7 Decor Items That a Designer Says Can Make Your Home Look Tacky

Great design is not only knowing what to add, but it’s also about what to leave out. Interior designer Megan Khahil warns that certain decor choices can quickly turn a chic home into a cliché, leaving a space looking more dated than sophisticated.

Permanent fixtures, such as laminate flooring, plastic moldings, and inexpensive furniture, are usually the first items to catch unwarranted attention. Still, Khahil notes that minor details can drag a home’s look down just as fast. Here, an interiors expert shares seven decor items she believes are quietly detracting from your home’s design, and what to consider instead.

1. Industrial Pipe Shelving

Once a cutting-edge design choice, exposed metal pipe shelving has become a visual cliché in modern homes. “The idea was to create a raw, urban look that stood apart from traditional timber shelves,” Khahil says. “But now you see pipes everywhere, from coffee shops to apartments, and it has lost its novelty.” The problem isn’t the industrial aesthetic itself; it’s overexposure and a lack of intention, which is exacerbated when paired with cheap materials and generic decor items.

To achieve a stylish, industrial look, Khahil suggests skipping the pipes and opting for cold-rolled steel floating shelves instead. “This still gives the raw, urban feel by introducing the tactile material, but in an intentional and more polished direction,” she says. Pair them with authentic brick or stone accents to add depth and character, steering clear of faux finishes that sit flat and lifeless. A polished industrial element should feel deliberate and curated, not like a trendy afterthought.

2. Peel-and-Stick Decor

DIY peel-and-stick tiles, wallpapers, and decals are readily available online, promising a quick and affordable way to refresh your room. But, according to Khahil, removable materials bubble, lift, and peel over time. “They’re shortcuts, and it shows,” she says. While it may feel satisfying to transform a wall or backsplash instantly, these materials often age poorly, undermining the overall design. Quick and inexpensive hacks rarely convey quality or craftsmanship, and their temporary nature can make them appear inexpensive, in turn, cheapening the entire room.

Khahil advocates for authentic and durable materials, like patterned tiles, natural stone, or high-quality wallpaper. “It does not have to break the bank,” she says. “But putting in that little bit of more legwork will result in a long-lasting, refined space.”

3. Plastic Picture Frames

Family photos, artwork, and cherished prints deserve frames that honor them. “Unfortunately, glossy plastic frames, especially those that try to mimic metal or wood, rarely succeed,” says Khahil. “Low-quality plastic tends to warp over time, scratches easily, and looks as low-cost and mass-produced as it is.” Plastic frames convey nothing but a lack of luxury design and craftsmanship, and subsequently devalue the image they frame.

Instead, Khahil suggests looking for more substantial frames made of metal, stained or painted wood, or a high-quality resin. A well-chosen frame should complement both the art and the surrounding decor, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic. Avoid uniformity by thoughtfully mixing frame styles and finishes, creating visual depth and interest while maintaining a cohesive feel.

4. Fake Plants

“Not everyone is born with a green thumb, and the appeal of no-to-low maintenance plants is understandable,” says Khahil. However, fake plants rarely deliver the life, texture, and vibrancy of the real deal. “Even high-quality silk plants eventually gather dust, fade, and look worn,” Khahil warns. “A tattered bamboo plant in the corner of a room does more harm than good, signalling neglect rather than style.”

A better option for bringing greenery into your home is to try your hand at low-maintenance real plants, such as snake plants, pothos, or monstera. “These easy-care plants add authentic life and texture to the space without requiring too much attention.” They also improve air quality, bring color and warmth to a room, and age gracefully with minimal attention.

5. Animal Print Overload

Animal print is one of those decor items that draws a fine line between trendy and tacky. “Animal print can add a classic, bold, and stylish touch when used thoughtfully,” explains Khahil. “But when used disproportionately, it can fall overboard and quickly make a space feel loud and cluttered.”

The trick is to incorporate animal prints in moderation. Instead of covering every surface, Khahil suggests choosing one or two statement pieces that bring personality to the room without overwhelming it. A single accent chair, a throw pillow, or a rug can bring a playful, luxurious feel when paired with neutral colors or textures to balance the visual impact.

6. Barn Doors

“Barn doors were the poster child of farmhouse chic and a trendy way to save space, but their strong rustic character narrows the design style and leaves little room for change,” says Khahil. Like many trends, barn doors were extremely popular about 15 years ago, and are one of the many decor items that have become overexposed and overdone.

Instead, Khahil suggests opting for a sleek pocket door where privacy and space are a concern, providing more long-term design versatility. “Where doors can be abandoned altogether, leave an open-framed entryway to create a classic architectural statement.” This approach allows your style to evolve over time, without committing to a trend that could date quickly.

7. Cheap Souvenirs

No matter where you find yourself in the world, cheap souvenirs won’t be far away. Low-quality, mass-produced souvenirs lure tourists in, posing as local crafts and deeply symbolic of the region, but in reality, they can often lack authenticity and cultural value. “Souvenirs that exist only to show where you or someone you know has traveled often end up as dusty, miniature clutter without function,” says Khahil.

For a more cohesive and clean look, curate meaningful items from your travels that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Handcrafted ceramics, locally produced art, or even textiles can tell a story while enhancing your interior design. Another creative approach is to transform travel photos and postcards into a gallery wall or a coffee table book, which captures memories in a stylish and purposeful way.