Your home tells a story about who you are, and sometimes that story reveals you’re still channeling the same energy from your twenties. While there’s nothing wrong with youthful design choices, certain decorating decisions can signal that your emotional growth hasn’t quite caught up with your chronological age.
AI usage: This post is theoretical in nature and so images used were created with the assistance of AI (Ideogram) in order to get relevant images.
17. Macrame plant hangers with lots of greenery
Nothing says “I’m still figuring out my aesthetic” quite like filling every corner with macrame plant hangers and trailing vines. You’ve turned your apartment into a bohemian jungle because you saw it on Pinterest.
Your windowsills overflow with small terracotta pots in mini macrame holders. Every available hook displays another knotted creation swaying with greenery.
The space-saving appeal feels practical, but really you’re recreating that carefree college dorm vibe where plants made any space feel homey.
16. Desk cluttered with stationery and trinkets
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Your workspace tells a story, and yours screams “I still shop in the cute supplies aisle.” Colorful pens scattered everywhere, sticky notes covering your monitor, and at least three different planners you swore would change your life.
That collection of miniature succulents mixed with scattered stationery creates chaos that somehow feels comforting. You’ve got drawers overflowing with washi tape and enough gel pens to supply a small art class.
Your desk reflects that eternal optimism that organization will happen tomorrow. For now, you’re content surrounded by your carefully curated mess of productivity tools.
15. Funky patterned rugs like kilim or vintage
You’re drawn to vintage kilim rugs with bold geometric patterns because they feel authentic and worldly. These textiles scream “I have stories to tell” in your modern apartment.
Your friends might call them “too busy,” but you love how patterned rugs tap into current trends while adding character. You probably picked yours up at a flea market or vintage shop.
These rugs represent your adventurous spirit and rejection of boring beige carpets. You’re not ready for neutral home decor yet.
14. Shelves cluttered with travel souvenirs
Your shelves overflow with miniature Eiffel Towers, shot glasses from every city, and random trinkets that seemed meaningful at the time. This screams twentysomething wanderlust nostalgia.
Instead of creating tourist trap decor, curate your collection thoughtfully. Choose a few meaningful pieces rather than displaying everything you’ve collected.
Consider creating a dedicated travel corner with a map and carefully selected mementos. This approach transforms clutter into intentional design that actually enhances your space.
13. Oversized wall tapestries with abstract designs
You’re hanging large abstract wall tapestries because they instantly transform your blank walls into art galleries. These colorful fabric pieces feel like the perfect solution for covering up rental property walls you can’t paint.
Oversized tapestries create dramatic focal points that make your space look intentionally curated. You love how they’re removable and won’t lose you your security deposit.
Abstract designs feel sophisticated and artistic without requiring actual art knowledge or investment in expensive pieces.
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12. Colorful bean bags instead of traditional chairs
You’re choosing vibrant bean bags over grown-up furniture because they feel fun and carefree. These squishy seats remind you of college dorms and first apartments.
Colorful bean bag options come in every shade imaginable. You probably have a hot pink one or electric blue that makes your friends smile.
Traditional chairs feel too formal and expensive. Bean bags let you sink in and relax without worrying about proper posture or adult expectations.
11. DIY photo collages on walls or fridges
You’re still taping printed Instagram photos to your refrigerator and bedroom walls. Those mismatched frames clustered together scream college dorm vibes.
Your kitchen fridge doubles as a photo gallery with pictures held up by souvenir magnets. You prefer the spontaneous, unplanned look over professional gallery walls.
Creating personalized photo collages feels more authentic than buying expensive artwork. Your walls tell stories through random snapshots and concert tickets rather than coordinated decor schemes.
10. Laptop or gaming setup visible in living room
Your gaming tower sits proudly next to your couch, complete with LED strips casting rainbow light across the walls. You’ve turned your living space into a gaming room setup that balances aesthetics with performance.
Most adults hide their tech in dedicated office spaces. You embrace the convenience of having your setup where you actually spend time.
Your friends might question why your PC setup occupies premium living room real estate. You know it’s about maximizing both comfort and functionality in your space.
9. Unmade bed look with layered blankets
You’re embracing that effortlessly messy aesthetic that screams “I’m too cool to make my bed.” This unmade bed decorating approach involves strategically placing multiple throws and blankets in seemingly casual arrangements.
