We’re all searching for small ways to improve the curb appeal of our homes, but a décor faux pas is one surefire way to attract the notice of your neighbors and bystanders. It’s not the right kind of attention, though. Homeowners have enjoyed enhancing their lawns and gardens for decades, but some folks just lack taste! There are numerous ways to destroy your yard, including those flocks of pink flamingos and enormous lawn inflatables.
Do whatever you like in your backyard’s solitude, but for the love of God, show some decency to those of us who must see your front yard. It’s usually best to keep anything you could call “Crafty” out of your front yard. Again, it’s generally best not to put anything in your front yard if it resembles something you might get at a flea market. Don’t put anything humorous, embarrassing, or “new” in your yard. See what I mean?
This is a love letter from all the unhappy neighbors who are sick of these design blunders! We’ve compiled 30 of the most popular decorations to put an end to all of this, and we think you’ll be left with a lot of questions and maybe even a good laugh. Please throw away any of these that you may have in your yard right now. Thanks!
1. Animal Mailboxes
Although there are many methods to differentiate your home from the others on your neighborhood, do you really need the quirky animal mailbox? Consider landscaping or a pretty picket fence as an alternative. You don’t need an animal mailbox, we assure you.
Mailboxes like these are virtually begging to be hit with a baseball bat by a teen. You can put one up, but before you know it, you’ll need to replace it.
2. Pink Flamingos
A pink flamingo is a love-it-or-hate-it ornament. While people have considered them cliché since the 1960s, you can still see them in people’s yards.
Among the yard decor mistakes we’ve listed here, flamingos are unquestionably the most overused. At least try to be creative if you’re going to be this embarrassing. People will enjoy having new and interesting reasons to dislike your yard.
3. Re-purposed Tires
People have started using used tires as planters and flower pots for whatever reason.
But do you really want the appearance of a scrapyard in your front yard? Surely, there must be a better way to pot your plants, such as flower pots. Try using them instead.
4. Gnomes
Although decorative gnomes have been around since the 1800s, they are now mass-produced and unattractive. Adding these strange little gnomes to your yard is not as humorous and cute as you may think.
We agree that gnomes have had their moment, but they’ve gone too far. It’s time to bid farewell to these garden gnomes.
5. Giant Inflatables
What’s with these colossal inflatables? They seem to be everywhere these days, especially during the holidays. Do we really need to remind you that it is a big mistake?
These giant inflatables hog your entire yard, and you and your neighbors will have to hear the hum of the fans that keep them afloat all night long.
6. Toilet Planters
Seriously, a toilet planter? I think we can all agree that it is not a good idea. We will applaud your ingenuity, but this is another faux pas.
Your commode should stay indoors. Let’s simply say that these planters raise too many concerns about your yard or maybe about you in general.
7. Porch Geese with Outfits
In the 1990s, porch geese seemed to suddenly appear on everyone’s porches and people began putting clothes on them. At first, it may have been comical, but if you’re still dressing up your feathered friends, it’s time to stop.
Geese don’t expect much from us. Perhaps a few crumbs of bread here and there, but I’m sure they’d prefer not to have their image shown in this manner.
8. Face Decorations on Trees
Even though the talking trees in “The Wizard of Oz” are interesting, there is no need to paint faces all over your yard’s trees. Trees are naturally beautiful and brimming with character. They don’t require you to spruce them up. This is unquestionably one of the creepiest ways to decorate your yard. Please, your neighbors and passersby do not want to have nightmares.
9. Garden Yeti
Imagine looking out from your room and seeing this guy trampling all over your immaculate lawn? It definitely won’t be a pleasant experience.
Although it won’t result in a real Yeti showing up in your yard, why take the chance?
10. Wooden Peeping Neighbor Art
You will undoubtedly be named the “worst neighbor of the year” if you use this peeping neighbor fence art.
It is not as funny as you may think, even kind of offensive. You’re bound to receive disapproving glares in return.
11. Dump Humpty, He’s Tacky
Here’s hoping that unsightly Humpty Dumpty statuary takes a great fall from your yard and can’t be repaired.
Defiling childhood icons with bad taste isn’t amusing. Have mercy on our fraying sanity and ditch disturbing fairy tale figures.
12. Zombie Yard Art
Zombie yard hauntings are the monster mash-up no one asked for. Undead lawn ghouls may bring you humor but they’re dead on arrival for us. Is an undead army really the vibe you’re going for?
