Interior Designers Agree: Get Rid of These 7 Things for a More Inviting Home

Creating an inviting home isn’t just about buying the trendiest furniture or painting walls the latest shade. Often, it’s the clutter, outdated décor, and overlooked items that make a space feel cramped, cold, or unwelcoming. Interior designers emphasize that removing certain things from your home can immediately boost comfort, flow, and visual appeal.

Here are seven items designers recommend you ditch to make your home feel more inviting, along with tips on how to replace them or enhance your space after decluttering.

1. Excess Knick-Knacks and Small Decorative Objects

While small decorative items can add personality, too many can create visual clutter. Tiny figurines, magnets, and collectibles often compete for attention, making rooms feel chaotic rather than cozy.

Designer Tip:

• Keep only a few meaningful pieces per shelf or table.
• Use groupings of three to five items for balance.
• Rotate seasonal décor to keep the space fresh without overcrowding.

Removing excess knick-knacks opens visual breathing room and lets your most valued items shine.

2. Broken or Worn-Out Furniture

A frayed couch, chipped chair, or sagging mattress not only looks unappealing but also lowers comfort. Even in a stylish space, one worn piece can drag down the entire room’s vibe.

Designer Tip:

• Repair, reupholster, or replace anything that’s damaged.
• Prioritize comfort and functionality—an inviting home encourages guests to sit, linger, and relax.
• For renters on a budget, consider slipcovers or secondhand finds to refresh furniture without spending a fortune.

A well-maintained sofa, chairs, or bed can instantly make a room feel welcoming.

3. Outdated or Heavy Curtains

Heavy, dark curtains may have been trendy once, but they can make a room feel smaller and darker. Likewise, old, faded drapes distract from your décor.

Designer Tip:

• Swap for lightweight, neutral, or sheer curtains to allow natural light to flow.
• Choose floor-to-ceiling panels to create height and elegance.
• If privacy is a concern, use layered window treatments like sheer panels plus blinds.

Light and airy window treatments open up a space and make it feel cheerful.

4. Cluttered Entryways

The entryway is the first impression of your home, but it often becomes a catch-all for shoes, bags, mail, and keys. A messy entryway immediately signals chaos.

Designer Tip:

• Install functional storage: a bench with compartments, hooks, or baskets.
• Keep only daily essentials in this area.
• Regularly clear out items that accumulate at the door.

A tidy, organized entryway welcomes guests and sets the tone for the rest of your home.

5. Out-of-Style Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is crucial for creating an inviting atmosphere. Old, harsh, or mismatched fixtures can make a space feel cold and dated.

Designer Tip:

• Replace harsh overhead lights with warm, layered lighting: pendant lights, table lamps, and floor lamps.
• Use dimmable bulbs to adjust the mood.
• Select fixtures that complement your décor style while providing adequate illumination.

Good lighting enhances textures, colors, and makes rooms feel instantly more welcoming.

6. Excessive Electronics or Visible Cables

TVs, gaming consoles, and countless charging cables can dominate a room and create visual noise. Even functional electronics can clash with a cozy, inviting design.

Designer Tip:

• Hide cables with cord covers, cable organizers, or furniture with built-in compartments.
• Store remotes and small devices in stylish baskets or trays.
• Consider wall-mounting TVs and using wireless solutions to minimize clutter.

A clean, tech-organized space feels calm, intentional, and relaxing.

7. Overly Personalized Décor

Photos, trophies, and memorabilia make a home feel personal, but too many personal items can overwhelm a space, especially in shared areas like living rooms or dining rooms.

Designer Tip:

• Limit personal items in communal spaces; display a few key pieces that evoke warmth.
• Rotate personal photos or collectibles in discrete areas like bedrooms or hallways.
• Focus on décor that balances style and personality without dominating the room.

This creates a welcoming environment for both residents and guests while preserving personal touches where appropriate.

Why Decluttering Works

Getting rid of these seven items is more than just tidying up; it has psychological and practical benefits:

1. Visual Breathing Room: Open surfaces and fewer distractions make rooms feel larger and more harmonious.
2. Better Flow: Less clutter improves traffic flow and functionality, essential in small spaces.
3. Stress Reduction: A clean, organized environment promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
4. Enhanced Style: Removing outdated or excess items allows your décor and favorite pieces to shine naturally.

In short, less really is more when it comes to creating an inviting home.

Practical Steps to Start Decluttering

If tackling all seven areas at once feels overwhelming, try these steps:

1. Room-by-Room Approach: Focus on one room at a time to prevent burnout.
2. Use the “Three-Box Method”: Label boxes for keep, donate, or toss.
3. Set Limits: Decide on a number of decorative items per shelf or table and stick to it.
4. Schedule Regular Purges: Quarterly or seasonal decluttering helps maintain a welcoming environment.
5. Prioritize Function and Comfort: Always ask, “Does this make the room feel more inviting?”

These strategies turn decluttering into a manageable, ongoing habit, rather than a one-time chore.

Replacing Items Thoughtfully

Decluttering doesn’t mean leaving bare, sterile spaces. Designers recommend:

• Invest in Statement Pieces: A beautiful lamp, rug, or artwork can replace multiple small items.
• Add Textures: Soft throws, pillows, and rugs make a space feel warm and layered.
• Incorporate Greenery: Plants bring life and color while keeping the room uncluttered.
• Use Multi-Functional Storage: Stylish baskets, benches, or side tables hide items without adding chaos.

By replacing unnecessary items with intentional décor, your home feels curated, inviting, and cozy.

The Designer Mindset

Professional designers emphasize that creating an inviting home is about intentionality:

• Every item should serve a purpose—functional, aesthetic, or both.
• Less clutter allows the architecture and key pieces to stand out.
• The goal is balance and harmony, where the eye moves comfortably and the space feels calm.

This mindset ensures that your home isn’t just attractive but also comfortable and stress-free for everyone who enters.

Conclusion

An inviting home isn’t achieved by filling it with more—it’s achieved by removing what doesn’t belong. By decluttering knick-knacks, worn furniture, outdated curtains, messy entryways, harsh lighting, excessive electronics, and overly personalized décor, you can transform your space into a welcoming, harmonious environment.

After decluttering, consider adding thoughtful touches like layered lighting, greenery, textured textiles, and statement pieces. These enhancements maintain warmth and personality without crowding the space.

Interior designers agree: sometimes, the best way to make a home more inviting isn’t buying new furniture or trendy décor—it’s strategically letting go of the things holding it back. Start with these seven categories, and your home will feel lighter, brighter, and far more welcoming—for you and anyone who steps through the door.