10 things you should get rid of to create a more peaceful space, according to interior designers

If you are someone who enjoys displaying family photos all over your tabletops, it's better to opt for a gallery wall instead, according to Bo Keuleers, interior design manager at MVA Home.

Not only does this declutter shelves, nightstands, and dressers, Keuleers said, but also it creates space for more functional items that contribute to creating a relaxed environment.

She suggested replacing those picture frames with table lamps, candles, or coffee table books for a better lit and less cluttered space.

Certain designs can also be problematic in creating a peaceful home.

Energetic patterns may be distracting and can hinder sleep and relaxation, according to Sarah Barnard, interior designer and founder of Sarah Barnard Design.

Solid textiles, on the other hand, keep from overloading the eyes, she explained. 

You also want to avoid the mistake of having too many pillows if you want to create a serene environment, according to Keuleers.

"People tend to get excited when it comes to decorating their brand new sectional and go overboard on throw pillows,"  she told Business Insider. "Having too many pillows on a couch can feel overcrowded, uncomfortable, and even adds to the mess since pillows usually end up on the floor to create space for guests."

If you have a sectional, Keuleers suggested sticking to three pillows in each corner. For people who have a sofa, placing two pillows on the side of the room that is less busy and only one pillow on the opposite end adds balance to the space.

Mail is also a hindrance to a serene environment, according to Liana Hawes, the creative designer at Wimberly Interiors. 

The best way to deal with mail is to develop a system to go through it daily, Hawes suggested. That way, it won't pile up and become a mess.

If you find your mail gathering in stacks on your counter, find a designated place to keep the envelopes until you can sort through them, like a drawer or opaque storage bin. 

Like mail, coat racks are also visually displeasing, according to Keuleers, and should be removed from your home. 

"Although coat stands help keep clothes off the floors and away from 'that' chair that is being used as a makeshift clothes rack, it nonetheless remains an eyesore," she told BI.  

Getting rid of these freestanding racks can also help encourage you to get rid of coats that are no longer used and are just taking up space.

The quickest way to achieve a calming environment is to store away items that are typically found on countertops both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, according to Keuleers. 

Regarding the kitchen specifically, she suggested finding a hidden spot for items such as toasters, pots and pans, and dish racks when they're not in use. 

"Make sure everything is cleared off except for some usable yet decorative items, such as your favorite cookbook, a fruit basket, and some greenery," Keuleers told BI.

The way you store your necessary clutter is also important.

Visible storage like open closets or bookshelves are often insufficient and don't contribute to a peaceful environment, Hawes said. 

"As much as you can, store things in beautiful baskets or bins," she told BI. "And if needed, add a nice label that is consistent on each piece."

Technology is an integral part of most of our lives, and most of us have multiple electronic devices in our living spaces. However, that isn't ideal if you want to create a peaceful vibe, according to Barnard. 

"I encourage my clients to minimize screens in bedrooms and living rooms and instead, focus on live plants to balance technology with elements that connect to nature," she told BI.

Consider utilizing large flat drawers that offer space to store laptops and phones safely out of view.

Tables in the foyer are often an easy place to pile change, keys, and other little knickknacks you find in your pockets, Keuleers said. 

Consider placing a decorative box on the table so that these small items are out of sight, but still conveniently accessible.

"Layers and layers of fabric used to be a popular interior design trend," Keuleers told BI. "Today, heavy drapery, swags, and valances make a room feel stuffy, overbearing, and gloomy while instantly giving your home a dated look."

They also prevent natural light from entering your room, she added. 

Updating your window treatments to sheers or a lightweight fabric can quickly elevate your home, and will likely brighten the space, Keuleers explained.

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