As the summer sun shines brighter, it's time to embrace the season's lighter, more relaxed vibe. But before you open the windows and welcome the warm weather, 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. So, let's explore the top 19 things to toss or donate before summer ends, as recommended by industry experts. Personally, I think it's fascinating how a few simple changes can transform a space, and I'm here to share my insights on why these suggestions are worth considering.
Tired, Saggy, Half-Filled Pillows
One of the first things that catch my eye when I walk into a room is the pillows. Personally, I think tired, saggy, half-filled pillows are a design no-no. They not only look unappealing but also fail to provide proper support. As Jennie Bishop, founding principal of Bishop Studio, suggests, it's time to replace them. These pillows can make your bed look uninviting and outdated. Instead, opt for fresh, supportive pillows that will enhance the aesthetics and comfort of your bedroom.
The Pillows That Came With Your Sofa
Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio, has a strong opinion on this matter. She believes that the pillows that came with your sofa should be recycled or tossed. While the insert can be kept, the matching pillowcases often lack the charm and variety that elevate a sofa's look. Personally, I agree that an eclectic collection of patterned, textural pillows instantly elevates a sofa, while matching factory pillows can make a space feel outdated. So, go ahead and replace those boring factory pillows with some stylish, unique ones!
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching furniture sets were once considered a smart and streamlined choice, but interior designers now view them as a rookie design mistake. Deborah Jeanne, principal designer at Jeanne Renee Fine Interiors, explains that a complete matching bedroom or living room can make a home feel more like a showroom than a collected interior. Personally, I think this is a great point. Everything doesn't have to match, and the most interesting rooms are often those that feel collected over time, not purchased all at once. So, why not mix and match and create a unique, personalized space?
Bleached, Whitewashed, or Grayed Wood
Another furniture-related tip is to discard any bleached, whitewashed, or grayed wood. Leah Hook suggests letting wood be in its natural state, as overworked finishes that remove the grain and tone variation of wood are over. Personally, I think this is a refreshing take on furniture design. Natural wood adds warmth and character to a space, and it's a great way to bring the outdoors in. So, why not embrace the natural beauty of wood and say goodbye to those overworked finishes?
Blankets Covering Your Sofa
Blankets are meant to add comfort and warmth, but when they cover your entire sofa, they can make a space feel heavy and cluttered. Jennie Bishop recommends ditching full-coverage displays and opting for a more streamlined approach. Personally, I think this is a great way to add texture and functionality to your sofa without overwhelming the space. So, go ahead and choose a few stylish blankets to accent your sofa, rather than covering it completely.
The Everyday Tablecloth
Full-coverage textiles should be reconsidered, and the table is no exception. Jennie Bishop suggests nixing tablecloths that cover your dining table, as they can make the table feel like it's being hidden away. Personally, I think this is a great way to embrace the beauty of your dining table and allow it to be seen and used. So, why not opt for a stylish table runner or place settings instead of a full tablecloth?
Faux Florals and Plants
Faux florals and greenery have become commonplace, but designers advise against them. Deborah Jeanne suggests bringing in fresh flowers from your yard or borrowing them from a neighbor's yard. Personally, I think this is a great way to add a touch of nature to your home without the commitment of caring for live plants. So, why not embrace the beauty of fresh flowers and say goodbye to those fake blooms?
Overdone Decorative Objects
Too many decorative objects can lend to a cluttered, chaotic home. Sarah Moore, founder and principal designer of Sarah Catherine Design, recommends a more curated approach. Personally, I think this is a great way to add color and personality to your home without overwhelming it. So, take a step back and evaluate your decorative objects. Give your eyes a place to rest, and highlight the truly special items by letting them shine without the extra clutter.
Rugs That Don't Fit the Scale of the Room
One of the biggest design faux pas is setting the stage for a room with a rug that is far too small. Leah Hook suggests evaluating every rug in your home and acting accordingly. Personally, I think this is a great way to ensure that your rugs enhance the proportions and aesthetics of your space. So, why not take the time to find the perfect-sized rug for each room?
