4 min readEvery phase of adulthood comes with its own defining moments. You sign your first cellphone contract, get roasted on TikTok for your hairstyle, and maybe even start waking up early to exercise before work. Eventually, there’s also the moment you look around your home and think, "I've had three jobs since college. Should I still have things from my dorm room here?" According to interior designers, by the time you reach your thirties, certain items no longer have a place in your home.
“We can all get caught up by the passage of time and forget we are no longer the same person we were in college,” says Cheryl Clendenon, owner and lead designer at In Detail Design Collective. “We might want to consider presenting a more polished version of ourselves to our colleagues and guests in our home." But upgrading your space goes beyond simply looking more sophisticated.
“We also spend more time in our homes the older we get, whether alone or entertaining,” Clendenon continues. “And creating an environment where we feel safe and secure—and most importantly, happy—provides a stabilizing influence in an otherwise crazy world.” In other words, investing in a high-quality couch can absolutely count as retail therapy.
If budget is a concern, keep in mind that refreshing your decor doesn’t have to cost a fortune. “There are great finds on Facebook Marketplace, at flea markets, Etsy, Wayfair, and Chairish,” says designer Susie Novak. “Check those sites out first before jumping for the DIY particle board assembly pieces.”
It’s also worth asking yourself why you’re still holding onto certain belongings after so many years—especially if they no longer bring you joy. As Lindsie Davis, principal designer at Blueberry Jones Design, says, “If you are still hanging on to items that no longer serve you, don't be afraid to release them.” After all, growing up often means learning to let go. “Like people, homes grow and shift over time, and it’s important to fill your space with pieces that evoke beautiful memories, but also leave space to make new ones,” she continues.
Below are 10 outdated household items designers often notice people keeping well into their thirties.
Poster Art
If you're still hanging onto that dorm room poster of Starry Night or anything that features a liquor bottle, then consider this your sign to move on. “It’s time to take down the posters, even if framed, and slowly begin to assemble your own art collection,” Clendenon says. “It does not have to be expensive—simply meaningful to you.”
Poor-Quality Upholstery
Novak says that if poor-quality upholstery pieces, like a well-worn armchair from IKEA, are still in your main living space, they should probably go. “They are too flimsy and not good for looks or peace of mind,” Novak says. “Invest in a nicer piece from a retailer or buy a high-quality used piece from Chairish or something similar.”
A Mattress on the Floor
Do you still have your mattress on the floor? In this case, Clendenon says that it’s way past time to purchase a real bed frame and a comfortable bed. “You start and end your day in your bedroom, and as you get older, a luxurious bed and bedding can be a joyful sight at the end of the day,” she says. “It’s my recommendation as the first expensive ‘adulting’ purchase you make. And your back will thank you, too.”
Hand-Me-Down Plates, Silverware, and Serving Pieces
Davis points out that entertaining in our twenties is often defined by mismatched hand-me-downs. She says, “To elevate your hosting game, invest in a set of matching dinnerware and serveware—think beautiful pieces made to last. Add some cloth napkins and a set of candlesticks to the equation, and you'll be ready to entertain at the drop of a hat.”
White Particle Board Furniture
Any white particle board furniture, especially bookcases, simply screams dorm rooms and kids’ rooms, according to Novak. “Move on and get a quality bookcase and something in solid wood,” she advises.
A Futon in the Living Room
“Futons should not graduate from college along with you unless they hang around in the basement,” Clendenon says. “A good-quality sofa is the one piece of furniture you definitely want to invest in. Look for performance fabrics and cushions you can flip for the most longevity.”
Mismatched Storage
Novak doesn’t love multiple storage pieces in various finishes and sizes stacked along one wall, something that seems to represent those 20-something years. Instead, she recommends investing in a larger storage piece, decluttering, and considering custom storage as well.
Plastic Bathroom Accessories
Although practical, Davis says that plastic really shouldn’t be in a 30-something’s bathroom. She says, “It's time to replace disposable hand soap containers and plastic waste bins with more elevated alternatives. Also, make sure to invest in a matching towel set.”
Sheets as Curtains
Clendenon notes that sheets tacked up to cover any windows are definitely a no-no for anyone in their thirties. “Window treatments do not need to be expensive to dress the windows, but they often provide the finishing style elements to any room,” she says. “And what are the neighbors thinking from the outside? You are not fooling anyone. If budget is an issue, look for premade options that you can have a local seamstress customize to provide the right length.”
A Comforter Set
“If you're still hanging on to the comforter from a bag set, it's time to make a swap,” Davis says. “Quality bedding is essential to a good night's rest, so I recommend splurging on the best sheets you can afford. Along with sheets, invest in a great duvet, duvet cover, and, of course, a well-made mattress.”
