January is the month when many of us attempt to get our lives in order: we swear off unhealthy food in the place of green, nutrient-dense meals, we go through our over-stuffed drawers and cupboards in an attempt to create some kind of order and we feel an overwhelming need to de-clutter our homes of those pieces of furniture, knick-knacks and books that are no longer useful. Do this with caution however, as it is certainly possible to get a bit carried away and over-cull. Before deciding that 2026 is the year you adopt a monastic way of living, really ask yourself if you are getting rid of something for considered reasons or if it's just part of the clearing frenzy. Even designers are not immune to the accidental over-cull, and many have one thing in particular that they regret getting rid of: an item that, if they could go back in time, they would hold on to with unyielding grip.
Sophie Rowell
I moved house earlier this year, so I had a huge clear out, which always feels amazing at the time, but I have to say I do regret handing over to the local charity shop a large, antique serving platter. At the time it seemed excessive in size, but I realise now, although it didn't come out of the cupboard often, when it did it was perfect!
Cindy Leveson
A clear out about 30 years ago saw the last of a really beautiful slop bucket (it was nicer than it sounds!) which is to this day the prettiest I have ever seen. That same clear out also saw me say goodbye to a really pretty Victorian mirror which was painted white with balconies at each side disappear from my life. It was't valuable but it was much loved.
There have been SO many things over the years that I have bought and sold that I will always regret not keeping. It's amazing that I still find it hard to remember I don't live in a 20 bedroomed house and I do have to earn a living. Maddening!
Victoria Von Westenholtz
My biggest de-cluttering regret is lampshades. I feel it can be too easy to follow the latest lampshade trend and when not in use they are large and bulky to store, so it can feel easier to either them give away or throw them out. I did just that with one of my original classic cream parchment shades, which I now rather miss and which is becoming harder to find (though Tarquin does do some great ones). There are so many beautifully patterned or embellished options, but I do think it is important to tie these in together with the simple cream shade.
James Thurstan Waterworth
I sold an amazing 17th-century Pyrenees cabinet about five years ago, and I’ve thought about it ever since. It was a beautiful wooden piece with a wonderfully timeworn, handcrafted feel, likely made by a shepherd in the mountains to store everyday things like clothing and shoes. The heavy timber had a textured, almost primitive surface, full of carved patterns, little irregularities, and marks that showed it was built using traditional techniques and had aged honestly over time. Even the simple framed doors were slightly uneven, which only added to its charm.
I didn’t want it to go to just anyone, and luckily it ended up with someone who has a deep appreciation for primitive elements. Every time I see him, he tells me how much he cherishes it, which is a pretty good consolation. It’s definitely gone to the right home so I don’t regret selling it, but I do still miss it!
Oliver Lyttleton
So I bought a set of 1990s chest of draws from an Instagram seller once and then let it go when I was doing a big cull. It is one of my biggest regrets and I think about it often, I even tried to buy it back but didn't manage to. I loved the rounded edges and the slim metal handles. It is also really sturdy and has a really good sliding mechanism. I wish I hadn’t sold it – I now need storage for samples and it would have been perfect!
Isabella Worsley
I do always regret decluttering chairs, as there can never be too many when you have friends and family over. One thing I always resist decluttering is art: rather than getting rid of it, I find it amazing how transformative a re-hang of artwork can be in bringing a sense of change and freshness to an interior.
