A cozy bedroom corner with a gold floor lamp featuring a distressed gold leaf finish, positioned beside a beige armchair. The room includes light brown curtains, vintage wooden cabinets, a floral rug, and soft lighting from large windows

12 Decorating Fads That Have Officially Expired

June 5, 2025269Views

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Keeping your home fresh and inviting means knowing when certain decorating styles have run their course. Trends come and go, and what felt modern a few years ago might now seem outdated or tired.

This article helps you identify 12 decorating fads that have officially expired, so you can avoid them and keep your space looking current and stylish. Knowing what to leave behind allows you to focus on designs that truly enhance your home.

Sunken Living Rooms

Retro sunken living room with colorful pillows, built-in seating, and mid-century modern decor, including a piano and bookshelf — Image credit: Balthazar Korab – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

If you’ve ever considered a sunken living room, now might be the time to rethink it. This 70s trend created a dropped seating area meant to encourage conversation.

While it adds a cozy, intimate feel, sunken spaces can feel outdated and limit flexibility in your layout.

You might find it tricky to arrange furniture or accommodate changes without major renovations. Keep things simple if you want a fresh, modern look.

Millennial Gray Walls

Modern hallway with gray walls and white trim, leading to a bedroom with light wooden flooring — Image credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

If your walls are still painted millennial gray, it’s time to think about a refresh. This muted gray was everywhere in the 2010s, but now it feels a bit tired and dated.

You might want to swap it for brighter colors or add bold statement pieces. This shift can instantly lift your space and make it feel more current.

All-White Kitchens

Couple holding a tile sample against a kitchen wall while discussing backsplash options — Image Credit: Pexels.

If your kitchen is all white, you might be ready for a change. While classic and clean, this look is starting to feel a bit dated in 2025.

You might find that mixing in color or texture adds more warmth and personality. White kitchens still work well but adding contrast can make your space feel fresher and less predictable.

Consider incorporating wood tones, darker cabinets, or colorful backsplashes to break up the monotony. This simple update can make your kitchen feel more modern and inviting.

Open Concept Living Spaces

Modern open-concept living room with a beige sectional sofa, round coffee table on a patterned rug, floating wooden staircase with white accents, warm ambient lighting — Imaged credit: Vecislavas Popa/ Pexel.

You might notice that open-concept living spaces are becoming less popular. Many people now prefer defined rooms that offer more privacy and clear boundaries.

Having separate areas helps you focus on specific activities without distractions. It also allows for better organization and personalized decor in each space.

If you enjoy quieter, more functional living zones, shifting away from open layouts could improve your home’s comfort.

Farmhouse Decor

Bright bathroom with double sinks, wooden vanity, white countertops, bathtub with curtain, large mirror, wall art, beige tiled floor — Image credit: hi room/ Pexels.

If you love farmhouse style, some trends might feel a bit tired now. Overused elements like distressed wood and shiplap walls are starting to lose their charm.

Wallpaper with botanical prints, once considered outdated, is actually making a quiet comeback. You can update your space by mixing fresh patterns with classic farmhouse basics.

Try to avoid the overly rustic look that feels forced. Instead, focus on simple, natural touches that keep your home warm without feeling cliché.

Accent Walls with Bold Colors

Modern home office with a bold teal accent wall, large windows, and minimalist dark wood furniture — Image credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels.

You might have loved the pop of color an accent wall gave your room. Lately, though, designers are moving away from bold, single-color walls. Instead, they suggest using more natural, cohesive color schemes throughout your space.

This shift helps your rooms feel more balanced and open. If you still want a bit of flair, try subtle textures or soft hues instead of bright, contrasting colors.

Barn Doors

Barn doors were everywhere a few years ago, adding a rustic touch to many homes. But now, you might find them more of a hassle than a stylish feature.

They don’t always work well in bathrooms or small spaces since they can lack privacy and soundproofing. If you’re thinking of updating your space, it’s worth considering more practical door options.

Built-in Bookshelves Overcrowded with Decor

Modern workspace with desk, computer, black chair, bookshelves, wooden stairs with glass railing, and exposed brick accent wall — Image Credit: Gustavo Galeano Maz/Pexels.

You might think filling every shelf with decor items makes your space look lively. But overcrowded built-in bookshelves can feel cluttered and distracting.

Leaving some empty space helps your books and favorite pieces stand out. It also makes your shelves easier to enjoy and keep organized.

Try mixing books with a few well-chosen items, so your shelves feel balanced. This simple change can refresh your room without a full redesign.

Over-the-Top Maximalism

A traditionally furnished room with ornately carved wooden walls and ceiling, antique chandeliers, patterned rugs, classic armchairs, and a central wooden coffee table with a decorative vase — Image Credit: Syed Qaarif Andrabi/Pexels.

If your space is packed with bold patterns, bright colors, and countless accessories, you might be ready for a change. Over-the-top maximalism, once loved for its energy, is losing favor in 2025.

You can still embrace personality without overwhelming your rooms. Simplifying your decor can create a more balanced, inviting atmosphere while keeping your style clear and fun.

Bohemian Eclectic Patterns Everywhere

Colorful bohemian room with eclectic decor, feather wall hangings, patterned furniture, and tribal artifacts — Image credit: Kelian Pfleger/Pexels.

If your home is filled with busy bohemian and eclectic patterns, it might be time to rethink the look. These bold patterns were popular for a while but can now feel overwhelming.

You don’t need to ditch the style completely. Instead, try using simpler, more subdued patterns to balance your space. This makes your home feel fresher and less cluttered.

Stainless Steel Appliances as the Main Feature

`Modern kitchen with light gray cabinetry, stainless steel refrigerator, built-in microwave, double wall oven, white subway tile backsplash, marble countertops, wooden flooring, under-cabinet lighting — Image Credit: Curtis Adams/ Pexels.

If your kitchen relies heavily on stainless steel appliances, you might notice they don’t feel as fresh anymore. Once very popular, stainless steel now can make your space look a bit cold or dated.

You can still use stainless steel, but consider it as an accent rather than the main focus. Warmer tones and colorful appliances are becoming more popular to create a cozy and personalized vibe in your kitchen.

Glossy Lacquered Furniture

Woman polishing a glossy lacquered round wood table in a traditional room with antique décor — Image credit: Vladimira Bouckova – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

If you’ve been drawn to shiny, high-gloss lacquered furniture, you might want to rethink it for 2025. The trend was popular for its sleek, modern look but is starting to feel less fresh.

You’ll find designers now favoring more natural, matte finishes that offer warmth and subtle texture. That said, a small lacquered piece can still add a bit of flair if used sparingly. Just avoid overloading your space with glossy surfaces to keep your decor balanced.