Updating your home decor can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure which trends have passed their prime. Many popular styles from recent years no longer bring the fresh, modern look you want.
Knowing which decorating trends make your home look outdated can help you create a space that feels current and inviting. This article will guide you through common styles that, while once popular, may now be holding your home back.
Overuse of shag rugs
If you rely heavily on shag rugs, your space might start to feel outdated. Once trendy, their thick texture can now appear old-fashioned and overwhelming.
Using one shag rug as an accent can work, but covering large areas with them tends to weigh a room down. Consider swapping them for more streamlined, low-pile options to freshen your floors without losing comfort.
Popcorn ceilings
If you have popcorn ceilings, you might notice they make your room feel dated. Originally, they were popular for hiding imperfections and reducing noise.
However, the textured surface traps dust and can look worn over time.
Removing or covering popcorn ceilings can instantly update your space. It’s a simple way to create a cleaner, fresher look for your home.
Millennial pink walls
Millennial pink may have felt fresh a few years ago, but it’s now starting to feel dated. This soft, dusty pink was once trendy, but on large surfaces like walls, it can make your space look stuck in the past.
If you love pink tones, consider adding them as accents instead of painting full walls. This way, your home feels updated and you avoid a design that feels overused.
Carpeted bathrooms
Carpet in bathrooms was popular decades ago but it’s rarely a good idea today. It traps moisture, making your bathroom prone to mold and unpleasant odors.
If you want warmth underfoot, consider soft rugs that you can easily wash and replace. They provide comfort without the downsides of wall-to-wall carpet.
Updating your bathroom flooring to tile or vinyl will keep your space cleaner and fresher for longer. It also gives your bathroom a more modern feel.
Overloading throw pillows
You might think more pillows mean more comfort, but too many can clutter your space. Instead of adding dozens, choose a few that match your room’s color scheme.
Keep pillows simple and coordinated to create a tidy, inviting seating area. Overloading pillows can make your room feel busy and less relaxing.
Doorless bathrooms
If you have a doorless bathroom, you might notice it can make your space feel less private. While open designs can be airy, they often lack the comfort most people want in a bathroom.
Without a door, smells and sounds travel more easily, which can be awkward. Updating to a simple door can quickly improve both privacy and function in your home.
Dark brown kitchen cabinets
If your kitchen has dark brown cabinets, it might feel a bit dated. These cabinets can make a space look heavy or dark, especially in smaller kitchens.
You can freshen up the look by painting them a lighter color or adding modern hardware. Mixing in lighter countertops or backsplashes also helps brighten the room.
Dark wood can still work if balanced with plenty of natural light and contemporary accents. Otherwise, it’s worth considering an update for a more refreshed feel.
Built-in bulky appliances
You might think built-in appliances save space, but bulky designs can actually make your kitchen feel closed off. Large, heavy units tend to dominate the room and date your space quickly.
Opt for sleeker, more modern appliances that blend in without overwhelming your kitchen. This keeps your room feeling open and updated without losing functionality.
Pelmets over windows
Pelmets, also known as window valances, were once a popular way to dress up windows. However, they often feel boxy and overly formal now.
If you have pelmets in your home, they can make your space look dated.
Modern alternatives focus on simpler lines or bold fabric choices to refresh your window treatments without the heavy look of traditional pelmets.
Too-tall closet rods
If your closet rod is set too high, reaching for your clothes can feel like a workout. It also wastes valuable space that could be used for extra storage.
Lowering the rod makes clothes easier to access and lets you add shelves or drawers below. This small change can make your closet feel more practical and up-to-date.
Try to keep the rod at a comfortable height where you can easily see and reach everything without stretching. Your daily routine will thank you.
Separate toilet rooms
Having a separate room just for the toilet can feel outdated. It breaks up space and can make your bathroom less functional.
Many people now prefer combined bathroom layouts that maximize space and make cleaning easier.
If you want a fresh look, consider opening up the area or updating the design for better flow. This small change can modernize your home without a big remodel.
Cheap laminate bathroom flooring
If you have cheap laminate flooring in your bathroom, it can make the space feel outdated quickly. Laminate often doesn’t hold up well in moisture-heavy areas, leading to swelling or damage.
You might notice it looks less realistic and can sound hollow underfoot. Upgrading to more water-resistant materials can give your bathroom a fresher, modern vibe.
Excessive wallpaper borders
If your walls have wallpaper borders running around every room, it might be time to rethink that look. These borders can make your space feel dated and busy.
Choosing clean, simple walls without added strips can open up your rooms. You’ll create a fresher, more modern vibe with less visual clutter.
Wall-to-wall carpet
Wall-to-wall carpet was once a staple in many homes, but now it can make your space feel dated. It tends to trap dirt and wear unevenly, making it harder to keep fresh.
Switching to area rugs or hardwood floors can help open up your rooms and give your home a cleaner, more modern look. You’ll find it easier to clean and update your style over time.
Cluttered knickknacks displays
You might think filling every surface with little collectibles adds charm, but it often feels overwhelming. Too many knickknacks can make your home look busy and dated.
Instead, try choosing a few meaningful items to display thoughtfully. This creates a cleaner, more inviting space that lets your personality shine without the clutter.
