8 Kitchen Décor Items You Should Get Rid of ASAP, According to Experts

Kitchens should be functional and beautiful, yet many of us inadvertently consume valuable counter space with too much décor, even creating fire hazards. However, it can be difficult to spot these superfluous pieces—and even harder to part with them—unless you regularly (and thoughtfully) edit your kitchen's interior design elements.

Here, we spoke with design and organization experts to make the beautifying process easier. Read on to learn which décor items you should retire in your kitchen—and which to donate or rehome to a different room.

Big Baskets

Large baskets may seem like an easy catch-all for miscellaneous items, but they often do more harm than good in a kitchen.

“[They] almost always turn into a dumping ground for mail, keys, receipts, and kids' school papers,” says Olivia Parks, owner and lead organizer at Nola Organizers. “It can make the counters feel chaotic.”

Instead of a bulky basket, consider using a small, designated tray for essentials like keys and sunglasses. Or better yet, create a system that keeps mail and paperwork out of the kitchen entirely.

Giant Wall Clocks

Oversized wall clocks once added rustic charm to kitchens. Today, they look outdated, says Seymen Usta, interior design specialist at Seus Lighting. These large pieces can dominate a wall and even make a space feel visually heavy.

If you love the idea of displaying the time, consider scaling it back with a smaller, more minimalist clock—ideally one that matches the theme of your kitchen.

Candles By the Stove

Scented candles are wonderful, but placement matters, especially when it comes to the kitchen. “I often see scented candles sitting right by the stove," says Parks. "Between open flames, loose sleeves, and cooking oils, that’s an easy fire hazard.”

If you love lighting a candle while you cook, then choose a safe spot away from the stove, or switch to a flameless LED option.

Artificial Plants

A real plant can add freshness to a kitchen, but faux greenery has the opposite effect. Usta says that artificial plants can create an “old-fashioned space,” and make a kitchen feel staged.

Instead, replace your fake plants with low-maintenance greenery. Herbs like basil or rosemary thrive in sunny kitchens, and you can even enjoy the fruits of your labor with some delicious bruschetta or focaccia.

Excessive Counter Décor

If you want a timeless kitchen, minimalism is key. “I’d retire overdecorated countertops,” Parks says. “The styled look with trays, canisters for everything, and multiple little signs has been overdone. It photographs well, but in a working kitchen, it just adds noise and clutter.”

Her rule of thumb? Every item should serve a clear purpose. “My first red flag is any items that get in the way of how you use your kitchen,” she adds. “If a piece is taking up prep space, blocking a drawer, or making it harder to wipe down the counters, it’s not helping.” Keep only what you use daily, and store the rest.

Farmhouse Signage

A decade ago, word art and rustic signage were considered endearing touches. Today, they make your space feel dated. “Excessively trendy décor, including farmhouse signage and its aged-out finishes, is a cliché in the modern kitchen design,” Usta notes.

Instead of leaning into typography, let your materials do the talking. Natural wood tones, textured stone, or subtle metallics create warmth and character without spelling it out.

Hand Towels Near the Stove

A colorful kitchen towel might seem innocuous—but placement is key. “Fabrics such as drapes or decorative towels around stovetops could pose a real fire hazard,” Usta says.

Keep towels, potholders, and fabric curtains well away from burners. Instead, try storing them in a nearby drawer.

Unsealed Herb or Oil Jars

Displaying jars of infused oils or dried herbs seems like a fun choice, but if they’re not properly sealed, they can quickly become unsanitary. "[They] may become contaminated over time,” Usta explains.

Instead, store your oils in dark, airtight bottles away from sunlight. This will prevent spoiling.