Having a grown-up living space is essential for creating a comfortable and inviting home that reflects your current stage of life. A mature and well-designed space can positively impact your well-being, productivity, and social life.
So you’re in your 30s and your house still feels like it belongs to a college student. Many of us have been there. When you’re in school, or just starting in the workforce it can be tough to afford furniture and décor, so most of us tend to fill our spaces with hand-me-downs and random fun things we can find for cheap.
And that’s great when you’re young, but as we grow up the things that were fun and cute a few years ago start to look kitschy and immature. If you want your home to look like it belongs to a grownup it’s time to eliminate these 5 items.
5 Things That Don’t Belong in Your Bedroom
Childhood Stuffed Animals
We know, your precious stuffie has been with you since childhood, or your high school sweetheart won it for you at a carnival when you were 16.
We know it makes you happy and you don’t want to part with it. But if you want your house to look like it belongs to an adult the stuffies have to go. Remove stuffed animals from your home. Donate them to children who will appreciate them. It’s tough, but no one said growing up was easy.
Cheap, Uncomfortable Futons
Nothing says “a student lives here” like a futon. Yes they’re practical for places where you need furniture to do double duty, but as a general rule they’re not the most comfortable or stylish. Futons tend to have a cheap look about them that can be hard to mask.
Once you’re in your 30s it’s time to upgrade to something a little more grownup. Replace futons with more stylish and comfortable furniture suitable for adults. Consider investing in a sleeper sofa, a daybed, or a high-quality convertible couch that offers both style and functionality. Your home will thank you for it.
Year-Round Indoor String Lights
White twinkle lights are lovely outside at any time of year, or inside around the holidays, but inside all year round? Not so much.
Sure occasionally you’ll see a room where twinkle lights are used in a unique or stylish way, but generally speaking strings of lights inside look very “college student”.
Avoid using strings of lights indoors year-round, as they appear immature. Reserve them for outdoor use or holiday décor.
However, if you love the cozy ambiance created by string lights, consider using them sparingly in specific areas, such as a reading nook or as a temporary decoration for a special event.
Curled, Unframed Movie Posters
Some movie posters are really fantastic works of art, and they can be great collectors items, but if you’re going to hang them in your home please make sure to have them framed.
Unframed movie posters with the edges curling up look cheap and messy and don’t do your room any favors. Custom framing is an option (albeit an expensive one), or you can pick up some simple frames at a big box store.
Frame your movie posters to prevent them from looking cheap and messy. Use simple frames to avoid detracting from the poster’s image.
Alternatively, consider showcasing your love for movies with framed vintage movie posters or minimalist movie-inspired art prints.
Wine Bottle Candle Holders
Entertaining by candlelight is always lovely. The light is flattering for everyone and it creates a great atmosphere, but if you’re going to do it, do it right – invest in some nice candle holders. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be actual candle holders. Empty wine bottles do not count.
Sure, taper candles fit perfectly in them, but don’t kid yourself, they look cheap and messy. Invest in proper candleholders instead of using empty wine bottles, which look cheap and untidy.
In conclusion, updating your living space to reflect your current stage of life is an important step in creating a comfortable and inviting home.
By removing items that feel outdated or immature and investing in quality, stylish pieces, you can transform your space into a grown-up haven that you’ll be proud to call home.
Remember, these changes can be made gradually, so start small and enjoy the process of creating a space that truly reflects who you are now.
