When my mom told me she was studying to become a realtor a few years ago, I was thrilled — for her and for me. She could lean into her strengths in home design, remodeling, and decorating, and I suddenly had a trusted expert to call whenever I needed advice (which is often).
As I kicked off the new year by organizing and purging my space, I asked my mom, Gina Tempera, to share which furniture and decor pieces instantly date a home — and what to swap them for instead. Some of her advice surprised me.
The biggest culprits are clutter, dark or bulky throw pillows, ornate light fixtures, and thick rugs, she says. “When people see furniture and decor that is dated, they assume everything is dated and needs to be refurbished, and they’re usually right,” she said. The same can apply to renters: “When someone keeps up with the styles, it shows they are taking care of their space,” she adds.
My mom handpicked eight Wayfair swaps to modernize furniture and decor in 2026 — they’re up to 78 percent off.
Realtor-Approved Wayfair Furniture and Decor
- 78% Off: Kelly Clarkson Home Soprano Jute Area Rug, $110 (orig. $495)
- Hidden Storage: Hokku Designs Jossilynn L-Shape Convertible Sectional Couches, $720 (orig. $830)
- “Looks High-End”: Joss & Main Pillow Covers, Set of 2, $21
- Clutter Clearer: House of Hampton Amram Tufted Round Storage Ottoman, $142 (orig. $463)
- Set of 24: Infibrite 6-inch Slim Recessed LED Lights, $222 (orig. $259)
- Room Brightener: Homechoice Internationals Velvet Round Throw Pillow, Set of 2, $37
- Joanna Gaines Find: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Henley Ivory Area Rug, $402 (orig. $669)
- Designer Collab: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Ryder Sage Area Rug, $380 (orig. $509)
Infibrite 6-inch Slim Recessed LED Lights, Set of 24
Wayfair
When she’s remodeling homes, my mom says she assesses the lighting first. Many older homes have chandeliers or similarly large light fixtures that pull focus from a room’s decor. This is why she recommends recessed lighting, like this set of dimmable lights. They keep the room illuminated without taking “center stage,” she says. The LED bulbs can also help save on your electric bill, which is an added bonus of this upgrade.
Hokku Designs Jossilynn L-Shape Convertible Sectional Couches
Wayfair
Whether you want to sell your home one day or simply maintain a modern appearance, clutter can stand in the way. “The longer you live in a space, you keep adding things to it,” she says. Instead of looking sharp and functional, your room can turn into a museum of knick-knacks, half-finished books, and piles of blankets. This convertible sofa solves the problem by allowing you to store essentials underneath the cushions. It has plenty of seating while also offering storage for “games for a family night or a pillow for an overnight guest,” she says.
Kelly Clarkson Home Soprano Jute Area Rug
Wayfair
An area rug “defines a room,” my mom says. “It makes it more inviting, and it’s sort of like a welcome mat.” Something that is too plush or shaggy detracts from the clean lines of your space, makes it harder to maintain a modern look, and is difficult to keep clean. She recommends swapping it for this low-pile Kelly Clarkson Home option. “It’s simple, functional, and has a good texture,” she adds.
Joss & Main Pillow Covers, Set of 2
Wayfair
Bulky bolsters and pillows with bold patterns are things of the past, according to my mom. She recommends covering anything outdated with these pillow covers, which come in soft, neutral colors that “can blend in with any decor.” They have a hidden zipper that makes them easy to take on and off if you want to rotate them with the seasons, and they’re not “too busy.” “Pillows are accents, but they’re not supposed to overpower the room,” she says. Shoppers shared they look “high-end,” too.
Maintain your home’s appearance with more realtor-approved Wayfair furniture and decor swaps — up to 78 percent off.
House of Hampton Amram Tufted Round Storage Ottoman
Wayfair
Homechoice Internationals Velvet Round Throw Pillow, Set of 2
Wayfair
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Ryder Sage Area Rug
Wayfair
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