The Overused Home Decor That Might Be Aging Your Home

While there are some items that we automatically think of when it comes to adding personality to a room, some pieces can make your home feel like it's stuck in the past. One item that might be aging your space is fake plants in plastic containers. Silk flowers and plastic greenery were home staples from the 1920s to the 1990s, but instead of adding vintage glamour to your modern space, they just make it look outdated. While it makes sense to have fake flowers if you want to add a pop of color to your room that lacks natural light, or you simply don't have a green thumb, there are certainly some downsides to having them as part of your decor. 

Over the years, fake flowers have definitely improved in both quality and look. However, there are plenty of fake plants that look cheap, especially when they are in plain plastic containers. Fake plants that are overly shiny, or have a very uniform appearance, automatically make people realize that you don't have real plants in your home. Plus, over time, even the nicest fake florals can end up getting dirty and looking rundown. Having flowers that are covered in dirt and dust is not only bad for your aesthetic, but it makes your decor feel like it's stuck in the past. If you aren't ready to ditch your fauxliage, there are some things you can do to make your decorative flowers seem real, including trimming and shaping them as you would a real bouquet.  

A big thing to consider if you want to stick with fake flowers in your decor is the quality of the flowers. While you can always get your hands on inexpensive fake florals, the lack of quality will be what makes your space feel dated. Instead, you want to invest in plants that can fool anyone into thinking you got your greenery from a garden center. There are a number of places that offer these higher quality pieces, including Pottery Barn, Magnolia Market, and CB2, but you will have to spend some money to get florals that look real. 

If budget is an issue, there are easy and affordable ways to give fake plants a luxury upgrade. When picking your fake florals for your room, consider what they will be displayed in. The right planter or vase will change the look and feel of fake flowers, making them look better suited to a modern space. Consider using metal, ceramic, and even woven baskets for your fake florals to give them a more elevated look, instead of sticking with plastic in plastic. And don't forget about the filler. Using real preserved Spanish moss around the base of the plants will give them an authentic look. 

To avoid dating your home with fake flowers, a better option is to decorate your home with real plants. While they may be more work, they also add a touch of life and freshness to your space. When opting for potted plants, choose ones that you can handle that don't need as much attention. Even fresh cut flowers can be a nice decorative touch, and you can easily change them out to keep seasonal options coming in year round.