Your Themed Decor May Be Making Guests Feel Uncomfortable. Here's Why

Grandma may adore the chicken wallpaper, rooster figurines, poultry-themed hand towels, and shelves lined with barnyard fowl memorabilia, but let's face it: This overly-themed setup is a bit tacky. While many of us may not take our design theming to the same extreme, designers caution homeowners from getting too wrapped up in a certain motif when it comes to their interiors. For example, maybe you adore '70s retro vibes, but going all-out with kitschy disco balls, psychedelic wallpaper, or an excess of beaded curtains can make your design feel overwhelming. And frankly, it doesn't make guests feel relaxed and comforted in your space. The occasional subtle nod to a certain aesthetic or theme can give you home loads of charm and character. However, it's important not to go overboard.

Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio spoke to Good Housekeeping about over-theming your home. She said, "Whether it's nautical everything for a beach house or farmhouse overload in a suburban home, these items can feel forced." As a result, overly themed decor can feel impersonal. Rather than providing a quirky, lived-in aesthetic, it feels more like a party space. To avoid this artificial look, designers suggest homeowners design their spaces based on a concept instead of a theme for a timeless look. For example, instead of being literal in your design elements, use other facets of interior design like color, texture, or statement pieces to convey your idea.

There are a few clever ways to make sure your themed rooms never go out of style, and one is to focus on timeless, abstract decor rather than obvious cliches. Instead of adding literal interpretations of a theme, designers suggest utilizing subtle nods to the theme of your choosing. For instance, if you want a modern nautical theme that won't make your space look cheesy, instead of being literal in your nautical design with cluttered shelves of seashells and sailboats, experts encourage homeowners to nail the beach vibe via color palette. This could look like using washed-out blues, sandy tans, and rustic whites for a seaside look. And, it's a much more subtle approach that can express the concept of your beach aesthetic without feeling themed.

Utilizing texture can also help aid in a themed space that doesn't feel overwhelming. For example, opting for a wool throw blanket or an animal-skin rug in a rustic design can go a long way. Additionally, experts suggest avoiding over-commitment by implementing themed decor pieces that are easy to swap out instead of going with permanent fixtures. Instead of a bust wallpaper in a cottage aesthetic, utilize patterned accent pillows or curtains to achieve your look. Additionally, choosing intentional decor pieces that tell a story or which you collect over time will offer more personality than kitschy themed objects purchased at a store.