You may think it’s cool to have a room that looks like you got off the plane and walked into a Hawaiian luau or like a West Virginia soccer paraphernalia bomb exploded in your man cave, but the reality is that the hardcore-themed decor is simply outdated. The new face of themed décor requires a lot more restraint, a bit of creativity, and leaving something to the imagination. If you want to have a themed room, you can do so without everyone coming in feeling like they have to put on sunscreen or use a foam finger. Here are five simple rules to follow when you want to have a themed decor in your home, without being over the top:

1. Leave a little to the imagination: a well-designed themed room is like good abstract art. You want people to look at it without its meaning being completely in their face. For example, in a beach-themed room, you can use a decorative table made of carved wood. The table fulfills the function of a side table where a lamp can be placed, but it is also reminiscent of a piece of driftwood thrown ashore. The sofa can be the color of sand. An abstract artwork can represent waves, can’t it? It depends on who is looking at it. A lamp made of turquoise acts as a work of art without screaming beach.

If you’re making a man cave, maybe some abstract photos of the stadium framed and hung in a collage could provide an interesting piece of art and conversation starter. If your theme is Asian, just use grass cloth wallpaper on a couple of walls for texture and add a red accent wall with black and red accessories to convey the point. You get the idea. Subtle and abstract is much more powerful than on your face and obvious.

2. Don’t go overboard with props – A few themed pieces can be added to props, like black and white photos of the beach on the walls. Mix that with some simple white vases and some white accent pillows with what appears to be a willow tree in them. Some stones simply placed on a turquoise plate can offer a bit of texture and interest. Stay away from lots of shells, sand, or seaweed. Go subtly with your accessories, but try to wear things that you think are reminiscent of your theme.

3. Paint can go a long way – that man cave can represent WVU, or North Carolina or whatever it tastes like, with its paint colors. Actually, it is not necessary to paint the large WVU logo on the wall, instead use blue as a wall color and use yellow as an accent color on fabrics, artwork or other accessories. Remember, you can convey your point in a subtle and elegant way while creating a much more interesting and enjoyable room decor.

The moral of the story is that themed rooms can be fun and interesting if done carefully. Gone are the days of the basement tikki bar. Today’s themed rooms are much more subtle and abstract than ever. So enjoy decorating your themed room but do it with caution and moderation.