Most people have been in a situation where they buy the latest and most fashionable pair of pants or shoes, only for them to go out of fashion just months later. That’s frustrating, but it’s nowhere near as bad as spending tens of thousands of pounds on fleeting renovation trends. As a result, it’s always best to go for practical and timeless renovations while avoiding gimmicks and overly bold designs, just like the following renovation trends that will go out of style quickly.
All-White Kitchens
Not so long ago, the all-white kitchen was a symbol of minimalist luxury and wealth, but this trend is already shifting as more homeowners embrace warmer, personalized spaces. All-white is starting to feel too stark and clinical, not to mention its high maintenance, with every smudge and scratch showing up. So, move on from the idea and go for something with a bit of color, but not excessively so.
Open Shelving Overload
Open shelving in kitchens had a trendy run, as people loved to show off their beautiful dishes and glassware. However, it’s now becoming less popular, as the upkeep can be exhausting, and fashion trends are leaning toward minimalism rather than owning such fancy showpieces. Ultimately, this is causing homeowners to rediscover the appeal of closed cabinets for functionality and ease of organization.
Gray Everything
In the same way as all-white kitchens, a gray-dominant decor scheme was once the epitome of neutral chic, but now it’s starting to feel drab and lifeless. Warmer colors and natural hues are taking over as people aim for a cozier, more vibrant home. Gray, while versatile, can make spaces feel impersonal, leaving homeowners to gravitate toward colors that actually bring rooms to life.
Farmhouse Decor
Do you remember when farmhouse decor had its moment? Yes, shiplap walls and rustic barn doors were all the rage, but it’s falling out of favor, and frankly, we’re all for it. While it can be charming in the right context, the aesthetic can feel repetitive and insincere in modern homes. Thankfully, this has led to today’s homeowners opting for unique styles that blend modern and vintage elements instead, without the overtly rustic vibe.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Back in the ‘90s, just about every home had wall-to-wall carpeting, but today, it’s becoming rare to see. In its place has arrived hardwood, tile, and other hard floor surfaces, and we’re happy to see the carpet go, as it can trap dust and allergens and requires frequent cleaning to maintain. We’re not soulless–obviously, it’s nice to have the comfort of carpet in some rooms, but there’s really no need to go overboard.
Industrial-Style Lighting
It’s hard to understand why industrial lighting, with exposed bulbs and metal accents, was ever fashionable. Not long after this renovation trend began, it started to lose its luster as homeowners realized that they wanted something more soft and cozy. Ultimately, we think it’s important that we all agree that homes should feel inviting rather than stark and overly styled.
Concrete Everywhere
Concrete surfaces had their time in trendy kitchens and bathrooms, but they’re starting to decline due to practical concerns. Yes, concrete floors and counters may look sleek and modern, but they can be prone to cracking and feel cold underfoot. No one wants to experience that in an otherwise cozy home, so at long last, homeowners are starting to choose warmer, natural materials like wood and stone.
Open Floor Plans
Perhaps the most trendy renovation concept on this list is open floor plans, which are still rising in popularity to this day. However, we’re here to break the bad news–it won’t be long until this trend has died out. In fact, it’s already shifting in some circles as more people prioritize private, defined spaces without nightmarish acoustics, especially considering the world’s shift toward work-from-home setups.
Minimalist Bathrooms
We’re actually quite surprised to see minimalist bathrooms going out of style already. That’s right–their white tiles and minimal decor are now being swapped for designs with personality and warmth, as homeowners want cozy color, not sophisticated minimalism. That’s totally understandable because, at the end of the day, a bathroom should be comfortable and functional–it’s not an art gallery!
Chevron and Herringbone Patterns
Another renovation trend that we think will go out of style quite quickly is chevron and herringbone patterns, which recently started to make a statement in the interior design world. This is particularly the case when it comes to flooring and tilework, but these designs are already being replaced by simpler, classic alternatives. It’s pretty obvious why–the intricate patterns can feel busy when overused, detracting from the overall space, which is a shame.
Floating Vanities
There’s no denying that floating vanities have a sleek look, but they don’t offer much in terms of practical storage. As a result, people are starting to move away from them as renovation ideas, because while minimalistic, the idea falls short for those who need extra cabinets for toiletries. Homeowners are moving back to more traditional vanities that maximize space, bringing functionality and a grounded feel to bathrooms, which we’re all for.
Over-the-Top Accent Walls
Pretty much anything that could be considered “over the top” is falling out of fashion now, especially with accented walls. Sure, these were once a popular way to color or texture a room, but they’re now being phased out in favor of more cohesive room designs. An entire room painted or designed with a harmonious color scheme creates a far more calming, cohesive effect than any “in your face” accent could ever achieve.
Shiplap Walls
It wasn’t even that long ago that shiplap walls were beloved for their rustic charm, but now, they’re falling out of favor as newer textures take center stage. Perhaps shiplap can still work in certain styles, but it no longer has the widespread appeal it once did. Because of this realization, homeowners are exploring alternatives like plaster or wood slats that bring texture without the farmhouse association.
Rose Gold Finishes
Remember when everyone was renovating their homes with rose gold finishes? It was a really trendy choice for a while, especially when it came to lighting, hardware, and electronics. This trend was short-lived, though, and is already being replaced by more classic options. We can’t deny that the pinkish metallic added a vibe of warmth and glamor to the room, but finishes such as brass, black, and matte white definitely offer a more subtle elegance.
Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplaces
Surely, we can all agree that having a fireplace is cozy, but we’re not so sure about wall-mounted electric fireplaces these days. They do add ambiance to living rooms without the need for a chimney, but frankly, they lack the cozy, homely feel of a traditional hearth. As a result, homeowners are now gravitating back toward wood-burning or gas fireplaces, showing once again that fashion always goes full circle after a while.
Open-Concept Closets
Not only are open floor plans falling off in comparison to their past popularity, but so are open closets. Let’s be real–they’re not the most practical for everyday use, as they require constant tidiness to look appealing, which isn’t realistic for everyone. To our relief, homeowners are now reintroducing doors to keep bedrooms looking clean and organized, reintroducing the freedom to store items without keeping everything display-ready.
Terrazzo Surfaces
The final renovation trend on our list that will no doubt go out of style quickly is terrazzo surfaces, with their speckled, colorful appeal. These have been immensely popular for countertops and tiles lately, but even though they’ve not been around for long, they’re already starting to feel overwhelming. There’s just something about the busy pattern that doesn’t blend well with other styles, so we’re happy to see that simpler materials, such as quartz or marble, are finally making a comeback.