40 outdated home trends that make interior designers cringe

“Fashion trends come and go, but true style lasts. While some trends like word art and bathroom carpet quickly fade, timeless classics endure and evolve. According to Carol Miller from York Wallcoverings, clear style categories are blending. Whether you stick with a vintage avocado green sofa or enjoy experimenting with new ideas, reflecting on outdated trends can be fun. Ultimately, timeless pieces endure, no matter what’s considered ‘in’.”

All whites and grays

According to the latest 1stDibs trend report, white kitchens are losing popularity, giving way to bold and colorful alternatives. In 2023, white saw a significant decline in favor, dropping 10 points to just 14 percent, while light gray garnered only 5 percent of votes. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs, attributes this shift to a growing desire for homes that feel unique and richly layered. He notes that patterns and colors, especially those inspired by nature, are gaining traction for their visual appeal and emotional comfort, blending retro vibes with contemporary sensibilities.

Animal prints

According to Anthony Barzilay Freund from 1stDibs, the trend is shifting away from white-on-white and animal prints like zebra. Instead, there’s a growing preference for warmer, more cheerful tones and biophilic patterns. Barzilay Freund notes that while zebra rugs once added exotic flair in the ’70s, they now often appear outdated rather than sophisticated in 2022.

Mass-produced anything

Jeremy Jankowski, Pinterest’s home and design creator management lead, shows a significant trend towards soulful spaces driven by self-expression and historical nostalgia. Searches for eclectic and vintage interior design on Pinterest have surged by 850 percent, reflecting a shift towards sustainable choices and a desire to craft spaces with narrative depth. This movement marks a farewell to quick, impersonal trend pieces in favor of unique, one-of-a-kind vintage treasures.

Rose and gold hardware

According to Anthony Barzilay Freund from 1stDibs, rose gold and gold fixtures might be on their way out as trends shift towards subtler, less flashy options. He suggests a move towards more understated choices, emphasizing functionality over bling. However, if you’ve recently installed shiny new drawer pulls, it might be premature to return them just yet, as trends can take time to fully transition.

Boho B

It seems the boho style trend has peaked, according to experts. While it gained popularity with features like macramé wall hangings and abundant greenery, this eclectic design style is now falling out of favor. One aspect some won’t miss is how it sometimes encouraged a cluttered look.

Sliding barn doors

While the sliding barn door with exposed metal hardware may remain timeless, there’s a sense that farmhouse style, including #cottagecore, is easing in popularity. Yet, if you’ve recently installed a sliding door, its rustic and functional appeal makes it a fabulous focal point for any space.

Boxy furnishings

Curved is in vogue. From Mara Brock Akil’s rosé room seating to Todd Raymond’s Paolo Ferrari chaise, there’s a shift away from the bulky, square sofas of the ’90s La-Z-Boy era. Instead, we’re embracing a ’70s revival characterized by low seating and alluring, seductive shapes.

Pastels

Pastels have been a perennial favorite, but their popularity saw a shift in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic. In response to the need for more cheer, there’s been a trend towards bold, vibrant colors. So, instead of opting for a subtle muted green, there’s now a preference for vibrant shades like emerald or bird-of-paradise green to add a lively touch to spaces.

Carpeted bathrooms

Okay, we aesthetes are often known for prioritizing style over function, but some trends defy logic. After enough water-damage mishaps, it’s clear this trend has had its brief moment and can now reside in our memories for the occasional chuckle.

Midcentury modern

A few years back, midcentury modern reigned supreme. Its craftsmanship, clean lines, and understated elegance, inspired by Bauhaus principles, continue to influence diverse design sensibilities. However, there’s now a shift away from modernist principles towards the bold geometric shapes and psychedelic designs of the ’70s.

Blobby furniture and squiggly everything

Apologies, Millennials. Your playful departure from clean lines was a delightful, albeit short-lived, journey. We embraced moments with the Ultrafragola mirror, sinuous tables, whimsical chairs, playful pools, and comfy couches. Now, it seems we’re returning to our usual style preferences.

Open-floor-plan living

Open-plan living spaces, like this Brooklyn loft, provide several advantages: they create a sense of spaciousness, allow for easy movement, and are ideal for hosting guests. However, the lack of defined boundaries can also lead to reduced privacy, which became more apparent during the height of lockdowns. Many discovered that having walls can be essential for maintaining healthy relationships, especially in close quarters.

Tile countertops

Tile countertops were trendy in the 1970s, but if you’re aiming for a modern look, it’s advisable to move away from this style. Not only can tile be challenging to clean, but opting for statement marble or stone countertops can also elevate your space and keep it current.

Terrazzo unrestrained

Don’t panic just yet. Terrazzo isn’t completely out, but using it excessively might give your home an office-building vibe. Once popular from the 1930s to the 1990s in the U.S., terrazzo has made a comeback recently. However, to avoid it becoming quickly dated again, it’s best to use it sparingly and thoughtfully in your design choices.

Tiffany lamps

In many cases, it’s wise to retire the famed Tiffany lamp. While its stained glass is charming, these lamps can appear overly ornate or reminiscent of ’80s-style bars. They also tend to emit dim light. Fortunately, there are plenty of other lighting styles available that can effortlessly bring elegance to any room.

