Nine Items an Experienced Interior Designer Would Avoid in His Home

Decorating a home involves not just selecting what to include, but also discerning what to leave out.

To shed light on this, Business Insider reached out to Vicente Wolf, a seasoned interior designer with over four decades in the industry, to discuss elements he would personally never incorporate into his living space.

Rethink Small Coffee Tables

Wolf explains that smaller coffee tables often lack practicality, depriving the space of necessary surfaces for placing items or resting feet.

He stresses the importance of having a substantial coffee table, especially if alternative flat surfaces are sparse around the room.

Say No to Artificial Plants

According to Wolf, artificial plants can appear dull and stagnant, lacking the dynamic beauty of real foliage.

He emphasizes the vitality brought by live plants, which align with feng shui principles that advocate for natural life in interiors.

Avoid the Glare of Fluorescent Lighting

Wolf advises against using fluorescent lighting due to its harshness, which can unflatteringly affect both the ambiance and the colors in the decor.

Steer Clear of Matching Bedroom Sets

While buying matching furniture sets may seem easy, Wolf believes they lack creativity and can make a space feel outdated.

He suggests opting for coordinating pieces that complement each other for a more modern and intriguing look.

Skip Short Curtains

Wolf finds drapes that don’t reach the floor akin to ill-fitting clothing, advising they should at least touch or gracefully ‘puddle’ slightly on the ground.

Replace Disposable Napkins with Cloth

While paper napkins offer convenience, Wolf recommends cloth alternatives for a touch of elegance in both daily use and guest events.

Good quality cotton napkins provide an improved dining experience with better absorbency.

Choose Unique Art Over Mass-Produced Pieces

Mass-produced art misses the mark when it comes to sophistication, per Wolf, who sees it as a lost chance to inject personal expression into home decor.

He encourages finding original art in thrift stores or framing personal photographs to create distinctive settings.

Opt for Authentic Fireplaces

Wolf criticizes fake fireplaces and electric inserts for falling short of the authentic warmth and aesthetic of a real wood-burning counterpart.

While gas fireplaces are passable, nothing beats the experience of a genuine log fire.

Dodge Branded Furniture

Wolf disapproves of prominently branded furniture, finding it distastefully commercial and refusing to give companies free exposure in his home.