20 Decorating Choices Texans Don’t Make Anymore (But Should)

If you walked into a Texas home in the past, you’d see decor choices that told a story. Not everything matched, and that was part of the magic.

Now that social media drives so many design trends, those thoughtful touches are disappearing.

Here are the decorating habits we’ve left behind and why it might be time to bring them back.

Framing Family Photos Instead of Just Posting Them Online

There was a time when every hallway or staircase had a cluster of framed family photos.

People printed their favorite memories, picked out real frames, and made space for them on walls or tables.

Today, most of those moments live in phones or social media feeds instead of physical spaces.

Bringing back framed photos adds warmth, personality, and a sense of connection you can see every day.

Using Tablecloths for Everyday Meals

Tablecloths used to be part of setting the table, not just something saved for holidays.

They came in all kinds of patterns, from floral cotton to cheerful checkered prints.

Now most people skip them completely and stick with a bare table or placemats.

But adding a tablecloth again could make even a simple dinner feel a little more special.

Mixing Furniture Styles Instead of Buying Matching Sets

Homes used to feel collected, not coordinated. A wooden rocker here, a passed-down side table there.

People layered different pieces over time, often combining old and new without thinking twice.

Today’s matching sets can feel stiff or impersonal, even if they’re stylish.

Bringing back a mix of styles makes a room feel lived-in and full of character.

Hanging Curtains with Real Personality

Curtains weren’t just for blocking light. They came in bold florals, heavy velvets, or patterned sheers that made a statement.

Now, many homes lean toward plain panels or skip curtains altogether.

But the right fabric can instantly soften a room or add a splash of charm.

It’s an easy way to bring texture, color, and comfort back into a space.

Displaying Books in Living Spaces

Bookshelves used to be a regular part of living rooms, dens, and even hallways.

They weren’t just for storage. They showed off interests, favorite reads, and even a few treasured knickknacks.

Now, a lot of homes skip bookshelves entirely or treat them like styling props.

Bringing back real book displays makes a home feel thoughtful, lived-in, and full of curiosity.

Using Wallpaper for Accent Walls

Wallpaper used to be everywhere, from kitchens to bathrooms to kids’ rooms.

It fell out of favor for a while, but not because it stopped looking good. It just became hard to remove.

Today’s peel-and-stick options make it easier than ever to add color or pattern without the commitment.

It’s a fun way to add personality without painting an entire room.

Decorating with Seasonal Touches

People once changed out table linens, throw pillows, or even curtains to match the seasons.

A fall table runner in October, pastel accents in spring, or cozy flannel in winter made the home feel fresh year-round.

These small changes brought comfort and celebration into everyday life.

It doesn’t take much to bring that habit back. Just a few thoughtful swaps can make a space feel new.

Showcasing Heirlooms Instead of Storing Them

Vintage clocks, hand-me-down quilts, or grandma’s mixing bowls used to be proudly displayed, not packed away.

These items added charm and sparked conversation, even if they didn’t match the rest of the room.

Today, many of these pieces are hidden in storage because they don’t “go” with the décor.

Putting them back on display adds history and a sense of identity to your home.

Creating Cozy Reading Corners

It used to be common to see a small chair tucked in a corner with a lamp and a basket of books or magazines.

These spots were made for quiet moments, not just for show.

Today, with screens everywhere, most homes skip spaces designed for slowing down.

Bringing back a cozy reading nook adds calm and invites people to unplug, even for just a few minutes.

Displaying Personal Collections

Whether it was teacups, baseball caps, or ceramic owls, people proudly showed off what they loved.

Collections made a home feel unique and told a story about the person who lived there.

Now, minimalism has pushed many collections into boxes or donation bins.

But displaying a well-loved group of items can turn everyday things into meaningful decor.

Layering Rugs for Texture and Warmth

Decades ago, rugs were layered for practical reasons—warmth, softness, and style.

A smaller patterned rug over a large neutral one added instant depth to any space.

These days, most homes stick with a single rug or go without one at all.

Reintroducing rug layering can make a room feel warmer, cozier, and more lived-in.

Hanging Real Art Instead of Mass-Produced Prints

People once framed watercolors, sketches, or paintings from local artists, even if they were simple.

It wasn’t about price or prestige. It was about surrounding yourself with something that felt special.

Now, many walls are filled with generic art from big-box stores that looks the same from one home to the next.

Bringing back the habit of hanging real, personal art makes a house feel truly yours.

Adding Skirts to Furniture and Sinks

Skirted tables, vanities, and even kitchen or bathroom sinks were once a charming staple in many homes.

They hid clutter, added softness, and came in fun patterns that could be swapped out seasonally.

Today, this look is rarely seen outside of vintage or cottage-style spaces.

Bringing it back can add personality and a cozy touch where you’d least expect it.

Using Lamps Instead of Overhead Lighting Only

Lamps used to be in almost every room, on end tables, dressers, and even kitchen counters.

They provided soft, layered lighting that made spaces feel more welcoming and less harsh.

Now, many people rely on bright overhead fixtures or recessed lights alone.

Reintroducing lamps can instantly change the mood of a room and add visual interest.

Coordinating Bathroom Accessories

In the past, people took pride in matching their towels, rugs, soap dishes, and even tissue box covers.

These sets made bathrooms feel pulled together and thoughtfully decorated.

Today, most people grab whatever’s functional without thinking about style.

A little coordination in the bathroom can go a long way toward making it feel more polished and inviting.

Using Table Lamps on Kitchen Counters or Hutches

It used to be common to see a small lamp tucked into the corner of a kitchen or on a dining hutch.

That bit of warm light made early mornings and late evenings feel softer.

Now, kitchens are all bright task lighting and clean counters with no decor.

Adding back a little lamp can make the whole space feel more welcoming, without getting in the way.

Decorating with Houseplants in Every Room

In the past, houseplants were more than just decor, they were part of everyday home life.

People had hanging pothos in the kitchen, spider plants in the bathroom, and ivy creeping along curtain rods.

Today, houseplants are often seen as high-maintenance or reserved for plant lovers only.

Bringing them back adds life, color, and a natural feel that no store-bought item can replace.

Using Real Table Centerpieces Every Day

Table centerpieces weren’t just for holidays or dinner parties. A vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a stack of seasonal books was part of the everyday setup.

They made meals feel more intentional, even when it was just leftovers on a Tuesday.

Now, most people leave tables bare between uses or pile them with mail and clutter.

Adding a simple centerpiece again helps anchor the space and brings a little elegance back to the daily routine.

Hanging Plates or Trays as Wall Decor

Decades ago, it was common to see decorative plates or metal trays displayed on kitchen or dining room walls.

Each one often had a story, collected during travel, passed down from family, or picked up at a flea market.

Today, this habit has faded, replaced by mass-produced wall art or plain, undecorated walls.

Reintroducing this style can add charm and bring a personal touch to otherwise empty spaces.

Adding Skirts or Covers to Bed Frames

People used to dress their beds with more than just sheets and a comforter.