Instead of brains, use your brains when decorating. These zombies are only okay at Halloween, even then they make us wince. The true horror is your frighteningly bad design sense.
13. Douse the Dated Tiki Torches
Unless you’re on a tropical island, it’s time to extinguish those cringeworthy tiki torches. Ditch the kitschy lighting and enhance your exterior with modern illumination.
If you dig the firelight, install a classy flame pit for fun gatherings. Tiki torches torch your style and belong in the past. Don’t make your outdoor area an unenlightened tiki travesty.
14. Lose the Phony Boulders
Did you actually buy a gigantic artificial rock to obscure an eyesore? We hate to crush your hopes, but now it’s even more dreadful. Mask unappealing utilities with nature’s beauty using bushes or plants.
Please don’t opt for laughable fake boulders. Here’s a handy rule: decor masquerading as the real thing only changes how others see you, rarely for the better.
15. Random Figurines Look Like Clutter
Can you ever have too many scattered lawn figures? Yes! Less is more when it comes to statues. Renaissance sculptors didn’t create them for tacky suburbs.
Don’t confuse artistic legacy with decorative mayhem. Ditch the figurine frenzy for cleaner lines.
16. License Plates
Garden art is on trend but let’s be real – license plates aren’t artistic. Keep your rusted plates out of garden beds.
Dive bar decor stays there for a good reason. Unless you’re going for junkyard chic, omit hand-me-down plates. Creativity deserves better than castoff metal.
17. Wishing Wells
Who deemed giant yard wells a good idea? These monstrosities serve zero purpose. They don’t enhance curb appeal.
The only well excusable on your property draws drinking water. If you have plumbing, wishing wells are a waste. Dry up the wishing well eyesore for good.
18. Bathtub Planters
Transforming old tubs into plant holders spells DIY disaster. Showcasing your scrap tub shouts eyesore, not charm. Unless you’re a Wall-E fan, recycled junk lacks ornamental elegance.
Porcelain thrones belong inside, not displayed out front. Give the tub planters the boot before your style goes down the drain.
19. Bird Baths
Unless you’re an avid birdwatcher, send baths for bird packing. Birdbaths in your yard suggest you’re a century old.
Feathered friends appreciate your seeds, not germy stagnant water. Even birds have moved on from old dusty baths. Stick to modern bird feeding that avoids disease.
20. Lighthouses
Lighthouses evoke vacation nostalgia but should stay seaside. Their existential purpose isn’t decor. Unless you’re guiding pirate ships up your drive, a backyard lighthouse is nonsensical.
Real lighthouses signal warnings, not style crises. Use your illumination for tasteful lighting, not blinding beacons shouting “SOS – my design is sinking!”
21. Junker Planters
Desperate planter attempts using junk are more junkyard than charming. A rusted auto flowerpot beats a yard of them, but it still polishes no prize pig. Tow these wrecks from your landscape immediately. Just imagine the damage they’re doing to your once-pristine paradise.
22. Garden Frog Statues
Frogs have ribbited past garden gnomes as the amphibian lawn statue du jour. But no need to jump on this tasteless trend.
Among animal decor atrocities, froggy figurines might take the cake. Can we lily pad elsewhere before we croak at this tacky mockery?
23. Motored Water Features Make No Splash
Water features promise tranquility but shoddy examples muddle their magic. While natural, flowing water soothes, fake motorized monstrosities horrify.
Safeguard your zen zone and steer clear of ghastly gimmicky water. Let Mother Nature, not garish novelties, bring zen to your backyard oasis.
24. Pinwheels
Seeking garden dazzle? Pinwheels promise no such pizzazz. These childhood playthings cheapen pristine landscaping. Wind toys belong at kids’ parties, not wilting among flowers.
Spin away from pinwheels’ gaudy, aging glare. Seek timeless touches that elevate your garden style.
25. Cow Statues
What explains the stampede of giant cow statuary infiltrating backyards? These bovine behemoths bring no joy, just disruption. Save garden beauty by skipping cow kitsch.
Does anyone really want plastic cattle staring them down mid-stroll? A grazing herd haunts yards, not graces them. Let’s herd away from cow statue chaos.
26. Lawn Jockeys
Lawn jockeys may boast history but also offend many today. Their outdated symbolism reflects a foregone era. Positioning one signals you’re fossilized, not festive.
