We’ve outlined common design mistakes across dining rooms, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, bedrooms, and beyond. No matter how experienced you are in interior design, there’s something undeniably helpful about learning what not to do.

But what about our designers’ actual homes? To take things one step further (and more personal), we tapped the Havenly design team for the furniture, knick-knacks, and decor you’ll never find them styling in their own living rooms. From college-era staples like futons and bean bags to popular looks like gallery walls, our team has thoughts, to say the least.

Keep scrolling to read Havenly designers’ candid thoughts on what not to style in a living room, based on their actual spaces.

1. Cliche Word Art

Our team unanimously concurs that cliche word art of the “live, laugh, love” variety has no place in their homes. Instead, our designers recommend filling your home with artwork that has meaning, whether it’s a thrifted print from your favorite flea market, a hand-me-down from your grandparents, or simply a piece that makes you feel something. If the aforementioned word art checks those boxes for you, by all means, dive in!

2. Matching Furniture Sets

While matching furniture sets used to be the norm (particularly in dining rooms and bedrooms), our designers agree that mixing styles feels more interesting and personalized. Rather than scooping a matching table set, create contrast by mixing textures, tones, and silhouettes. For example, pair an ultra-comfy sofa with sculptural accent chairs, timeless striped ottomans, and a wood coffee table for that designer touch. 

3. *Only* Canned Lighting

Most homes come with built-in canned lighting throughout (especially new builds), but our designers note that this does little in the way of ambiance. Always layer at least two to four additional light sources to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, from pendant lights and chandeliers to wall sconces and floor lamps. Trust us: when done right, you won’t even think to turn on your boob lighting.

4. Faux Flowers

There’s just something so refreshing and beautiful about natural, fresh-cut blooms that no artificial stem can replicate. If real stems are a hard-pass for you due to pets, children, or longevity, we hear you! Fortunately, there are so many elegant, realistic options on the market these days — finding them just takes a bit of research. If possible, shop in-person to assess the quality! And don’t forget to consider dried floral arrangements for a more organic, lasting touch.

5. Bean Bags Of Any Kind

Bean bags have a place in kids rooms, college dorms, or even basements designed for teenagers, but our designers suggest steering clear in modern-day living rooms. If you’re looking for something more amorphous and low-slung, swap in a comfy pouf instead. Thank you for coming to our TED Talk.

6. Highwater Curtains

Our philosophy when it comes to curtains? Go to the floor, or go home. Yes, even if your windows end halfway up the wall. Curtains that hang to your window ledge or fall a foot above the floor feel, well, we’ll just say it… dated. You don’t need floor-to-ceiling windows to have floor-to-ceiling drapes! In fact, hanging your full-length curtains high and wide will elevate your entire aesthetic and make your windows look larger. Trust us on this one — we even wrote a detailed designer guide.

7. A Single Accent Color Repeated *Everywhere*

When selecting your accent colors, avoid leaning into one dominant color pop that you weave through every decorative element in your space. We’re talking teal throw pillows, curtains, artwork, vases, and coffee table books. Instead, our designers artfully weave together complementary hues in their living spaces to create a more balanced, intriguing visual. Don’t be afraid to mix warm and cool tones, or multiple shades of a single color (we love the tonal look). 

8. Overwhelming Gallery Walls

Our designers see the value in the mismatched gallery wall of 2010s Pinterest fame, but have embraced more modern, streamlined takes in their own spaces. Rather than mixing together different shapes, sizes, colors, and art styles on a large wall, spread smaller vignettes throughout your entire home. Embrace negative space, don’t be afraid of asymmetry, tell a story with your pieces, and consider going large-scale for a more pared back look. Think outside of the gallery wall!

9. Filler Decor

Rather than buying countless decorative knick-knacks to fill up every square inch of space, our designers practice the “art of the edit.” It’s about quality over quantity here: Make space for the pieces you absolutely love (like meaningful books or brass candlesticks you’ve been eyeing for months), but don’t decorate for decor’s sake. And remember, removing something is just as valuable as adding.

10. Budget Rugs

Don’t get us wrong: We love a good deal just as much as the next person. But buying a heavily-discounted rug just because it’s on super-sale will likely end up costing you more down the line. Synthetic rugs often shed and wear down much more quickly than a slightly more expensive option, meaning you’ll likely end up spending more money on three-plus budget rugs than you would buying one heirloom piece. Discover all our designer secrets for choosing your next rug.

11. Frameless Artwork

Save the washi tape and unframed artwork for one of two places: a fridge, or a creative office space that’s basically a living, breathing mood board. There’s a certain time and place for tacked up artwork, but as a general rule, we’re all about investing in frames (even at $5 a pop) and properly hanging artwork.

12. A Futon of Any Kind

While futons look right at home in a college dorm room, it’s time to retire them in an adult living space — even if it’s a 400-square-foot apartment. If you’re looking for a compact, lounge-worthy piece that can double as both sofa and chaise, daybeds are a much more sophisticated alternative (particularly in rattan, cane, or linen!). 

13. Stark Surfaces

While our designers do recommend editing out filler decor, primary surfaces should have some sort of decorative flourish to avoid looking unfinished. In living spaces, don’t forget to decorate your side tables, fireplace mantel, and coffee table. We’re talking vases, books, candles, and decorative trays. Leave no surface un-styled! 

Looking to give your own living room a facelift? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.