What Rich People Never Have in Their Homes, From an Interior Designer

gautamnaidu2020@gmail.com4 weeks ago

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What Rich People Never Have in Their Homes, From an Interior Designer

2025-07-08T13:58:01Z

I’m an interior designer who works with both wealthy and everyday clients.
However, I’ve noticed a few things my wealthy clients rarely have in their homes.
Overly trendy decor, low-quality hardware, and fake plants can all make a space feel less high-end.

As an interior designer who works with both high-profile and everyday clients, I know creating a home that feels luxurious doesn’t always require a hefty budget. Instead, it’s often about avoiding common decorations and designs that can cheapen your space.

That said, there are a few things I’ve noticed wealthy clients rarely have in their homes. If you want your home to feel high-end, you might want to avoid them, too.

Overly trendy decor can make a space feel dated.

Living room with a gray shiplap wall, a desk, and a gray couch with patterned pillows. — Trendy designs like shiplap should be used sparingly.

imaginima/Getty Images

An expensive-looking home prioritizes timeless, simple elements like neutral color palettes, classic furniture shapes, and enduring materials like wood, marble, or leather.

Trendy designs and decor, however, can quickly make a space feel outdated. These types of items are best used sparingly as accents, making them easy to swap out as styles evolve.

Clutter is a big no no.

A cluttered bookshelf with books, children's toys, and trinkets. — It’s best to keep clutter concealed.

eleonora galli/Getty Images

Clutter can diminish the clean, open feel that defines a luxurious home.

To mitigate this, I recommend keeping surfaces like coffee tables, countertops, and shelves intentionally styled with a few high-quality pieces like statement vases, sculptural accents, or a selection of curated books. This creates a refined, curated aesthetic without feeling overwhelming.

Low-quality fake plants can distract from even the most beautiful designs.

Three artificial green plants on a white shelf on a light pink wall. — It’s best to skip the cheap-looking faux plants.

Andrey Sayfutdinov/Getty Images

Cheap, artificial plants can detract from an otherwise polished design. Instead, I suggest elevating your space with fresh greenery or high-quality faux plants that closely mimic the real thing.

Low-maintenance options like olive trees or fiddle-leaf figs are excellent for those with busy schedules. And if you do choose to use a faux option, be sure to dust it regularly.

Mass-produced art pieces can feel a bit cold.

Three paintings on a gray wall in a living room with a gray couch. — Generic prints can make a space feel impersonal.

Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Art makes a statement, but in my opinion, mass-produced or generic prints can make a home feel impersonal.

Instead, opt for unique pieces that resonate with you, whether they’re original works, limited editions, or even family photos in high-quality frames. You can even find beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces at antique markets or on Etsy.

Poor quality or outdated hardware can negatively affect the home’s aesthetic.

A kitchen with white cabinets and simple silver hardware. — Generic hardware can make a space feel boring.

Joe Hendrickson/Getty Images

Small details like cabinet handles and drawer pulls can dramatically affect the look of a home. That’s why I recommend replacing outdated or generic hardware with high-quality options like polished nickel, brass, or matte black.

Some of my favorite places to buy high-quality hardware are CB2, Rejuvenation, and Anthropology. Etsy is also great for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

These small upgrades can make even budget-friendly furniture and cabinets look custom-made.

Messy cords and exposed wires can make even the most well-designed space look cluttered.

Two chunky cords plugged into an outlet on a green wall. — Exposed cords can make a home feel less sophisticated.

Beth Bachelor/Getty Images

There’s nothing worse than walking into a beautiful space and seeing messy cords everywhere. Keeping technology concealed maintains a clean, streamlined look that enhances the overall sophistication of your home.

I recommend using cable management solutions, hiding wires in walls, or choosing furniture with built-in cord storage.

Poorly measured and low-quality window treatments are major faux pas.

Short, thin, blue curtains on a window. — Low-quality window treatments can cheapen the look of a space.

Owaki/Kulla/Getty Images

Windows are a natural focal point in any room, and low-quality treatments or poorly measured drapes can detract from your home’s overall aesthetic.

However, thoughtfully chosen window treatments can transform and enhance your home’s look and feel. I recommend investing in custom options tailored precisely to your windows, such as drapes, Roman shades, or shutters.

Fabrics like linen or velvet are my favorites, and I love layering sheer panels with blackout curtains to achieve a perfect balance of style and functionality.