Simplify – 5 Items to Turf – Right Now!

So many of us get stuck in a design rut. When you have been looking at something for years, you start to forget it’s even there. So it is only too easy to let dated items live in your house. While what is dated and what isn’t is definitely a personal choice, here are my top picks for things to get rid of – ASAP:

~ 1 – Matching bathroom accessories ~
Especially if they are floral or plastic! The matching look will date your bathroom like a spiral perm. I prefere minimal, clean lines for these essential items. I have a plain glass for drinking, a stainless steel cup for toothbrushes and a lucite tissue box. All of these are sturdy and easy to clean. Here is an classic soap dispenser from Pottery Barn:

Classic Glass Soap Dispenser from Pottery Barn

~ 2 – Potpourri ~

No Potpourri!

There are much better ways to scent your home! I not only is potpourri not effective but it is a dust magnet. The same goes for dried flowers. Turf the lot and be done with it!

~ 3 – Word Art ~

There has been a huge trend for poems, sayings and plain old words used as art for the last few years. I personally think it’s pretty dated. You want to be able to relax in your bedroom without a huge sign telling you to do so. If it’s a vinyl stick-on remove it, a hanging picture – replace it! I don’t want to read your walls and I don’t think anyone else does either. However, if you have old vintage signs or letters I will give you a pass on this one.

~ 4 – Food Themed Art or Liquor Posters ~

Say No to Cinzano...on your walls

I, for one, am tired of seeing kitchens with photos or paintings of tomatoes, coffee, wine etc. Once again, I am in the kitchen for a reason but looking at a tomatoe does not inspire me to be more chef-ly. These are so common right now and I really think they bring an otherwise amazing kitchen down a notch. If you truly have a need for art in the kitchen, it does not have to be food themed!

~ 5 – Polyester-fill pillow inserts ~

This one isn’t really about looks but more about comfort. These are on my hit list mostly because the cheapy ones lose their shape so easily. A cushion should be cushion-y not kind of flat, or even worse, lumpy! Ikea makes great feather pillow inserts for cheap (like Fjadrar for example). They really will make your throw cushions look all that much better.

Making your home the best it can be is an ongoing battle. Keeping the dated items out in one of the best ways to ensure your home stays fresh and current.