10 Things That Are Making Your Home Look Messier, According to Interior Designers

From choosing the perfect color palette to selecting beautiful décor and furnishings, it takes time to curate a home you're happy with. But if you've put in the work and still feel like there are areas of your home that don't align with your vision, you may be making some common mistakes that are contributing to this feeling. Something as subtle as a stray wire from your TV or just one too many frames on the wall can take a room from stylish to cluttered.

Even if your aesthetic is eclectic or maximalist, there are things you may be doing that make your home look unpolished. To help you avoid these common pitfalls, we spoke to interior designers who shared a few things that make your home look messier.

Too Many Prints and Patterns

While prints and patterns are a great way to bring personality into your space, having too many can visually overwhelm the space. "To prevent this, aim to reduce the number of prints and choose cohesive patterns that harmonize," says Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo. "Integrate solid colors and textures to offset the prints."

Leaving Wires and Cords on Display

While it can sometimes be hard to avoid, leaving cords and bulky power strips on display can throw off the final look of a design. Laura Tribbett, principal and founder of Outline Interiors says the best way to avoid this is to plan ahead. "Once you realize it's a problem, it can be too late to remedy. Installing floor outlets under desks, ensuring you have wall outlets at proper heights next to the bed, or even sourcing furniture with integrated power will set you up for success," she says.

Not Having a Home for Your Belongings

Items without a designated home can create a cluttered look. "To mitigate this, establish specific storage areas for various items and ensure they are returned to their rightful place after use," says Lerner. "Investing in storage solutions like baskets, bins, shelves, and drawers can aid in maintaining organization and tidiness."

Too Many Pillows

Pillows add comfort and style to couches, chairs, and beds, but an excess can overwhelm seating areas. "Opt for a balanced arrangement with a few well-chosen pillows that complement your decor without overcrowding," says says Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair.

Over-Styling Your Shelves

Styling your shelves with personal mementos, vintage treasures, and more can give your home an eclectic aesthetic—but don't overdo it. Overloading shelves with too many items can make a space look busy. "To avoid this, curate your shelf décor by incorporating a mix of meaningful objects and leaving enough space for each item to shine,"

Not Making the Bed Properly

Making your bed in the morning doesn't just start your day off on the right foot—it also gives your room a more polished appearance. "An unmade bed can instantly give a room a messy look, even if the rest of the space is orderly," says Lerner. "To avoid this issue, make bed-making a daily morning routine. It takes just a few minutes but can notably enhance the overall appearance of your bedroom."

But going a step beyond just making your bed—and making it better—will allow it to harmonize with your décor. Think: adding a bed skirt, employing crisp hospital corners, and thoughtfully arranging throw pillows.

Busy Entryways

Your entryway can set the tone for the entire home, so it's best to take a less-is-more approach in this space. "Streamline your entryway by incorporating functional storage solutions like hooks, baskets, and benches to keep belongings tidy and accessible," says Kelly.

Crowded Countertops

It's easy to leave your most-used appliances and pantry staples out on your countertops for easy access, but this can make your kitchen look messy and eliminate space for meal prep. To avoid this, think about which appliances truly need to be on the countertop and which can be stored in an accessible way. "Appliance garages, concealed coffee station roll-outs, and magic corner cabinets are our basic recipe for minimizing countertop clutter," says Tribbett.

Too Much Wall Art

Wall art is a great way to make a space feel more complete, but don't be afraid to leave some blank space here and there. "A wall covered in too much art can feel overwhelming," says Kelly. "Create visual balance by spacing out artwork and choosing pieces that complement each other and the surrounding décor."

Excessive Furniture

Consider the size and layout of the room you are styling before filling it with furniture. "Overcrowding a room with excess furniture can make it feel cramped and chaotic," says Kelly. "Edit your pieces to essential ones that serve a purpose and allow for easy movement throughout the space."