Our homes are our sanctuaries and, as such, we want them to be comfortable, inviting, and stylish. We often turn to current decor trends to keep our spaces fresh and modern. Unfortunately, not all trends age well and some can even make our spaces feel dated almost instantly. That’s why I want to share my experience with 12 decor trends that I regretted implementing as they quickly aged my space. Hopefully, my experience will help you make more informed decisions when redecorating your own home.
1. Overdoing Shabby Chic
Shabby chic, when done right, can add a charming, vintage feel to a room. However, when overdone, it can make your space feel less “chic” and more “shabby.”
I made the mistake of incorporating too many distressed furniture pieces and pastel floral prints, which quickly made my home feel dated. The trick is to balance these elements with more contemporary pieces to avoid creating a space that looks like it’s stuck in the past. Aim for one or two shabby chic elements per room and balance them with clean lines and modern colors.
2. Too Much Grey
Grey has been a popular color choice in interior design for a few years now. It’s neutral, versatile, and can give a space a modern, sophisticated feel. However, using too much grey can create a dull, monotonous look that ages your space.
I learned this the hard way after painting all my walls grey and choosing grey furniture. The result was a flat, uninteresting design that felt stale rather quickly. To avoid this, try pairing grey with a few pops of color to break up the monotony and keep the space feeling fresh and modern.
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting can be cozy and comfortable, but it can also make a room feel dated. This is especially true if the carpet is in a dated color or pattern.
When I installed wall-to-wall carpeting in my home, I quickly realized that it made my space feel like a relic from the 80s. Not only that, but it was also difficult to keep clean, adding to the aged feel. Hardwood floors or area rugs are a more modern choice and can make your space feel more current.
4. Too Many Personal Photos
While personal photos can make a space feel cozy and lived-in, too many can make it feel cluttered and dated.
I used to have my walls covered in personal photos, but I quickly realized that it made my space feel cluttered and stuck in the past. Instead, opt for a few strategically placed photos and mix in some modern art or prints to keep your space feeling contemporary.
5. Overuse of Tinted Mason Jars
Tinted mason jars were a huge trend a few years back, but like many trends, they can quickly feel dated if overused.
I used them for everything from vases to storage containers, and while they did add a rustic touch to my space, they quickly became overwhelming and made my home feel like a Pinterest project gone wrong. Use them sparingly and balance them with more modern decor elements to keep your space feeling fresh.
6. Excessive Use of Chevron Patterns
Chevron patterns were all the rage in home decor a few years ago. But, like many trends, they can quickly become overdone and start to feel dated.
I incorporated chevron patterns into everything from my wallpaper to my throw pillows, and before long, my space felt like a time capsule from 2015. If you love chevron, try using it in small doses, like on a throw pillow or a small accent piece.
7. Too Much Open Shelving
Open shelving can be a great way to display your beautiful dishes and glassware. However, too much open shelving can make your space feel cluttered and disorganized.
I thought that installing open shelving in my kitchen would give it a modern, airy feel. But, it quickly became a dust magnet and made my kitchen feel cluttered and dated. Consider using open shelving sparingly and balance it with closed cabinetry to keep your space feeling organized and current.
8. Overdoing Farmhouse Style
Farmhouse style can be charming and cozy, but when overdone, it can make your space feel like a country time capsule.
I went all in on the farmhouse trend and decorated my entire home in this style. But, over time, I realized that it made my home feel like it was stuck in the past. To keep your space feeling fresh and modern, try to balance farmhouse elements with more contemporary decor pieces.
9. All-White Everything
An all-white interior can feel fresh and clean, but it can also feel sterile and impersonal if not balanced with other colors and textures.
I once painted all my walls, furniture, and decor pieces white, thinking it would make my space feel bright and airy. Instead, it felt cold and clinical. Remember to add pops of color and different textures to keep your space feeling warm and inviting.
10. Unframed Art
While unframed art can sometimes add a modern touch to your space, it can also feel unfinished and make your space feel dated.
I once left all my art unframed, thinking it would give my space a modern, edgy feel. However, it just made my space feel unfinished and quickly aged it. Consider investing in simple, modern frames to give your art a more polished look.
11. DIY Pallet Furniture
DIY pallet furniture was a huge trend a few years back. However, like many trends, it quickly began to feel overdone and dated.
I made a few pieces of pallet furniture for my home, but quickly realized that it made my space feel like a DIY project gone wrong. Instead, consider investing in quality furniture pieces that will stand the test of time.
12. Too Much Industrial Style
Industrial style can give your space a modern, edgy feel. However, when overdone, it can make your space feel cold and unwelcoming.
I once decorated my entire home in an industrial style, but it quickly felt cold and impersonal. To keep your space feeling warm and inviting, try to balance industrial elements with softer, more inviting decor pieces.
