COUPLES will be looking for fun things to do or gorgeous places to visit as they celebrate the most romantic day of the year.
But sometimes a classic dinner and movie night at home can be the perfect way to show someone how much they mean to you on Valentine’s Day.
But did you know that your home decor style could actually be an unexpected deal-breaker that might be killing the romance?
The way you style your home says a lot about your personality – it reflects who you are and the things you pay attention to.
And you might not realise it, but it can make or break a first impression when you invite a new date over to your place.
For example, a new partner might be turned off if they walk into a home filled with lifeless houseplants that scream ‘neglect’.
Or they might think the clashing bathroom sets suggest a complete lack of attention to detail.
With the big day just around the corner, an interior expert has shared the home decor blunders that could send your date running for the hills.
Zara O’Hare, an expert at Land of Rugs, revealed that there are seven common mistakes that could be a major turn-off.
So before you invite a new date over to your home, you might want to make sure you’re not committing any of these common decor faux pas.
1. Bare walls
One of the most common home decor choices that could send your date running for the hills is having bare walls.
This is because it says nothing about you or about the type of person you are and can make your home feel lifeless.
It could also give off the impression that you either lack personality or don’t care enough to make your space inviting.
Zara suggests: “Instead, use your walls as a canvas to showcase your interests.
“Whether it’s framed vinyl records, travel photos, movie posters, or abstract artwork, injecting a bit of ‘you’ into your decor will not only make your space more visually appealing but also spark interesting conversation”.
2. Ignoring the details
You might think that having mismatched furniture and chaotic decor could be considered quirky.
However, Zara said this is not likely to be how your date thinks it looks.
She revealed that this can make a space feel disorganised and disjointed, which is hardly the vibe you want to give off on a romantic evening.
She explains: “While there’s no need for a perfectly curated, Pinterest-worthy aesthetic, taking the time to coordinate small details, such as matching bathroom sets or stylish storage solutions, can give the impression that you’re thoughtful and pay attention to the little things (which, let’s be honest, is a pretty attractive trait).”
3. No full-length mirror? Big mistake
You might not realise it, but having a full-length mirror in your home can actually be seen as essential.
Not only is it a practical necessity, but it also speaks volumes about your personality.
It suggests that you take pride in your appearance and put effort into presenting yourself well.
The expert says: “If your date notices you don’t own one, they might start wondering whether you even checked your outfit before heading out the door.
“If space is an issue, consider an over-the-door mirror or a sleek wall-mounted option to make sure you’re always looking your best before stepping out.”
4. Your living room doubling as an office
So many of us are working from home now after Covid, and it’s easy to let the boundaries between work and personal life blur.
And since most of us don’t have many spare rooms to turn into a home office, it’s common that we end up working from our living rooms.
But if your date sees the space overrun with laptops, cables, and office chairs, they might assume you struggle to switch off.
Zara suggests: “If you don’t have a separate home office, make an effort to pack away your work essentials when the day is done.
“A stylish storage box or room divider can help create a clearer distinction between work and relaxation, ensuring your home feels inviting rather than resembling a 24/7 workspace.”
5. Harsh or unflattering lighting
Lighting can make or break the ambience of your home, experts have revealed.
Bright overhead lights can feel clinical and unwelcoming, while overly dim lighting might make your date feel like they’ve stepped into a gloomy basement.
She explained: “Opt for warm, soft lighting with layered sources such as floor lamps, fairy lights, or candles to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
‘A well-lit space with thoughtful lighting choices shows that you understand how to set the mood, whether for romance or relaxation.”
6. An overwhelming amount of clutter
Every home has an element of clutter.
It’s almost impossible for a lived-in home to be completely devoid of all clutter in every room.
However, if your space is drowning in clutter, it can be a major turn-off.
This includes having piles of laundry, unwashed dishes, or an avalanche of random items on every surface.
This is because it can make your space feel stressful rather than welcoming.
Zara explains: “A quick declutter before your date arrives can work wonders.
“Hide the unnecessary mess in stylish storage solutions or simply ensure that key areas like the living room and bathroom are neat and tidy.
“A clean and organised space suggests you have your life together and care about making a good impression.”
Trends interior designers hate
IF you want to ensure that your home looks glam, here are the trends that interior designers can't stand.
NO YELLOW: According to Bilal Rehman, yellow paint in a bedroom is a big no no.
He said: “If you want everyone to know you’re a horse girl then yellow is perfect for you.”
SIGN OFF: Kelly Hoppen shared her honest thoughts on Live, Love, Laugh signs.
The interior pro explained: “Another gripe of mine – Live, Laugh, Love – those kinds of wooden things that sit on book shelves and floating shelves, that’s so 10, 12, 15 years ago.”
NO GREY YAY: Julie Provenzano explained that grey interiors have been overdone.
She stressed: “We took a good thing and we overdid it to the point that it now feels copy, paste, basic.”
7. Houseplants that have seen better days
Homes that have some houseplants can be a green flag when you have a date over.
It signals that you’re nurturing, responsible, and capable of looking after something other than yourself.
However, if you start to neglect them or they start looking shabby, then this can have the opposite effect.
The experts say: “A collection of dried-out, wilting plants could give the impression that you struggle with commitment or worse, that you simply don’t care.
“If keeping plants alive isn’t your forte, opt for realistic faux greenery to add warmth to your space.
“Or at the very least, dispose of any lifeless leaves before your date arrives.”
