3 Home Decor Items to Stop Buying
We talk a lot about what to add to a home. There are lots of guides here and around about buying new throw pillows, more shelf decor, different rugs. And trust me, those can all make a big difference in a room. But sometimes it’s more about not buying something. After I stopped buying certain things, I found that my home felt more like me – plus I also ended up saving money over time. I think other might be able to relate or improve their space with this info. Here, I’m sharing three specific decor items I no longer buy, and what I reach for instead.
Fake Plants Are Out of Style
One of the main decor items I do not buy is fake plants. There was a point in time years ago where I was prone to scoop up few fake plants in cute planters and put them all around the house. But you know, something always felt off. Most fake plants quietly drain the life out of a room. They collect dust. They fade. And the whole point of having a plant is to bring something living into your space. A plastic plant doesn’t do that. It just sits there doing its best impression of something real.
I know many folks think but, “I just can’t keep plants alive.” Before you write off real plants entirely,there are a couple of options. First, try a super easy plant (fiddle figs are not easy!). Pothos are nearly impossible to kill. Snake plants thrive on neglect. ZZ plants want almost nothing from you. These are just some of my favorite very low maintenance plants.
Another great idea is dried greenery. This is one of my decor secret weapons. Dried branches have incredible texture and warmth, they last indefinitely, and they look intentional in a way plastic plants rarely do. I have a whole post on How to Add Greenery Without Actual Plants – worth the read!
Knickknacks That Don’t Mean Anything
Another item I stopped buying are random knickknack decor items that don’t really mean anything. You know, those little decorative objects you pick up because they fill a shelf or were on sale or they looked cute in the store. I’ve learned that filling your home with objects that don’t have a story attached makes a space feel staged and not lived in.
Instead, I look for decorative objects that really mean something. Like something I’ve found on our walks, travels, or items my kids have made. Whether it’s their drawings, sculptures, or even just special rocks – these things make a big difference in not feeling cluttered and also tell a story!
Art I Bought Just to Fill a Wall
Once I changed how I bought artwork, my decorating changed dramatically. I used to buy art because I kind of liked it and then tried to find somewhere to put it. I’ve completely changed how I approach this. Now, I focus on what the wall or space needs and then look for art with a story that fits this requirement.
For example, if I’m working with a narrow wall, I’ll tell myself to keep an eye out for tall, vertical artwork (because that what would work in the space). Then when I’m thrifting, traveling, or just out and about and I come across something I love – I know exactly where it will go!
This means my walls are happier and I end up with less random artwork that is waiting for a home or just never quite right. No surprise, but this also has saved me a lot of money over time and I also feel much more connected to the pieces in my home. Thrifted artwork can be a gold mine, check out my other Thrifted Home Decor: Must Have Finds for more ideas.
Final Thoughts on Home Decor Items to Stop Buying
I hope this list of home decor items to stop buying helps make home decorating easier and helps create a home you love. I think that changing our perspective to stop just filling up our homes makes for a more comfortable space that shows who we are! And if you are looking for curated decor, check out my favorite Coffee Table Books and my Home Decor Styling Styling Essentials.
