Interior designer Sophia DeDomenico from Et Sal Interiors has shared three common home decor mistakes that can make a space look cheap and tacky. In a TikTok video on her @etsalinteriors account, she identified artificial plants, word signs, and accent walls as features to avoid for a more refined home.
Fake Plants: Aesthetic in Photos, Not in Reality
DeDomenico said that while artificial plants may look great in pictures, they often appear bad in real homes with natural lighting. She recommends opting for low-maintenance real plants such as spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, English ivy, jade plants, and devil's ivy. These not only add a green, organic aesthetic but also improve air quality by scrubbing the air and increasing oxygen levels.
Word Signs: Placeholders, Not Personality
The designer called word art on walls a placeholder—something used to fill empty space rather than express personal style. She encourages homeowners to choose artwork that resonates with them, such as children's art, family photos, or maps of places traveled. “When you go to fill your walls, you don't want placeholders, you want personality,” she said.
Accent Walls: Unbalanced and Unfinished
DeDomenico warned that painting, wallpapering, or paneling a single accent wall can make that side of the room feel heavy and complete while the rest feels unfinished. For those who still want an accent wall, she suggests getting creative with placement—for example, extending paint to other walls or the ceiling, or balancing the room with appropriately sized furniture.
