Design trends come and go, and sometimes your space can end up feeling stuck in a past era without you even realizing it. Recognizing the elements that clearly date your home can help you decide what to update and what to keep. Knowing which design features defined the last decade can make it easier for you to refresh your space and bring it into the present.
You might have pieces or styles that were popular not too long ago but now feel outdated. This article will help you spot those telltale signs so you can understand what’s holding your decor back from feeling current.
Gray walls and flooring
Gray was everywhere in the last decade. You might still have gray walls or floors in your home.
It once felt like a safe, neutral choice that could match anything. But now, it can look a bit dated.
If you want to refresh your space, consider adding warmer tones or swapping gray for softer neutrals. This can make your room feel more current and inviting.
Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures
If your home still has oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, you’re definitely feeling a strong last-decade vibe. This finish was everywhere in the 2010s, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
The dark, slightly rustic look made it popular for creating warm, traditional spaces. Today, it can feel a bit dated compared to the brighter, matte metals that are trending now.
It’s easy to spot these fixtures by their deep brown color and sometimes coppery highlights that wear off with use. If you want a fresh look, swapping them out might be a good place to start.
Open floor plans
You’ve probably noticed how open floor plans dominated home design over the last decade. They aimed to create a spacious, connected feel by removing walls between kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas.
But now, many find this layout can feel too bare or noisy. You might prefer more defined spaces that offer privacy and cozy corners instead of a continuous open area.
White kitchens
If your kitchen is entirely white, it might already feel a bit dated. This look was everywhere in the last decade, praised for its clean and bright vibe.
However, all-white kitchens can sometimes feel cold or too sterile. You might want to add warmth or color accents to keep your space feeling fresh and inviting.
Stainless steel appliances
If your kitchen shines with only stainless steel appliances, it might feel a bit stuck in the past decade. They were the go-to choice for years because of their modern look.
Now, you’ll see more people mixing materials or choosing colorful options to add personality. While stainless steel is still popular, relying solely on it can make your space feel dated. Try blending textures or finishes to keep things fresh and inviting.
Chevron prints
If your home has bold zigzag patterns on walls, pillows, or rugs, you’re probably seeing a leftover trend from the last decade. Chevron prints were everywhere, adding a dynamic and playful feel.
You might find it fun but also a bit dated now. Updating these patterns with softer or more subtle designs can refresh your space gently without losing character.
Animal print accents
Animal print accents were a bold way to add personality to your space last decade. You might have spotted leopard, zebra, or snakeskin patterns popping up on cushions, rugs, or lampshades.
These prints brought a playful edge without overwhelming a room. Using them sparingly helped keep your decor balanced and fun.
Colorful beads decor
You probably noticed colorful beads popping up everywhere in the last decade. They add a playful, tactile touch to your space without being overpowering.
Using beads in curtains, wall hangings, or even planters creates a casual, creative vibe. It’s an easy way to bring texture and brightness to your room.
If you want to update your look, adding colorful beads can feel fresh while still nodding to popular trends from recent years.
Inflatable furniture
If you had inflatable sofas or chairs in your space, you know they were hard to miss. They made a bold statement but didn’t always offer the best comfort or durability.
These pieces were playful and perfect for a casual vibe, but many people quickly moved on to sturdier options.
You might still find inflatable furniture popping up in trend cycles, but they usually remind you of a specific era rather than a lasting style choice.
Bright saturated colors
You probably remember how bold and bright colors dominated design trends. Vibrant hues like electric blue, fiery red, and sunny yellow were everywhere, grabbing attention instantly.
Using these colors often gave spaces and designs a lively, energetic feel. If you’re revisiting designs from the last decade, these saturated colors are a clear signpost of that era.
Interior columns
If you’ve seen homes from the last decade, you probably noticed interior columns popping up everywhere. They often served as decorative dividers between rooms rather than purely structural elements.
You might remember them painted white or wrapped in faux finishes to match floors or walls. While they added charm then, now they can feel a bit dated or heavy in modern open layouts.