6 Home 'Upgrades' That Will Make Your Space Look Tacky—and How to Fix Them Not every aesthetic will work for your home. Close Credit: Getty Images Not every home “upgrade” elevates your space. Some add visual noise, cheapen architectural details, and look dated as soon as a trend cycle starts to shift. The biggest red flag? Decorating for aesthetics alone rather than considering how you actually live in a space. “The real goal is to create a space you truly love, not to chase fleeting trends or gimmicks,” says designer Jasmin Reese. Below, some of the upgrades that the pros say to skip—from glitter finishes to themed décor—and how they recommend decorating instead. Jasmin Reese, founder and creative director of Jasmin Reese Interiors Rick Berres, contractor and founder of Honey-Doers Remodeling 5 Kitchen Upgrades That Are Worth the Investment—and 3 That Aren't Overly Ornate or Themed Décor Credit: Getty Images Décor that feels overly ornate or themed instantly dates a space. “It can come off as forced instead of inspired,” says Reese. When pieces feel kitschy or predictable, the room loses its emotional depth. Examples include coastal shell mirrors in a city home, Eiffel Tower lamps, or farmhouse signs. The fix: Aim for pieces that feel collected over time. Artwork, objects, and textures should reflect you, not a theme. This approach will give your home more soul. I'm a Professional Thrift Shopper—These Are the Holiday Decorations I Always Buy Secondhand Mass-Produced Statement Pieces High-shine finishes and put-together statement pieces often have the opposite effect of what homeowners intend. “Be wary of instant luxury upgrades, like metallic finishes, or mass-produced statement pieces,” says Reese. These will create glare, rather than atmosphere. The fix: Reese suggests introducing vintage: “I love integrating these pieces into the spaces I design, as it creates character.” Glittery Accents Rick Berres, contractor and founder of Honey-Doers Remodeling, says that glitter is one of the fastest ways to make a home look tacky. “Think backsplashes with a shimmer effect paired with glitter curtains and more sparkly items sprinkled throughout the house," he says. "It’s not an upgrade, it’s an overload.” The fix: Stick to tactile, contrasting finishes, like textures that catch the light naturally. Save the sparkle for the smallest possible dose. Don't Miss 7 Paint Colors That Will Instantly Make Your Home Look Tacky—and What to Use Instead 8 Things That Make Your Kitchen Look Tacky, According to Interior Designers Gold Hardware Credit: Getty Images Warm metals are popular, but they’re often used without restraint. “Gold is rarely the ideal choice for anything,” says Berres. “I see people installing matching gold hardware everywhere, and calling it an upgrade. It’s not—it looks like you just came into money, and you wanted gold everywhere.” The fix: Mix metals, or choose finishes that complement your home’s architecture. Bright Marble Veining Some homeowners choose marble with dramatic gold or colorful veins and believe that it will feel luxurious. Unfortunately, it rarely does: “The result is almost universally tacky," says Berres. The fix: Marble is already a statement in your home. Subtle, natural patterns age far more gracefully. Are Marble Countertops Officially Out of Style? Interior Designers Weigh In Decorative Built-Ins Built-ins are only upgrades when they’re thoughtful. “A beautiful space should always feel livable and functional,” says Reese. Built-ins designed for Pinterest, not your daily routine, will quickly look dated and feel useless. The fix: Skip the trendy alcoves or faux-library walls, and invest in custom pieces that actually enhance how you live. Explore more: Home Home Design & Decor