Please join this century and retire racist relics respectfully. Some traditions deserve the dustbin, so let’s gallop ahead to modern, tasteful décor.
27. Fake Flowers
Faux flowers inside are forgivable; yellow thumbs blossom indoors! But plastic blooms outside belie lazy landscaping. Sun-faded silk and wire bouquets fool nobody.
Save the artificial for memorial sites where they belong. Cultivate living, vibrant beds to grace your homestead. Plastic flowers wilt your reputation, too.
28. “Beware” Signs
“Beware of Dog” signs imply protection but deter no true threat. Will warnings really halt fence jumpers or prowlers? Probably not. Admitsigns just seem shabby, not safe.
If you need real security, more than signs must safeguard. Ditch the aging placards for modern, integrated protection solutions.
29. Faux Deer
Country deer wandering your lawn is idyllic. But fake deer on display? That’s not so bucolic. Let’s keep imitation animals inside where they belong.
Make space to appreciate real wildlife, not tacky imposters. The woods know fakes when they see them. So should you.
30. Large Rocks
Rocks and boulders can elevate landscaping, but less is more with yard rocks. Haphazard big boulders around your pond or garden aren’t S-tier landscaping.
Monstrous rocks are decor for ogres, not homeowners. Scale down stones to harmonize with nature, not overwhelm it. Subtle rocks make better impact.
31. Mix Matched Landscaping Mulch
Mulch fades fast, disappearing like garden magic. But mix-matched mulch makes beds appear tragic. Patchy, faded mulch signals neglect, not nature’s touch.
Save up to mulch beds simultaneously so they remain lush, not lackluster. Consistent mulch says “cared for” while mismatch mulch makes observers do a double take.
32. Rubber Mulch
Magic mulch vanishing act led to rubber mulch of shredded tires. Alas, this sustainable theory met messy reality. Up close, it’s obviously tire crumbs with an odor to match.
Splurge on landscaping rocks over this eyesore expense. Recycled rubber does more environmental harm than good. Don’t turn your garden into a mechanic’s garage.
33. Iron Star Art
Star light, star bright, your lone star is an unsightly blight. This Texas transplant woefully misses the mark. Screaming “Everything’s bigger in Texas” through your decorating destroys any intended charm.
Rust stains earned this tableau a red card. If regional pride must manifest, find a subtler, classier expression than roadside novelty store kitsch.
34. Garden Statues
Garden statuary ranges from exquisite to eyesore. While your taste may differ, design for general appeal. Crowded, quirky statues likely torture your neighbors. Save complex themes for backyards. Simpler pieces make community-friendly statements. Overwhelming ornamentation appears cluttered, not creative. Prioritize broad enjoyment over personal hobby when decorating public-facing areas.
35. Gazing Balls
Glass gazing balls still land in yards but their moment has passed, alas. These centuries-old spheroids are the essence of overdone knickknacks. Ditch the fragile crystal for functional nighttime lighting that sparkles.
We question why anyone needs backyard fortune-telling tools. If superstitions steer your décor, you have bigger issues than questionable taste!
36. Junky Windchimes
Well-tuned windchimes are auditory zen, clanging imposters anything but. Shrill, cheap sets assault ears like a toddler’s crash cymbals. Test drive soothing chimes so your yard orchestrates peace.
Clunky bamboo just clatters—leave island sound effects on island shores. Meditative tones enrich spaces; raucous windchimes ruin mindful ambiance.
37. Butterfly Figurines
Nothing manmade rivals the ethereal beauty of living butterflies. But fake figural flops fall flat, failing to capture nature’s magic. Avoid cluttering beds with wannabe wonders—real wings humbly outshine.
Help the real things thrive by planting nectar-rich flowers. Your assistance aids preservation and rewards you with true beauty. Some things can’t be faked, butterflies among them.
38. Metal Flowers
Giant floral wire sculptures invaded gardens overnight. In moderation, one adds whimsy by the door. But overdone, granny’s garden emerges. Like any accessory, excessive floral fills become folly.
Curb chaos with selective placement and seasonal storage. The essence of style is often restraint. Remember, too much of even a good thing can turn your landscape too grandma’s cottage.
39. Sun-Faded Cushions
Cushion color vibrancy is fleeting, even “fade-proof” brands succumbing. Manufacturers remain flummoxed by sun damage despite labels. Switch faded cushions regularly, expensive “resistant” fabrics also eventually blanching.
