7 Things That Make Your Home Look Tacky—and How to Fix Them ASAP

A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in. When everything feels overly polished or planned, spaces can start to feel more performative, rather than personal.

Below, we spoke to designers about the choices that make homes feel dated or forced—as well as some smarter ways to approach them.

Artificial Lawns

Designers say lawns that look overly manicured, patchy, or obviously artificial can quickly make an outdoor space feel off. “When a lawn looks overworked, it reads as disorganized and neglected,” says Johannes Hock, president of Artificial Grass Pros. “Bright, artificial greens or patchy grass take away from the rest of the landscape."

Instead: Aim for consistency and realism. If maintaining natural grass is a challenge, skip turf altogether and use gravel, ground cover, or well-mulched planting areas. Also consider a host of ever-charming and low-maintenance alternatives, such as clover or a tapestry lawn.

Symmetrical Throw Pillows

Having two identical pillows placed neatly on either side of a sofa is the safest—and most uninteresting—choice. This kind of strict symmetry can make a living room feel stiff and impersonal—more like a waiting room than a space meant to be lived in.

Instead: “You should instead consider an asymmetrical design,” says Mike Bowman, designer and furniture expert at Starfire Direct. “This gives your sofa the look of being professionally decorated, and is quite attractive.”

Visible Wires

Exposed cords can undermine even the most thoughtfully designed space. When power cables are left visible, they create instant visual clutter and pull focus away from the room.

“A jumble of black power cords draped under a TV or behind a desk ruins the aesthetic of a room,” says Bowman. “A room that’s perfectly designed and furnished will seem tacky if cords are snaking across the floor.”

Instead: Use cord sleeves that match the wall color, route cables along baseboards, and conceal power strips inside baskets or cabinets.

Word Décor

Literal word art may be popular, but designers say it often adds very little visual interest to a space, and can feel overly prescriptive.

“‘Eat,’ ‘Gather,’ or ‘Home’ signs are very popular, but they don’t have any aesthetic value,” says Bowman. “They tell you how to feel instead of letting you feel through the décor. Your home should tell a story through objects, not words.”

Instead: Swap word art for pieces that carry meaning without spelling it out, like a textile, a framed map of a place you love, or a distinctive mirror that adds character and depth.

Matching Wood Tones

Trying to match every wood finish in a room can flatten a space and make it feel overly manufactured, rather than thoughtfully layered.

“It’s a mistake to try to match your floor, your table, and your chairs to exactly the same oak or walnut color,” says Bowman. “[It] creates a flat look.”

Instead: Mix wood finishes to create contrast and depth. Pair a dark wood floor with a medium-toned table, or blend warm and cool woods to make the room feel curated.

Statues

While many people have a fondness for kitsch, oversized lawn or entryway décor, such as novelty statues, can quickly overwhelm and distract from the home. Designers say these elements often make your home feel cluttered or smaller than it actually is.

"Major lawn decorations and ridiculous statues distract a neat yard," says Hock. “Plastic flamingos or stone gnomes can make a space feel cramped.”

Instead:  Choose one substantial, intentional focal point. “Select a single, oversized, weathered sculpture or a minimalist basalt water feature that's at least 4 feet tall,” Hock says. “These pieces feel grounded, act as a true center of style, and make strong conversation points—without overwhelming.”

Tiny Accents

Shelves filled with too many decorative objects tend to blur together, making a space feel busy.

“Filling your shelves with small porcelain birds or tiny candles just leads to clutter,” says Bowman. “When you step back, you don’t see individual pieces—you just see clutter. Small objects simply don’t have enough visual weight to be noticed.”

Instead: Choose a few larger, sculptural pieces, such as a heavy bowl or a tall vase, and give them space to stand out. Fewer, more substantial objects create a cleaner look.