Superior design involves not just knowing what to incorporate, but also discerning what to omit. Interior designer Megan Khahil cautions that certain decorative picks can swiftly transform a chic residence into a tired cliché, making the space seem more outdated than refined.
Permanently installed elements like laminate flooring, plastic trim, and budget-friendly furnishings are typically the first to garner unwanted attention. However, Khahil points out that it’s the small details that can equally diminish a home’s aesthetic. Here, an interiors authority reveals seven decor items that subtly undermine a home’s design and offers alternative suggestions.
Megan Khahil is an interior designer, a high school architecture instructor, and the founder of Nora & Co. Design Studio.
Once a novel design choice, exposed metal pipe shelving has now become a cliché in contemporary living spaces. “The concept was to craft a raw, urban aesthetic that distinguished itself from the typical wooden shelves,” Khahil remarks. “Yet now, pipes are ubiquitous, from cafes to apartments, and the novelty has worn off.” The issue isn’t the industrial style itself; it’s the overuse and the lack of purpose, compounded by the use of cheap materials and generic decor.
To achieve a chic industrial vibe, Khahil recommends bypassing the pipes and choosing cold-rolled steel floating shelves instead. “These maintain the raw, urban feel with the tactile material, but in a more deliberate and refined manner,” she adds. Pair them with authentic brick or stone accents to add depth and character, avoiding artificial finishes that appear flat and lackluster. A polished industrial touch should feel purposeful and curated, not merely a trendy afterthought.
DIY peel-and-stick tiles, wallpapers, and decals are widely available online, offering a swift and affordable way to refresh a room. Yet, according to Khahil, these removable materials can bubble, lift, and peel with time. “They’re shortcuts, and it’s noticeable,” she comments. While instant transformation may be satisfying, these materials often age poorly, undermining the design’s integrity. Quick fixes that are inexpensive rarely convey quality or craftsmanship, and their temporary nature can make them seem cheaper, detracting from the room’s overall ambiance.
Khahil advocates for genuine, durable materials like patterned tiles, natural stone, or high-quality wallpaper. “It doesn’t have to be expensive,” she asserts. “But taking a bit more effort will result in a space that’s enduringly elegant.”
Family photos, artwork, and cherished prints merit frames that elevate them. “Unfortunately, glossy plastic frames, particularly those attempting to imitate metal or wood, rarely do the trick,” Khahil laments. “Low-quality plastic tends to warp and scratch, and looks as mass-produced and inexpensive as it is.” Plastic frames convey a lack of luxury design and craftsmanship, detracting from the image they encase.
Instead, Khahil advises seeking out more substantial frames made from metal, stained or painted wood, or high-quality resin. A carefully selected frame should complement the art and the room’s decor, enhancing the space’s aesthetic. Mix frame styles and finishes thoughtfully to create visual interest and depth, while maintaining a cohesive look.
“Having a green thumb isn’t a given, and the allure of low-maintenance plants is understandable,” Khahil acknowledges. However, artificial plants seldom replicate the life, texture, and vibrancy of the real thing. “Even high-quality silk plants eventually accumulate dust, fade, and appear worn,” she cautions. “A tattered bamboo plant in a corner can do more harm than good, signaling neglect rather than style.”
A more effective way to introduce greenery is to try low-maintenance real plants, like snake plants, pothos, or monstera. “These easy-care plants bring authentic life and texture to the space without demanding too much attention.” They also enhance air quality, add color and warmth, and age gracefully with minimal care.
Animal print decor items walk a fine line between stylish and gaudy. “Animal print can add a timeless, bold, and stylish statement when used carefully,” Khahil explains. “But overused, it can become overwhelming and cluttered.”
The key is to use animal prints in moderation. Instead of overwhelming every surface, Khahil suggests selecting one or two bold pieces to add personality without overwhelming the space. A single accent chair, throw pillow, or rug can introduce a playful, luxurious feel when paired with neutral colors or textures to balance the visual impact.
“Barn doors were once the epitome of farmhouse chic and a trendy space-saving solution, but their robust rustic character can limit design options and leave little room for flexibility,” Khahil observes. Like many trends, barn doors were extremely popular about 15 years ago and have become overused and dated.
Instead, Khahil suggests choosing sleek pocket doors when privacy and space are concerns, offering more long-term design adaptability. “Where doors can be omitted, an open-framed entryway can create a timeless architectural statement.” This approach allows your style to evolve over time without committing to a fleeting trend.
No matter where you are in the world, inexpensive souvenirs are never far. Poorly made, mass-produced souvenirs often deceive tourists, posing as local crafts and symbolizing the region, but they often lack authenticity and cultural value. “Souvenirs that merely indicate where you’ve traveled often end up as dusty, insignificant clutter,” Khahil notes.
For a more cohesive and refined look, curate meaningful items from your travels that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Handcrafted ceramics, locally produced art, or textiles can narrate a story while enhancing your interior design. Transforming travel photos and postcards into a gallery wall or a coffee table book is another creative approach, capturing memories in a stylish and meaningful manner.
