Avoid these frequent mistakes to keep your home looking stylish12:18, 09 Jul 2026Creating a stunning home doesn't have to cost a fortune, yet some homeowners end up making décor choices that take away from the overall look of a space. Homes should always reflect your own style and personality, but there are certain choices that some interior designers like to avoid.‌Some choices are even branded as cheap and tacky. While trends come and go, they can make your home look tired and dated if you don't move on.‌An interior designer has highlighted three common mistakes she believes people should avoid. To create a stylish and polished home, make sure you don't fall foul of these choices.‌Sophia DeDomenico from Et Sal Interiors admitted: "I know tacky seems like a harsh word, but I am an interior designer and I have never seen anyone's home look good if they have these things. But don't worry, if you have these things in your house, I am here to help you upgrade."Fake plantsSophia explained in her @etsalinteriors TikTok video that faux plants can "look great for a moment in a picture," but they "look bad" in real homes with real lighting. Instead, the expert recommended using some easy-to-care-for plants if you are after a green, natural look in your home.‌She said they are easy to grow indoors and require minimal watering. Sophia's picks include spider plants, snake plants, peace lily, English ivy, Jade plant and Devil's ivy."The benefit of plant springs is not only looks aesthetically beautiful, it also scrubs your air and brings in more oxygen," Sophia added.Word signs‌Her next design error is having word art in your home. Sophia explained: "Word signs are placeholders. They are something you put on the wall because you have a space and you just want something to fill it."Instead, she recommends using art instead. Sophia urged homeowners to select art they really like so it reflects their taste and who they are.She said: "Art is super personal and specific to everyone's taste, but it is also a reflection of you. So, if you're living there, put something in you that you like, and it's a conversation starter.‌"It could even be some kid's art, or some family photos, or a map of someplace you have travelled. Just something extremely personal to you."Sophia urged: "When you go to fill your walls you don't want placeholders, you want personality."Content cannot be displayed without consentArticle continues belowAccent wallsIt can be tempting to make just one wall in a room the focal point through the likes of paint, wallpaper or panelling. However, Sophia said: "It just makes one side of your room feel extremely heavy and complete, while the rest feels unfinished."If you still like the idea of having an accent wall, Sophia recommended "getting creative with placement". This includes putting paint on the remaining walls or ceiling, or finishing the room with furniture pieces that are appropriate size to balance a textured accent wall.