Carolin Chytrek

March 13, 2026, 9:55 am | Read time: 4 minutes

1. Too Many Decorative Items

Less is sometimes more—this also applies to interior design. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to implement in practice. The longer we live in a place, the more personal items accumulate over time. When new home accessories from different collections are constantly added, the overall look loses its coherence. It’s time for a reality check to identify the “sources of chaos.” Many small items—especially on windowsills, open shelves, or sideboards—rarely look curated and instead seem randomly thrown together. It feels less like standing before a beautiful collection and more like facing a big mess.

Tip: You can prevent an overwhelming feeling with simple rules. Always arrange items in groups, preferably in odd numbers. This simple design hack immediately creates more visual calm. Additionally, personal agreements can help prevent overload. For example, for every new decorative item purchased, another must go. Large individual pieces also appear much calmer and of higher quality than many small miniatures.

2. Cable Clutter

Whether by the TV, on the kitchen counter, or by the bed: Nothing looks more unprofessional and cluttered than exposed charging cables and power strips. Cable clutter disrupts the aesthetics and unintentionally draws attention. Even the most high-quality design automatically fades into the background.

Tip: Using cable channels on the wall can discreetly hide unsightly power cables. Furniture with integrated cable management (such as TV cabinets) can also solve the problem and create a cleaner look. If power strips need to be accessible because cables are constantly being plugged in and out, special cable boxes with lids can provide a stylish solution. Designated charging spots within your home can also prevent phones and other devices from being plugged into every available outlet.

3. Visible Packaging

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Why do hotel bathrooms often look clean and stylish? Because the shower and sink aren’t overloaded with different shampoos, soaps, and shower gels. The many splashes of color and designs on the bottles create visual chaos and appear cluttered. The same goes for spices on the kitchen counter or in the kitchen cabinet.

Tip: To instantly create a high-quality look, liquids, spices, and other items that are visible and not hidden in a cabinet can be transferred into simple dispensers or jars. Uniform containers provide a calm and professional feel.

More on the topic

By Interior Designer 10 Ideas for More Storage Space in the Hallway

End the Chaos Finally, Organize Your Closet! 8 Clever Tips and Tricks

4. Inconsistent Textiles

Textiles like pillows, blankets, or rugs add coziness and break up the clean room image with color and texture. However, if the selection is too colorful, inconsistent, and varied in material, it creates a look that doesn’t exactly exude harmony. Color and material mixes are allowed, but only in moderation and in a way that creates a cohesive image.

Tip: A clear color palette can help avoid going overboard with shades. Textures should be consciously combined, such as linen, wool, and cotton in coordinated tones.

5. Everyday Items Lying Around

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Keys, sunglasses, shoes, bags, jewelry—the list of accessories and functional items we use daily is long. If everything is scattered around the apartment without a plan, chaos ensues. Small items add up and take away the room’s clarity. Especially the amount of clothing items like jackets, scarves, and hats often makes narrow hallways look dark and cluttered in the colder months.

Tip: A small tray in the entryway, a box on the sideboard, or a dish on the coffee table—to avoid misplacing things, define and highlight specific spots. Accessories like hats and scarves can be placed in a large basket by the coat rack, and unnecessary jackets can disappear into the closet. For shoes, a shoe cabinet or a small dresser with compartments is suitable.