Sun-protective sprays help, but Nature always wins this war. Avoid attachment to exterior soft goods—their demise is inevitable.
40. Fill Empty Flowerbeds
Remodel fever brings an urge to rip out plants for a clean slate, but empty new beds signal neglect. We know mature replacements are pricey, but filler greenery is a must.
Quick-growing bushes or larger starter shrubs create the illusion of established beds. Otherwise, be prepared for a long growth-in period. Barren beds send the wrong message to passersby about your curb appeal upkeep.
41. Bamboo Fencing
Seaside-inspired decor seems novel but belongs to seaside. Don’t force tropical touches where they don’t fit aesthetically. Island living ingenuity deserves appreciation in its element. But bamboo fencing alongside brick midwest homes just looks jarringly out of sync.
Not every enviable exotic detail translates to your domain. Some things are best left on vacation.
42. Flagpoles
Flagpoles belong at official buildings, not dominating neighborhoods. Massive residential flags seem gaudy and forced. Most homes can’t physically support full poles without looking squat. Also, know flag code before installing—improper use is taboo. Save stars and stripes for patriotic holidays if you can’t honor protocols daily. Some well-meaning gestures inadvertently disrespect.
43. Seasonal Yard Flags
Yard flags loudly announce each season as if we can’t tell ourselves. Yes, pollen barrage signals spring’s arrival without your reminder, Nancy. Not everyone wants the weather broadcast on their lawn.
Inspirational sayings also externalize internal monologues no one asked to hear. Skip the trite phrases and let nature’s cues speak for themselves.
44. Out-of-Season Decor
Nothing whispers “lazy neighbor” like summer scarecrows or lingering Christmas lights. If you indulge in seasonal decor, keep it timely or face side-eye. Here’s a hot take: you don’t actually need decor resets each season.
Save your money and storage space. Year-round consistency looks classier than today’s holiday hullaballoo clutter anyway. Dated decor signals you’re still living in seasons past.
45. Lingering Lights Scream Holiday Hangover
That neighbor leaving crusty lights yelling “Merry Christmas” in July – we see you! If you can’t promptly place and remove lighting, try simple year-round options. Twinkle bushes instead of roof lines to avoid the dreaded “Hey it’s February” display. We know taking down lights is a chore but lingering lights are as bad as mattresses on the lawn. Give yourself the gift of promptly de-decking your halls.
46. Vintage Lamp Poles
Vintage lamp posts evoke charm on fitting homes but feel forced otherwise. Before installing classics, consider your home’s true character. Unless committing to full-on renovation, mixing and matching styles fights an uphill battle. Big impact comes from cohesive elements, not one-off accessories.
Additionally, hardwiring lamp posts takes professional help. Make sure the vintage vibe enhances, not distracts from your home’s style story.
47. Fake Flames
Real gas lanterns elegantly accent homes, faux ones, not so much. Cheap LED “flames” recall ’90s screensavers more than refinement. Authentic firelight remains unmatched, so skip phonies altogether. Illusory bulbs pass at night but look obviously artificial by day.
For timeless exteriors, clear bulbs don’t pretend. It’s better to be plain than tacky. This is one fad soon extinguished when exposed in daylight.
48. DIY Pavers
Crafting cute pavers with kiddos is fun but alas, visible homemade charm falls flat. Cherish your little artists’ works, but prominently placed, amateur hour is on display!
For polished curb appeal, keep handmade touches hidden from view. Unless they’re pro-crafted, DIY diminishes more than elevates up front. Save some personality and projects for the private backyard.
49. Cheap Pathway Lighting
A well-lit walkway welcomes and guides guests effortlessly – if the lighting doesn’t look cheapskate! Skimping on path illumination seems shabby, not swanky.
Bargain bulbs are often too dimwitted to properly brighten paths – you’re just burning money! Seek quality options with ample lumens to truly light the way. Follow brightness guidelines so your path sparkles and doesn’t fizzle into darkness.
50. Beach Decor
Bringing beachy souvenirs home keeps vacation vibes rollin’, but inland nautical nonsense just looks foolish. Save shells and sailors for the seashore, not the suburbs!
Unless you’re relocating seaside soon, quit trying so hard to bring the ocean home. Keep paradise in pics and plan more coastal trips for authentic atmosphere. Some environments can’t be faked – no matter how much you decorate!