Tackle The Tacky
Home Team Design Rules to Keep Your Space Looking Polished
No homeowner sets out to make their home look tacky. But design missteps have a sneaky way of creeping in — and it only takes one or two to pull down the entire look of an otherwise beautiful space.
The good news? An elevated home isn’t about spending more money. It’s about making intentional choices.
Let’s tackle the most common décor mistakes that instantly cheapen a space — and how to avoid them.
Disclaimer: Of course, every home is unique, and personal style is personal! 🏡✨ If you love some of the items we’ve labeled as “tacky,” don’t take it personally — these are just tips for those looking for guidance. What looks off in one space might look amazing in another. For example, some faux plants can totally work if they’re high-quality and styled well. The goal here is simply to offer ideas for creating a polished, intentional space — not to tell anyone how to live in their home.
Faux Greenery That Looks Obviously Fake 🌿
Greenery should bring life into a space — not remind you it’s plastic.
Low-quality artificial plants do the opposite of what greenery is meant to do: they remove freshness and undermine refinement. If you’re not a plant person, opt for high-quality faux pieces or low-maintenance real plants like snake plants or pothos.
2. Rugs That Are the Wrong Size or Quality
An undersized or flimsy rug disrupts the flow of a room instead of anchoring it.
A properly sized rug:
Grounds your furniture
Creates cohesion
Makes the space feel intentional
If your rug looks like it’s floating in the middle of the room, it’s probably too small.
3. Matching Furniture Sets 🛋️
Perfectly matching sets may feel “safe,” but they lack contrast and character.
Spaces that feel elevated are layered over time — mixing textures, styles, and finishes. Thoughtfully curated pieces always look more refined than a one-click showroom set.
4. Oversized Furniture That Overpowers the Room
Bulky sectionals and oversized recliners can quickly overwhelm a space and restrict movement.
Negative space is essential. It creates balance, allows the room to breathe, and makes the furniture you do have feel more intentional.
5. Harsh or Insufficient Lighting 💡
Relying on overhead lighting alone is one of the fastest ways to flatten a room.
Layering lighting adds warmth and depth:
Floor lamps
Table lamps
Wall sconces
Soft lighting highlights focal points and creates a welcoming, polished atmosphere.
6. Too Much Clutter
Excess throw pillows, knick-knacks, and small décor items create visual noise.
Instead of filling every surface, choose fewer, higher-quality pieces. Let them stand out. Curated always beats crowded.
7. Curtains Hung Too Low or Too Short
Curtains that don’t reach the floor — or are hung too low — instantly cheapen a room.
For a tailored look:
Hang curtain rods higher than the window frame
Use panels that touch (or just barely graze) the floor
This simple fix adds instant polish.
8. Generic, Mass-Produced Art 🎨
Art should reflect personality, not look like it came straight from a bulk bin.
Limited-edition prints, original artwork, or thoughtfully framed photography add depth and individuality — the kind that elevates a home.
9. Low-Grade Finishes
Standard grade finishes often lack character.
Small upgrades like:
Swapping light fixtures
Updating cabinet hardware
Replacing mirrors
… can dramatically change how refined a space feels.
10. Plastic Picture Frames
Plastic frames cheapen even the most meaningful photos.
Opt for wood or metal frames to instantly elevate how memories are displayed.
11. Visible Cords Everywhere 🔌
Exposed cords create visual clutter and break clean lines.
Tuck them away behind furniture, use cord covers, or incorporate cable management solutions for a streamlined look.
The Home Team Takeaway 🏡
Tackling tacky doesn’t require a massive budget — it requires intention.
When you:
Choose quality over quantity
Allow spaces to breathe
Curate instead of accumulate
… your home naturally feels more elevated.
And an elevated home doesn’t just look better — it feels better, lives better, and holds its value better too.
Home Team rules apply: polished, intentional, and always playing to win. 💪✨