If you’re moving into a new home, renovating your current one, or just want to do a little revamp of your home’s interior—steering clear of outdated design choices can breathe new life into your space. In this article, we’re sharing 17 common outdated design pitfalls to avoid to help you have a stylish and modern home.
Overusing Monochromatic Themes
A few years back, monochromatic homes (especially black and white) were all the rage, but the trend has ended and it’s now seen as outdated. Instead, we suggest you mix in pops of color to each room to add depth and intrigue. You can do this by incorporating colorful accessories and textiles if you don’t want to repaint or make bigger purchases.
Fast-fashion Furniture
It’s not just fast-fashion clothing that’s going out of style; it’s also fast-fashion furniture. You should opt for sustainable, long-lasting furniture choices or even consider vintage or quality second-hand pieces. Focus on investment pieces that will withstand trends. Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but you’ll be rewarded in the long run.
Clinging to Old-fashioned Paint Colors
If you want a modern home, you’ve got to let go of outdated paint colors—no matter how much you once loved them. As shared by Homes & Gardens, gray, deep purple, harsh red, and bright orange are some of the colors to avoid. Replace them with modern hues that add warmth and vibrancy.
Too-small Area Rugs
Always purchase rugs that appropriately fit the area or room you’re getting them for. Rugs should anchor the space without overwhelming it, and you’ll want them to complement the room’s scale. Too-small rugs can make a room feel disjointed and can really cheapen the overall feel.
Over-decorating Shelves
Open and floating shelves may be trending right now, but cluttering them with too many items can make them feel outdated nonetheless. Opt for minimalism in this instance and only display meaningful, functional items or statement pieces. You can use your shelves for a mix of decorative and practical purposes.
White Subway Tiles
All too many homes have fallen victim to the white “subway” tile trend over the years, but it’s now considered very outdated. You should instead explore varied tile textures and colors for a fresh, contemporary look. Consider larger tiles or colorful patterns, for example.
Overly Glossy Finishes
“Futuristic glossy kitchens first became popular back in the 1970s, but this style experienced a resurgence in the 2010s,” as per Kitchen Warehouse. In 2024, however, people are opting for matte or satin finishes for a more modern touch. Glossy surfaces show imperfections far more easily and look dated.
Heavy Drapery
Another home design mistake many people make is choosing dark, heavy drapery for their windows, which has fallen out of fashion. We suggest replacing heavy curtains with lighter, adjustable shades or near-sheer curtains to allow the room’s natural lighting to shine. This keeps spaces feeling open and airy.
Faux Plant Décor
Not everyone is great at keeping plants alive—we get it. However, you should seriously consider introducing real plants into your home to enhance indoor air quality and aesthetics. Choose plants that are easy to maintain and suit the space. Real plants truly add a layer of authenticity to your décor that fake plants can’t.
Baroque Heavy Furniture
Heavy, ornate Baroque-style furniture can overpower modern spaces with its eccentric detailing and gold embellishments. Avoid making your home look outdated by embracing lighter, more streamlined, and minimalist furniture designs. In some instances, less is more. Choose pieces that offer both function and form.
Over-reliance on Synthetic Materials
The European Environment Agency says, “Synthetic textile fibers are produced from fossil fuel resources, such as oil and natural gas. Their production, consumption and related waste handling generate greenhouse gas emissions.” With that said, we suggest you incorporate natural materials like linen.
Bouclé Fabrics
Does anything scream outdated more than everything in your home being bouclé? If your couch, throws, cushions, and footstools are all bouclé, it’s time for a refresh. Go for more durable and less textured fabrics, and only use bouclé selectively for accent pieces.
Overused Pastel Colors
There’s nothing wrong with some pastel colors being dotted around your home, but if everything is pastel, it’s going to look dated. We recommend you refresh spaces with more saturated or neutral tones and use pastels in small doses rather than as primary color schemes.
All-white Marble Overload
Kitchens and bathrooms being entirely decorated with white marble is yet another trend that is being left in the past, so if you’re considering it, here’s your sign not to. Instead, you can balance the coldness of marble with warmer materials like walnut wood. Use marble sparingly to avoid overwhelming a space.
Popcorn Ceilings
“Often considered an outdated design element, popcorn ceilings tend to have a negative reputation because of their hard-to-clean speckles,” as told by Apartment Therapy. These ceilings have also been known to contain asbestos. Smooth ceilings or modern textures like beadboard are preferred for a more contemporary look.
Extreme Minimalism
Aim for a good middle ground between cluttered and totally bare. Minimalism is trendy and modern, but not when it’s too extreme. Embrace a more layered, personalized approach to your home décor and mix minimalist elements with vibrant, textured additions for balance. You want your space to feel welcoming, after all.
Overdone Shiplap
If you really want to incorporate shiplap in your home, do so selectively, for example, in settings where it complements the style—like coastal homes. Avoid using shiplap in every room, as it can make spaces feel dated. Plus, it can be tricky to maintain and update.
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