The look requires layering different textures and weights of blankets across your mattress. You’ll drape a chunky knit throw over rumpled sheets and add a lightweight cotton blanket folded at the foot.
This style appeals to your desire for low-maintenance living while still appearing intentionally styled. It’s the bedroom equivalent of wearing designer sweatpants.
8. Tassel or pom-pom garlands
You probably have colorful pom-pom garlands draped across your bedroom wall or mantle. These fluffy decorations scream youthful energy and carefree creativity.
While DIY pom pom garlands can brighten any space, they’re often seen as temporary party decorations rather than sophisticated home decor. You love how they add instant whimsy to your apartment.
The reality is that pom pom and tassel garlands work perfectly for dorm rooms and first apartments where budget-friendly charm matters more than polished interior design.
7. Bright neon signs or LED decor
Nothing screams “I peaked in college” quite like covering your walls with vibrant neon signs for home decor. You’ve transformed your living room into what looks like a nightclub.
Those LED neon signs spelling out “Good Vibes Only” or “But First, Coffee” are giving major dorm room energy. Your guests feel like they need sunglasses indoors.
The playful neon light decor might create an electrifying ambiance, but it also broadcasts that you’re not quite ready for grown-up lighting solutions.
6. Vinyl record player on display
Your turntable sitting prominently on a floating shelf screams “I’m still discovering myself through music.” You’ve probably got it positioned where everyone can see it when they walk in.
Those vinyl records displayed as wall art around your player aren’t fooling anyone. You bought half of them for the aesthetic, not the sound.
Your record player setup in the living room becomes the conversation starter at every gathering. You love explaining why analog sounds “warmer” than digital.
5. Posters of favorite bands or movies
Your walls covered in band posters and movie prints scream twenty-something energy. You’re still thumbtacking your favorite artist’s latest album cover or that indie film poster you grabbed at the theater.
Decorating with movie posters might feel nostalgic and personal to you. But it often conjures images of college dorm rooms rather than mature living spaces.
Your music-themed room with artist posters shows your passion, but it keeps your space looking like a teenager’s bedroom. The thumbtacks and unframed prints complete that youthful vibe you can’t seem to shake.
4. Ikea modular furniture with temporary feel
Your living room filled with modular IKEA furniture screams commitment issues. You’ve convinced yourself it’s practical and flexible.
The KALLAX shelving units and basic HEMNES pieces give your space that “I might move next month” vibe. Everything looks like it came straight from a college dorm catalog.
Your portable home setup without wall marks reveals you’re still planning your next escape route. Real adults invest in furniture that requires actual commitment.
3. Bold, mismatched throw pillows
You’ve turned your couch into a rainbow explosion with clashing patterns and colors. Your bold throw pillow combinations scream youthful creativity over coordinated adult sophistication.
That neon geometric print next to the zebra stripe? Pure twenties energy. You’re still experimenting with mixing and matching patterns like you’re discovering design rules for the first time.
Your friends might call it eclectic, but it’s really about refusing to commit to one aesthetic. You’d rather have fun with colorful throw pillows than follow boring design guidelines.
2. Gallery walls filled with quirky art prints
Your walls tell the story of someone who still shops in the poster section of Target. You’ve created an eclectic mix of colorful art pieces that screams “I’m still figuring myself out.”
These curated collections of quirky prints feel more like a dorm room than a grown-up space. You’re mixing vintage band posters with inspirational quotes and random abstract prints.
Your gallery wall lacks the restraint that comes with age and experience. Instead of investing in fewer quality pieces, you’ve filled every inch with unusual decorative items that caught your eye.
1. String lights draped around mirrors or headboards
You’re clinging to that dorm room aesthetic if you still have string lights wrapped around your bedroom furniture. Those twinkling bulbs draped across your headboard scream college nostalgia.
The illuminated mirror trend might feel sophisticated, but it’s actually a telltale sign you haven’t evolved past your early twenties decor phase. Your vanity area doesn’t need that soft fairy light glow anymore.
Bedroom string light displays create that dreamy atmosphere you loved in your twenties. But mature spaces call for proper lighting fixtures instead of these whimsical decorations.
