As the summer sun shines brighter, it's time to embrace the season's lighter, more relaxed vibe. But before you kick back and enjoy the warmth, consider giving your home a refreshing makeover. Interior designers are urging us to bid farewell to certain items that might be weighing down our spaces. Here's a list of 19 things to toss or donate before summer ends, as recommended by experts in the field.
1. Tired, Saggy, Half-Filled Pillows
These pillows are not only uncomfortable but also detract from the aesthetics of your bedroom. They need to go to make way for fresh, supportive pillows that enhance the overall look and feel of your space.
2. The Pillows That Came With Your Sofa
Matching sofa pillows from the factory can make your living room feel outdated. Opt for a mix of patterned and textured pillows to elevate your sofa's style.
3. Matching Furniture Sets
Gone are the days when matching furniture sets were considered smart. Today, they make your home feel more like a showroom than a lived-in space. Embrace the eclectic and mix and match different pieces to create a unique and personalized atmosphere.
4. Bleached, Whitewashed, or Grayed Wood
Natural wood grains add character and warmth to a room. Embrace the natural beauty of wood by discarding any overworked finishes that remove its natural tones and textures.
5. Blankets Covering Your Sofa
While blankets can add comfort, covering your entire sofa is unnecessary and can make your space feel heavy. Opt for a more streamlined approach and use blankets for their intended purpose: adding warmth and texture.
6. The Everyday Tablecloth
Tablecloths can be a hindrance, especially on dining tables meant for use and interaction. Embrace the natural patina that comes with using your table and consider using smaller, decorative table runners instead.
7. Faux Florals and Plants
Fresh flowers and live plants bring life and color to your home. Ditch the faux greenery and embrace the beauty of real plants or flowers, whether from your garden or a neighbor's yard.
8. Overdone Decorative Objects
Less is more when it comes to decorative objects. Curate your space to highlight special items and create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
9. Rugs That Don't Fit the Scale of the Room
Rugs that are too small can make a room feel awkward and small. Evaluate your rug collection and ensure that each rug complements the furniture arrangement and enhances the overall proportions of the space.
10. Boring Bath Mats
Bath mats should add personality and color to your bathroom. Upgrade to a more interesting and comfortable bath mat to create a spa-like ambiance.
11. Cold Lighting and "Big" Lights
Warm lighting is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Prioritize soft, warm bulbs and layered lighting to transform your space into a cozy haven.
12. Bedside Table Lamps
Wall-mounted sconces are a better choice for bedside lighting. They provide a more elevated and functional lighting solution, leaving your nightstand clutter-free.
13. Old Lampshades
A fresh lampshade can instantly update a room. Update your lampshades to create a more modern and stylish look.
14. Heavy Blackout Curtains
Embrace natural light in your bedroom. Heavy blackout curtains can be replaced with layered drapes or woven shades to allow for a more natural and healthy sleep environment.
15. Frameless Mirrors
Mirrors should always be framed, even in bathrooms. Frames add depth and character to your space, creating a more polished and elegant look.
16. Family Photos Everywhere
Concentrate family photos on a semi-private wall to create a thoughtful statement. Avoid overwhelming your space with too many photos, as it can look messy and dated.
17. Worn Outdoor Goods
Extend your summer sprucing to your outdoor spaces. Refresh your patio with new cushions and accessories to create a well-maintained and inviting outdoor area.
18. Fast-Fashion Seasonal Decor
Invest in timeless decor and embrace seasonal changes with natural elements like fresh fruit or flowers. Avoid fast-fashion decor finds that tend to be trendy and short-lived.
19. Anything You Are Keeping Purely Out of Guilt
Let go of items you're keeping out of guilt. Ask yourself if the item still serves a purpose and if you would choose it again today. If not, it's time to say goodbye and create space for new memories and decor.
By following these expert recommendations, you can transform your home into a summer haven that feels fresh, inviting, and truly your own.