Millennial pink

It’s true, millennial pink is no longer in vogue. For a modern update, consider exploring hues like yellows or muted greens, which offer versatility and can complement various design aesthetics.

Word art

Do you truly need a large wooden plaque hanging on your wall? While phrases like “Family,” “Love,” or “Home” are common choices in word art, they may not necessarily reflect your personal style or values. It’s worthwhile to invest time in selecting decor that holds deeper meaning and aligns with your aesthetic preferences.

Linoleum flooring

When choosing flooring for a kitchen or dining area, you might want to reconsider linoleum for options that feel less outdated, such as wood or tile.

Futon

Now that your dorm days are behind you, consider upgrading from a futon to a more traditional sofa style, like a loveseat, for a more mature and comfortable living space.

Fast furniture

You’ve probably heard of “fast fashion,” which offers cheaper, factory-made versions of runway styles. Similarly, “fast furniture” in home decor provides inexpensive designs that are often seen as temporary or disposable, especially popular since the mid-1980s.

While fast furniture can save money, the trend towards antiquing and repurposing old furniture reveals a shift towards sustainability and uniqueness. Recycling and reusing existing decor not only reduces waste but also allows for collecting pieces with special stories and character.

Nautical motifs

It’s time to steer clear of cheesy beach-themed decor trends. Anchors, sailor’s ropes, and seashells belong on the shore, not in your living room. For a more sophisticated beachy ambiance, opt for a color palette inspired by coastal surroundings or incorporate subtle touches like coral and driftwood. This approach evokes the beach vibe without being overly literal.

Edison bulbs

Antique-style lights hanging in every coffee shop from Brooklyn to Portland have become overdone. To elevate your space beyond typical hipster decor, consider statement lighting such as a chandelier. Even Thomas Edison would approve of this classic choice.

Tuscan kitchens

This style was ubiquitous in the early 2000s and certainly had its appeal. Today’s kitchens, however, prioritize creating a light and airy atmosphere for cooking, moving away from the darker, more ornate Italian villa aesthetic.

Damask

Is it floral? Chintz? No, it’s damask—a pattern that adorned everything from wallpaper to curtains in the ’90s.

Matching window valances

When your window valances, curtains, and furniture all match perfectly, it can feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Update your space with modern, elegant curtains to replace the dated, coordinated look.

Mason jar mania

The wedding industry and “farmhouse” aesthetic have perpetuated the use of mason jars for everything from candle holders to salad containers since the ’90s. Now, there’s a growing appreciation for artisan-crafted vases, suggesting that mason jars should return to their original purpose of preserving preserves.

Avocado green and harvest gold

These two tranquil colors were staples of the ’70s, reflecting the era’s recovery from the Vietnam War. However, today, this color combination can seem dull and, understandably, out of fashion.

Granite overload

In the early 2000s, there was a trend of overwhelming kitchens with a single material, often featuring excessive use of dark granite. Today, there’s a preference for more effective accents and a minimalist, modern aesthetic that favors lighter materials.

Ferns everywhere

It’s true, while plants add beauty, there’s no need to have one in every room, as was the trend in the ’90s and ’00s. Avoid turning your living room into a greenhouse and consider the practicalities of watering them all.

Pine furniture

An occasional pine accent can add a nice touch, but in the ’80s and ’90s, it seemed to dominate everything from bookshelves to dressers to chests.

Vertical blinds

Not only can these be annoying to open and close, but they also belong to a bygone era. Consider investing in beautiful curtains to add an eye-catching element to the room instead.

Bean bag chairs

Ah, hello ’90s. While this chair may have been convenient for quick meals between college classes, it’s best suited for a dorm room setting. However, you can still enjoy comfort without sacrificing style—opt for a cozy reading chair instead.

Giant silk plants

While there are some beautiful silk flowers and faux branches available, they can sometimes give off a vibe reminiscent of a catering hall. Treat yourself to real bouquets of flowers for a more natural and authentic touch.

Sponge walls

In the ’90s, many homeowners embraced crafty techniques like sponge painting, which aimed to create texture but often resulted in mixed results. Today, there’s a preference for chic, bold looks that are free from sponge-painted effects.

Popcorn ceiling

Popcorn ceilings certainly have their own unique charm, but if you’re looking to make a bold statement, consider painting your ceiling in a striking color instead.

Fake fruits

In the ’90s, bowls of fake fruit were popular for adding a fun, colorful touch to decor, but dealing with the dust they collected wasn’t enjoyable. Nowadays, there’s a shift towards using fresh fruit, reflecting a growing interest in healthy eating and supporting local farmers’ markets.

Lace doilies

Let’s move on from lace doilies as well. While vintage can be cool, lace doilies can feel a bit too old-fashioned for modern tastes.

Window valances

Valances on their own can give a space a dated look that feels decades behind. For a modern focal point, consider chic Roman shades or understated sheer shadings instead.

Monograms or initials

While a monogrammed towel, sheet, or pillow can add a personal touch, covering your home with letter sculptures or signs everywhere might come off as a bit odd.

Platform beds

Platform beds had their heyday in the ’70s and again during the minimalist trend of the ’90s. While the low-slung look has its appeal, navigating around that bed frame can lead to daily shin bumps.

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