Decorating your home should be fun, but with ever-changing trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of outdated styles. Some home décor trends that were once the epitome of chic now seem tired and unappealing. If you’re looking to refresh your space, here are 20 outdated décor trends to leave behind.
Shabby Chic
With its distressed furniture and pastel palettes, Shabby chic had a good run, but now tends to look more shabby than chic. The Spruce reveals that “Shabby chic is still in style, but is now considered less trendy.” It can make your home look more like a flea market than a well-curated space. Instead, go for pieces that are in good condition and mix in contemporary accents.
Tuscan Kitchens
Once all the rage, Tuscan kitchens filled with heavy, dark wood cabinets, ornate ironwork, and earthy tones now feel overly dramatic and dated. This style often makes spaces feel smaller and more cluttered than they are. Opt for lighter, brighter kitchens with clean lines and minimalist designs to create a more modern and inviting atmosphere.
Industrial Overload
Industrial design, characterized by exposed brick, metal, and reclaimed wood, was once a stylish nod to urban loft living. However, today, an overreliance on this aesthetic can make your home feel cold and impersonal. Balance industrial elements with softer textures and warmer colours to create a more inviting environment.
All-White Interiors
While all-white interiors can look sleek and clean, they can also seem sterile and lacking in personality. The absence of colour can make spaces feel bland and unwelcoming. Incorporate pops of colour, interesting textures, and personal touches to bring life and character back into your home.
Chevron Patterns
Chevron patterns had their moment in the spotlight, but now they feel overly trendy and passé, thanks to the repetitive zigzag that can overwhelm a room and quickly date your décor. Consider opting for more timeless patterns like stripes or solids that offer longevity and versatility.
Granite Countertops
Once the gold standard in kitchen design, granite countertops have been eclipsed by more modern materials like quartz and marble. Granite’s busy patterns and dark colours can dominate a space, while sleeker surfaces like quartz offer a contemporary look that’s easier to maintain and more aesthetically pleasing.
Open Shelving
Open shelving was initially celebrated for its airy feel and easy access, but it often ends up looking cluttered and impractical, especially in kitchens. Dust and grease can quickly accumulate, making it a chore to maintain. Closed cabinets with clear glass fronts or minimalist open shelves with curated displays can be a better alternative.
Word Art
What has become a cliché in home décor is inspirational word art on walls. While a well-placed quote can add a personal touch, overdoing it can make your home look like a Pinterest board gone wrong. Swap out word art for original artwork, photography, or even framed maps to add a unique and sophisticated touch.
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching furniture sets used to be the go-to for creating a cohesive look, but now, they can make your space feel monotonous and lacking in character. Mixing and matching different pieces and styles can create a more personalised and dynamic interior that reflects your unique taste.
Over-the-Top Themes
If you have themed rooms, such as beach or lodge styles, these can quickly become overwhelming and limit your décor options. They can make your home feel like a caricature rather than a comfortable living space, so instead, use subtle thematic elements and blend them with more versatile, contemporary pieces.
Faux Finishes
Faux finishes like sponge painting and faux marbling were popular in the ’90s and early 2000s but now look outdated and tacky. These techniques can make walls look busy and distracting. Stick to solid colours or modern wallpapers to create a more refined and up-to-date look.
Massive Entertainment Centres
It might be the dream of many to have huge entertainment centres that dominate living rooms, but they’re a thing of the past. These bulky pieces take up too much space and often look outdated. Mounting your TV on the wall and using sleek, minimalist consoles can open up your living area and give it a more contemporary feel.
Dark Wood Panelling
Dark wood panelling can make rooms feel dreary and outdated. This trend, popular in the mid-20th century, can overwhelm modern homes with its heavy, oppressive look. Lighten up your spaces with painted walls, lighter woods, or even wall coverings that add texture and interest without the gloom.
Farmhouse Overkill
The farmhouse trend, defined by rustic wood, white shiplap, and vintage accents, has become oversaturated. While charming in moderation, too much farmhouse décor can make your home look like a set from a country fair, so introduce modern elements and reduce the number of rustic touches for a more balanced look.
Overstuffed Furniture
Overstuffed, bulky furniture was once synonymous with comfort, but now it can make your home feel crowded and outdated. Streamlined, sleek furniture designs not only look more modern but also make better use of your space. It’s best to opt for pieces that combine style with comfort without the unnecessary bulk.
Faux Plants
While faux plants require no maintenance, they often look cheap and lifeless—not to mention they can collect dust and add no real value to your décor. Real plants, even low-maintenance ones, bring a sense of life and freshness to your home that faux plants simply can’t replicate.
Heavy Drapes
Heavy, ornate drapes were once a sign of luxury, but they now often appear old-fashioned and oppressive. These drapes can block natural light and make rooms feel smaller, too. Go for lighter, airy window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds that let in more light and modernise your space.
Over-the-Bed Canopies
While they used to be romantic and elegant, over-the-bed canopies can now feel more like dust collectors. They can make your bedroom look dated and are often impractical. Simpler bed designs with quality bedding can achieve a more modern and clean look.
Hollywood Glam
Hollywood glam, with its mirrored furniture, bold colours, and blingy accents, can quickly feel over-the-top and gaudy. This style can make your home look more like a set than a livable space. Simplify your style by mixing a few statement pieces with more understated, classic items.
Accent Walls
And finally, accent walls. These were once a trendy way to add interest to a room, but can now seem a bit gimmicky, as painting one wall a different colour often looks disjointed. Alternatively, you can use art, textiles, or statement furniture to create focal points and add depth and interest to your spaces without relying on a single wall.
