the house has a lot of bells and whistles

[alpacinou]

Hello,

I want to suggest a house has a lot of extra and "unnecessary" objects inside it. I am looking for an idiom which is similar to bells and whistles but has a negative connotation.

What can I use instead of the underlined part?

When you enter the house, something that immediately catches your attention is that the house has a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles.

 

[tedmc]

Clutter, knick-knack

 

[emsr2d2]

Clutter, knick-knacks

"Clutter" is uncountable. "Knick-knacks" aren't.

I'd use "... the house is full of tat".

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Bells and whistles usually would suggest fixtures more than furnishings. Which are you talking about?

If you're talking about fixtures, you might say something like:

- useless gadgetry

- technological tomfoolery

-built-ins unlikely to be summoned to service in a lifetime of domestic endeavors​

If you're talking about furnishings, you might say something like:

- a riot of gee-gaws

- a pack-rat's lair

- a hoarder's bazaar of variegated detritus that had thus far eluded the landfill's charms​

I don't know of any idioms. I like Tedmc's clutter best. But that's a word, not an idiom.

 

[alpacinou]

a hoarder's bazaar of variegated detritus that had thus far eluded the landfill's charms

My favorite.

 

[GoesStation]

a hoarder's bazaar of variegated detritus that had thus far eluded the landfill's charms

My favorite.

You'll find a fair bit of similarly dramatic description in the Dangerous Davies books I recommended.

 

[TheParser]

I want to suggest a house has a lot of extra and "unnecessary" objects inside it. I am looking for an idiom which is similar to bells and whistles but has a negative connotation.

NOT A TEACHER

Hi,

I found a discussion on this topic by googling these words: Opposite of bells and whistles Stack Exchange.

I liked one suggestion that I have used in my dialog(ue).

Mona: I plan to buy a car. Any suggestions?
Raul: Well, if you're looking for a lot of bells and whistles, I suggest that you buy a ____. It has a TV and computer for passengers in the back seat, and its sound system makes you think that you're listening to a singer in person.
Mona: Oh, no, I cannot afford such an expensive car.
Raul: Okey doke, then I suggest you buy a ____. It is strictly bare bones: two doors, a motor, and four wheels. No A/C or heater. Just wear the appropriate clothing for that day.
Mona: That sounds right up my alley!

 

[emsr2d2]

"Bare bones" works as a complete opposite of something has all the "bells and whistles". However, that's not what the OP is looking for. "Bells and whistles" refers to something with a lot of attributes that are considered positive. Alpacinoutd wants something that means that something has a lot of attributes that are negative or, at least, not beneficial.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Al -

You might also look up:

- hodge-podge
- welter
- glut
- profusion

 

[jutfrank]

clutter is perfect for what I think you're trying to say.