Boring Bath Mats
Bath mats are often overlooked, but they can make a big impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. Leah Hook recommends upgrading to a colorful, personality-driven bath mat, especially in predominantly white bathrooms. Personally, I think this is a great way to add a touch of personality to your bathroom without breaking the bank. So, why not give your bath mat a refresh and make a statement in your bathroom?
Cold Lighting—and ‘Big’ Lights
No matter the season, a home's lighting feels most inviting when it's warm. Jennie Bishop advocates for warm lighting throughout the home, and she recommends prioritizing charming accent lighting over harsh overhead illumination. Personally, I think this is a great way to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your home. So, why not switch to warm bulbs and add some layered lights to create a warm and inviting space?
Bedside Table Lamps
Bedside table lamps may be a thing of the past, according to Leah Hook. She suggests opting for wall-mounted sconces instead, as they provide intentional and elevated task lighting while keeping your nightstand surface clear. Personally, I think this is a great way to create a functional and stylish bedside lighting solution. So, why not give sconces a try and see the difference they can make?
Old Lampshades
If you're not ready to part ways with your lamps, a fresh lampshade can make them look brand new. Deborah Jeanne suggests that a tired or poorly proportioned shade can make even a wonderful lamp look dated. Personally, I think this is a great way to update your lamps without having to replace them entirely. So, why not give your lampshades a refresh and see the difference they can make?
Heavy Blackout Curtains
While natural light is coveted, many people try to keep it out of their bedrooms. Sarah Moore suggests that heavy blackout curtains are overkill and that a little natural light in the morning is good for our natural health cycles. Personally, I think this is a great way to embrace the benefits of natural light while still providing privacy when needed. So, why not opt for layered drapes or wood blinds to strike a balance between light and privacy?
Frameless Mirrors
Frameless mirrors were once considered sleek and minimalist, but Leah Hook believes that they are a missed opportunity. She suggests that mirrors should always be framed, even in bathrooms, as the frame adds depth and character to the space. Personally, I think this is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your mirrors and create a more polished look. So, why not embrace the beauty of framed mirrors and add a touch of elegance to your space?
Family Photos Everywhere
While frames can add texture, color, and depth to a space, Jennie Bishop suggests not to go overboard with family photos. She recommends concentrating these to a semi-private wall and making a thoughtful statement. Personally, I think this is a great way to showcase your family memories while maintaining a clean and curated look. So, why not create a gallery wall or a photo display that highlights your favorite family moments?
Worn Outdoor Goods
It's easy to overlook the patio when refreshing your interiors, but Deborah Jeanne suggests editing outdoor furniture, lanterns, planters, and watering cans as needed. Personally, I think this is a great way to extend the summer sprucing to your outdoor spaces and create a welcoming and stylish outdoor area. So, why not take the time to refresh your outdoor goods and enjoy the season in style?
Fast-Fashion Seasonal Decor
Seasonal decor can quickly become overwhelming, and Sarah Moore suggests investing in timeless decor instead. She recommends leaning into making your space feel seasonal with items like bowls of fresh fruit or flowers in vases. Personally, I think this is a great way to add a touch of seasonal charm to your home without the clutter and chaos of fast-fashion decor. So, why not embrace the beauty of timeless decor and enjoy the season in style?
Anything You Are Keeping Purely Out of Guilt
If you're holding on to a decor item as a way to satisfy others, Deborah Jeanne suggests reconsidering. She assures that you're not required to live with something simply because someone gave it to you. Personally, I think this is a great way to declutter your space and create a home that reflects your own personal style and life. So, why not take the time to evaluate your decor items and let go of the ones that no longer serve you?
Not Quite Ready to Part Ways? Do This Instead
If you're not quite ready to part ways with certain items, there's a simple solution. Deborah Jeanne suggests asking yourself if you still use the item, if it still serves a purpose, and whether you would choose it again today. If the answer is no, then it's time to say goodbye. Alternatively, you can box up the items and let them sit in a closet for a while. Sarah Moore recommends doing this to see how long it takes you to miss them. If you forget about them completely, then you know it's time to let go.
In conclusion, these 19 things to toss or donate before summer ends are not just design tips but also opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. By embracing these changes, you can create a home that feels lighter, more relaxed, and truly reflects your own style and life. So, why not take the time to evaluate your space and make these simple changes to enjoy the season in style?
