A designer with 15 years of experience names 12 things she avoids at home

Brooke Lang has spent 15 years designing other people's homes. At her own, she skips a few things.

The principal designer at Brooke Lang Design laid out 12 items and trends she would not put in her own space. Some are style choices. Others are practical.

Shiplap. The wood-paneled wall treatment reads dated to Lang. It is also a repair headache. "If a piece of shiplap gets damaged, it can be difficult and expensive to fix depending on the extent of the damage," she told Business Insider. Her alternative: limewash paint. The streaky finish "gives you the opportunity to add dimension with different brushstroke patterns that give your walls an old-world, vintage feel."

Matchy-matchy furniture. A bedroom set that matches the coffee table that matches the TV console. Lang said that approach lacks character. "Mismatched, eclectic decor allows for your personal style to really come through in your home's design." It also saves money by widening where you can shop.

Too many antiques. Vintage pieces add personality and often have better craftsmanship. Lang said overdoing it makes a space feel dated. "I like to integrate vintage items sparingly while mixing and matching with modern decor," she said. "It's a great way to keep your favorite one-of-a-kind pieces without dating your space."

Open kitchen shelving. The trend is fading for a reason. "Unless you have uniform plates, glassware, and bowls that are perfectly positioned, open shelving isn't realistic or practical," Lang said. "It's also an easy way for your kitchen items to collect dust." She recommends painting existing cabinets or swapping the hardware instead.

Acrylic furniture. Lang called it a trend that should have stayed in the 1960s. "Acrylic isn't as durable as other materials, and small cracks or scratches can't be easily repaired." Wood or marble are her picks for a more timeless look.