Adulthood comes with its own strange rites of passage. There's the first time you sign your own cellphone contract, the first time you realize someone younger than you is making fun of your haircut on Tiktok, and the first time set your alarm to exercise before work—and then actually do it.
Then there's the moment you look around your home and think "wait, I've had three jobs since college. Should I really hang on to stuff that was in my dorm room?" In fact, interior designers all agree that there are some items that thirty-somethings shouldn’t have in their homes. “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."
And upgrading to a more adult design scheme isn't just about making a good impression. "We also spend more time in our homes the older we get, whether alone or entertaining," says Clendenon. "And creating an environment where we feel safe and secure—and most importantly, happy—provides a stabilizing influence in an otherwise crazy world.” (Let us interpret that for you: Yes, a new couch might be almost as good as therapy.)
If you're concerned about the price tag associated with replacing your more youthful pieces, Susie Novak, founder and principal designer at Susie Novak Interiors, points out that you don’t need to spend a fortune on quality pieces. “There are great finds on Facebook Marketplace, at flea markets, Etsy, Wayfair, and Chairish,” she says. “Check those sites out first before jumping for the DIY particle board assembly pieces.”
Ultimately, growing up is often about letting go. “If you are still hanging on to items that no longer serve you, don't be afraid to release them,” says Lindsie Davis, principal designer at Blueberry Jones Design. “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.”
Here are the 10 items designers see people hang on to for far too long.
Poster Art
If you're still hanging onto that dorm room poster of Starry Night or (god forbid) 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 Pieces
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.”
Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard
Zinus 10 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Hand-Me-Down Plates, Silverware & 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 scream 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 is 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.”
Bag Set Comforter
“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.”
Serena & Lily Portofino Linen Pillowcases (Set of 2)
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
