Home design trends come and go, and while some styles stand the test of time, others become outdated and make your home feel stuck in a different decade. If your house still features design elements from the 70s, 80s, or early 2000s, it might be time for a refresh. While you don’t have to follow every modern trend, updating certain aspects of your home can make it feel more stylish, functional, and inviting.
Here are 9 outdated home trends that could be dating your home—and how to update them!
1. Tuscan-Style Kitchens
The Tuscan-style kitchen was hugely popular in the early 2000s, featuring dark wood cabinetry, ornate tile backsplashes, heavy wrought iron details, and beige or brown countertops. While this aesthetic worked well for large homes with natural light, it often makes kitchens feel heavy, dark, and outdated in modern settings.
How to update it:
Today’s kitchens favor lighter, cleaner designs. Consider painting dark cabinets in soft neutrals like white, gray, or greige. Replace heavy tile backsplashes with sleek subway tile or quartz slabs for a more streamlined look. Opt for matte black or brushed brass hardware to add a modern touch.
2. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were once a staple in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s because they were easy to apply and helped cover imperfections. However, today they are widely considered outdated and can make a home feel old-fashioned and dark. Additionally, if your home was built before 1980, your popcorn ceiling could contain asbestos, making removal a potential health concern.
How to update it:
If you have a popcorn ceiling, consider removing it and replacing it with a smooth, modern finish. If removal isn’t feasible, covering it with wood planks, ceiling tiles, or a fresh coat of white paint can modernize the look.
3. Overly Matchy Furniture Sets
In the past, buying matching bedroom or living room furniture sets was the go-to approach for decorating a home. However, a perfectly coordinated set can feel overly staged, impersonal, and lacking character. Modern interiors favor a curated, layered look with pieces that complement rather than match.
How to update it:
Instead of a matching furniture set, mix and match different textures, colors, and styles. For example, pair a modern upholstered bed with vintage nightstands or a contemporary sofa with antique side tables. The goal is to create a space that feels collected over time rather than purchased all at once.
4. Brown and Beige Overload
The early 2000s were all about earthy tones, with shades of brown, beige, and tan dominating walls, furniture, and decor. While warm neutrals can create a cozy feel, an excess of brown and beige can make a home feel flat, dated, and uninspired.
How to update it:
Modern interiors embrace a balance of warm and cool tones. Break up a monotonous color scheme by incorporating soft blues, sage greens, or crisp whites. Add contrast with black accents or wood tones for a fresh, dynamic look.
5. Heavy Drapes and Valances
In decades past, elaborate drapery with valances was a sign of luxury and sophistication. However, today, these heavy window treatments block natural light, make rooms feel smaller, and collect dust.
How to update it:
Swap heavy drapes for light, airy curtains in linen or sheer fabrics. If privacy is a concern, opt for woven wood blinds, minimalist roller shades, or floor-length panels in neutral colors. Modern window treatments should feel simple and functional rather than overly decorative.
6. Dark Wood Paneling
Dark wood paneling was everywhere in the 1960s and 70s, but today, it often makes a home feel closed in, outdated, and overly rustic. While wood paneling can add character, it needs the right balance to work in a modern home.
How to update it:
If you have dark wood paneling, consider painting it white or a light neutral to maintain texture while modernizing the space. Alternatively, replace it with shiplap or drywall for a fresher look.
7. Open Shelving Overload
Open shelving was a huge trend in the 2010s, but too much of it can make a kitchen look cluttered. While a few open shelves can add character, having too many means you’re constantly dusting dishes and struggling with storage.
How to update it:
Balance open shelving with closed cabinets. Keep only a few well-curated shelves for displaying cookbooks or decorative items while storing everyday essentials in closed storage to maintain a clean look.
8. Overused Word Art and Farmhouse Signs
Wall art with phrases like “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Gather” were once charming but are now seen as overdone and generic. While there’s nothing wrong with sentimental decor, word art can make a space feel cookie-cutter rather than personal.
How to update it:
Swap out word art for abstract prints, vintage artwork, or framed photography. Choose meaningful pieces that reflect your personality rather than generic signs from big-box stores.
9. Speckled Granite Countertops
In the early 2000s, speckled granite countertops were a must-have in high-end kitchens. Today, their busy, speckled patterns can make a kitchen look outdated and cluttered.
How to update it:
If replacing countertops isn’t in the budget, paint dark cabinets a lighter color to create contrast. For a full refresh, consider quartz, butcher block, or solid-color stone surfaces that feel more modern and timeless.
*this article was created with the help of AI.
