Things an Interior Designer of 40+ Years Would Never Have in His Home

When designing your space, deciding what not to bring into your home can be just as important as choosing which pieces to buy.  

So, Business Insider asked Vicente Wolf, an interior designer with over 40 years of experience and principal designer of Vicente Wolf Associates, to share a few things he’d never have in his own space.

Here’s what he said.

Coffee tables serve a real purpose in homes, so Wolf avoids small ones

“Coffee tables offer people a place to put things down — even your feet, should you choose to,” he told BI.

A generously sized coffee table is especially necessary if you don’t have end tables or other flat surfaces conveniently located nearby, Wolf added.

Plastic plants can be drab and have the same stale look year-round

Wolf avoids faux plants in his home designs as they can be lifeless and unchanging. They also don’t hold a candle to living ones.

“There is a joy in seeing things grow,” he added.

Plus, based on the ancient practice of feng shui, which focuses on harmony and balance in a space, every room should include something living. 

Fluorescent lights can be too harsh and unflattering

Wolf avoids using fluorescent bulbs in his home because they’re not very flattering in spaces or against skin tones.

“They are way too harsh for the eyes, and wreak havoc on the colors in the decor,” he said.

Wolf recommends staying away from matchy-matchy bedroom sets

Matching furniture sets may be a one-step way to decorate a bedroom, but they lack originality, Wolf said.

“In my opinion, they also look dated, as society has moved toward a more relaxed vision of home styling,” he told BI. “Coordinating pieces that work together is so much more fun — and alluring — but do take an extra bit of thought.”

You won’t find short drapes in his space

According to the designer, having drapes that hang above the floor is akin to wearing clothing that doesn’t fit properly.

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He said drapes typically look best when they touch the floor or puddle a ½ inch to an inch or so.

The designer replaces paper napkins with cloth ones

Although paper napkins are easier to clean up, Wolf said it’s best to opt for cloth ones if you want a more sophisticated look.

Cloth napkins are wonderful for entertaining guests and are a personal luxury to use in everyday life — just make sure they’re good quality.

“Buy cotton napkins that have some absorbency,” he added. “You have to be able to wipe grease off your face properly.”

Wolf tries to avoid reproduced and mass-produced art

Wolf said mass-produced art is the opposite of sophistication, and using it is a missed opportunity to create a more personal home design.

“I like my home and those of my clients to be an expression of how they live and who they are,” he said.

So, he prioritizes special original pieces and typically steers clear of reproduced art for himself and his clients.

He suggested looking at secondhand stores for original art that “won’t break the bank” or framing your own photos. After all, Wolf said, “most everything will work beautifully” in a really great frame.

Fake fireplaces don’t offer the same feel as real ones

The designer said faux fireplaces can be tacky and electric inserts can’t even come close to the look and feel of a real fireplace.

“If you must, a gas-powered fireplace is acceptable, but there is nothing like the real thing with real logs,” he said. “So, if it doesn’t light, I don’t want it.”

He said furniture with visible branding is tacky

He also avoids displaying labeled or branded furniture in his home. 

“It’s just tasteless,” Wolf said. “Why do I want to give a company free advertising?”

This story was originally published on November 7, 2022, and most recently updated on May 23, 2025.