasonal feel with fresh fruit or flowers, avoiding the trend-driven nature of fast-fashion decor.
18. Guilt-Driven Possessions
Jeanne reminds homeowners to reconsider items kept out of guilt. Ask yourself if the item still serves a purpose and if you would choose it again today. Let go of possessions that no longer resonate with your current lifestyle.
19. Not Quite Ready to Part Ways?
If you're hesitant to part with certain items, consider alternative approaches. Moore suggests boxing up items and seeing how long it takes to miss them. If forgotten, it's a sign to let go and embrace a more curated and intentional home.
