With the ever-changing landscape of interior design, it can be a real challenge to keep up with the latest trends. Whether you’re planning to sell your house or just want to give your living space a fresh update, it’s important to know what’s in and what’s out.
Some style choices can instantly date your home, making it less appealing to potential buyers or simply leaving you feeling stuck in a bygone era.
From passé color palettes to tired furniture styles, here are 13 decorating trends that, while they might have been all the rage in their time, now scream outdated to buyers and design enthusiasts alike.
1. Overwhelming Wallpaper
While some wallpapers can add a touch of class or whimsy to a room, there’s a fine line between charming and overwhelming.
Think back to the flamboyantly patterned, bright colored wallpapers that dominated the 80s. Those, my friend, are a no-go in the modern home. Today’s buyers prefer subtle, textured wallpapers or paint for a more versatile and timeless appeal. So, if you’re still holding onto that retro wallpaper, it might be time for an update.
2. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, once a popular choice for their noise-damping abilities, are now seen as a headache-inducing sight in any home. Not only do they date your house, they can also collect dust and are difficult to repair if damaged. The smooth, clean lines of a flat ceiling are much more appealing to today’s buyers.
3. The Overuse of Granite
Granite countertops were the epitome of luxury in the 2000s, but this trend has cooled off significantly. While granite is still a popular material, the overuse of it can make your home look dated. Instead, consider using a variety of materials in your kitchen, such as quartz or butcher block, for a more modern and versatile look.
4. Outdated Carpeting
Shag carpeting, wall-to-wall carpeting in bathrooms, and heavily patterned carpets are all signs of an outdated interior. Today’s buyers prefer hardwood floors or contemporary area rugs that are easier to clean and provide a sleeker look. If you’re still holding onto that old, worn-out carpet, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
5. Brass Fixtures
Brass fixtures, especially the shiny, polished kind, can instantly date your home. Today’s homeowners prefer more subtle, matte finishes for their hardware. Updating your fixtures can be a simple and relatively inexpensive way to modernize your home and increase its appeal to buyers.
6. Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, particularly the dark, glossy kind that was popular in the 70s and 80s, can make your home feel dated and gloomy. Consider painting over the paneling or replacing it with drywall for a fresher, more contemporary look. If you’re a fan of the warmth that wood brings, try incorporating it in a more modern way, such as with a reclaimed wood accent wall or tastefully selected wooden furniture.
7. Overdone Themed Rooms
While a tastefully themed room can be fun and charming, overdone themes can come across as tacky and outdated. Instead of going all out with a jungle or nautical theme, for example, consider incorporating elements of the theme subtly through art, accent pieces, or color schemes. This approach is not only more sophisticated, but it also gives you more flexibility to change the room’s style in the future.
8. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds, particularly those made of plastic, can look cheap and dated. Today’s homeowners prefer more stylish and functional options like roman shades, plantation shutters, or drapery. Swapping out your old blinds for one of these options can instantly update the look of your home.
9. Tuscan-Style Kitchens
The Tuscan-style kitchen, with its ornate molding, heavy wood cabinets, and warm color palette, was the height of luxury in the early 2000s. However, this look can now make your kitchen feel dated and dark. Today’s home buyers prefer lighter, more open kitchens with clean lines and neutral colors. Consider painting your cabinets white, updating your backsplash, or replacing heavy curtains with lighter window treatments to modernize your Tuscan kitchen.
10. Hollywood Vanity Lights
Those round, bright bulbs surrounding your bathroom mirror might make you feel like a movie star, but they can also make your bathroom feel like a relic from the past. Modern lighting options offer a wide range of styles that can update your bathroom and make it feel more elegant and relaxing. Consider replacing your Hollywood lights with sleek sconces or a stylish pendant light.
11. The Color Peach
The peach color trend has been overripe for a while now. This once-popular color scheme can now make your home look stuck in the past. Instead, try using more timeless neutrals or cooler, contemporary colors. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in updating the look of your home.
12. Cluttered Curio Cabinets
While it’s nice to display your collectibles, a cluttered curio cabinet can make your home feel dated and crowded. Consider displaying a select few items on open shelves or in modern glass cabinets for a cleaner, more contemporary look. And remember, less is often more when it comes to displaying collectibles.
13. Floral Furniture
Floral patterns, particularly large, bold ones, can quickly overwhelm a room and make it feel outdated. If you love floral, try using it in small doses, such as on throw pillows or in artwork. Or, choose more modern floral patterns that are less busy and more abstract. Either way, it might be time to say goodbye to that floral sofa or armchair.
To keep up with the latest in interior design trends, check out resources like Reddit’s Interior Design forum or this insightful YouTube video. For more in-depth information, you might find this book useful. Remember, the key to timeless design is balance and moderation. Happy decorating!