Yes, it's time to chuck that "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster (plus, other decor boosts)

By Virginia K. Smith | September 22, 2014 - 2:59PM

Making the transition to an adult decorating scheme is always a tricky process, and for most of us, there's a pretty huge chasm in terms of years and budget between dorm-style decor and wall-to-wall West Elm. One key part of this process? Recognizing decorations that have made the sad, quiet transition from playful to played out.

Refinery 29 has a helpful guide on which decorating trends to ditch and how to replace them, and at the very top of the list: those "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters that've gotten so ubiquitous over the past few years. In lieu of having the same poster as thousands of other people, the site suggests, swap it out for an interesting print—maybe something locally made?—that won't break the bank, and also won't crop up in half your friends' apartments.

Also on their list of fixes: swapping out mason jars for ceramic vases, and those "chevron print" pillows you see everywhere with something even brighter and more eye-popping. If you've got taxidermy (cough) hanging around? Think about switching it out in favor of a new wall hanging.

We know spring is traditionally the big season for redecorating, but in honor of back-to-school season (or Halloween, or any other excuse you prefer), now seems like an ideal time to make some much-needed changes around the house. Breathe some new life into your apartment, and, um, carry on.

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