There’s a fine line between a beautifully accessorized room and feeling like junk mail, knickknacks, and wall art have completely taken over your entire home. If you want a stylish space, make sure you avoid these decor mistakes that might cause you to stray from the organisation you crave.

From: Country Living

1. CUTESY KITCHEN ACCESSORIES

We’re talking teapots, cookbooks, and juice glasses. There was a time when you thought they were so adorable, but go ahead — it’s OK to admit you never use ’em. “When too many of these items are put into a small space, you start to create more clutter than not,” says Amelia Meena, founder of Appleshine.

2. COUCH PILLOWS GALORE

It might make your sofa cosier, but Meena warns too many fluffy accessories can overwhelm a room. “Less is more when it comes to a small couch in a small space,” she says. To maintain an eclectic look, stick to two pillows of different sizes and colors instead.

3. OLD MEMENTOS

We’re not telling you to trash grandpa’s pocket watch, but you might want to reconsider items that aren’t as near and dear to your heart. “If it’s not precious, it’s not worth keeping ‘just in case,'” says Melissa Michaels, the blogger behind The Inspired Room. “Only keep what you really love or actually use on a regular basis.”

4. TOO MANY FLOATING SHELVES

“Using an extra shelf to store stacks of plates and spices is totally worth it, but don’t over do it,” warns Meena, who says people have a tendency to store too many bins and tools instead of getting rid of unnecessary items as needed.

5. DECORATIVE TABLE TRAYS

When used correctly, these containers are tools experts like Maeve Richmond, founder of Maeve’s Method, swear by. “They provide a target or ‘drop zone,'” she says. The only problem? If you aren’t quick to put away your piles of mail, clutter ends up being the focal point of your space.

6. STACKED BOOKS

Even though this stylish trend is taking over coffee tables and fireplace mantles everywhere, it also creates unnecessary piles throughout your home. And since you’re usually trying to get rid of miscellaneous stacks, why add more to the problem?

7. SHADOW BOX ART

In theory, Meena admits these seem like a great idea because they frame cute mementos and trinkets — but too much can lessen the appeal. “When grouped together without a cohesive theme, they just add clutter to the walls,” she says.

 

Originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com