Say goodbye to all-white everything & futons!
Designs, furniture, and décor that you choose are important, as your home reflects your style. There are so many decor trends that come and go –some styles stick with us for years; some are better left in the past.
Say goodbye to the trends that interior designers say to avoid:
1. Sliding barn doors
Sliding barn doors were a defining element of style for a while, but today it's become an outdated trend. Barn doors look great on a farm but in an urban residence it looks out of place. Instead, look for sliding doors that are a more classic style.
2. Faux marble
Kitchens with faux marble was a big trend a few years ago, but now, the “real look” is in, and faux is out. With faux marble, you won't get the same beautiful warmth and smoothness you would from real marble.
3. Animal prints
Animal print has come in and out of style over the years, but many believe it should have stayed in the past. Larger pieces may look tacky and clash with colors and patterns, but you can incorporate small accents with animal prints for a pop of fun.
4. White everything
The all-white look was a very popular trend in interior design in the past. White walls and furniture are difficult to maintain and are definitely not practical.
5. Open shelves
Open shelves look great in photos, but that's about it. Regular shelves and cabinets are much more practical and look better in your kitchen.
6. Patterned tile
There is a high possibility this trend will look outdated in the near future and clash with other design elements. Instead, opt for solid tile colors for a more modern look.
7. Matching furniture
You may think you're creating a cohesive look in your home by buying matching furniture, but you could be doing the opposite. Matching furniture looks too put together and creates an inauthentic and bland atmosphere in a home, so mix things up!
8. Accent walls
Many interior designers are over the accent wall trend. There's nothing wrong with adding color to your walls, but if you're choosing a color -- commit to it and paint all of the walls in the room rather than just one wall.
9. Vessel sinks
Vessel sinks were a big trend for interior design. The problem is though, vessel sinks are impractical - they're difficult to use and to clean. They're also a pain to repair, and it's not worth the effort.
10. Futons
You should really consider ditching the futon. Invest in a proper couch that looks good and elevates your living room. Futons are never as stylish and will stick out like a sore thumb in your living room.
11. Expensive coffee table books
This trend has become very exaggerated, and it lacks authenticity. Instead, add books you've read that reflect your style and personality.
12. Wallpaper on one wall
Just like the accent wall, wallpaper on one wall is an outdated trend. It often looks out of place and unfinished, so if you're planning to use wallpaper, cover each wall in the room for a seamless, uniform style.
13. Mass-produced furniture & decor
Buying all of your furniture from the same place can be tempting, but it won't do your home any favors as your furniture and decor should reflect your unique personality and sense of style.
14. Words as decor
Do you have inspirational quotes or words hanging from the walls or sitting on a shelf? They can look tacky if overdone and are unnecessary. Use these décor elements sparingly, rather than making them the focus.
15. Too much gray
Just like you can have too much white, overloading on gray is a trend to leave behind as well. Too much gray will make your home look gloomy and uninspiring. More and more people are leaning toward incorporating color into their homes to make them feel cozy and welcoming.
16. Bare walls
Bare walls were a trend that supported the minimalist design style, but as we shift away from that style, we're leaving bare walls behind too. Gallery walls have become a rising trend, and incorporating wall art and photos on walls will add an extra layer of depth to your home.
17. Choosing just one style
Although you may love a particular design style more than others, it's important not to overdo it and choose just one style for your home. Mix and match various styles and pieces to create a creative home decor style.
18. Maximalism
Maximalism, just like minimalism, can become easily oversaturated in your home. If you want to embrace this trend, try it in a small space that doesn't dominate your entire home.
19. Ultra-modern
Modern interiors and exteriors can be incredible when done tastefully. It can be difficult to achieve – so instead of going all in on the modern look, add a diverse mix of classic pieces with unique modern touches for a look that's defined by more of what you like and not a particular style.
20. Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are difficult to open, and they're also a trend from the past. There are other beautiful window coverings that will add elegance and style to your space.
21. Popcorn ceiling
Popcorn ceilings were quite the craze in the '80s and '90s, but today, a smooth ceiling is the desired interior design style everyone appreciates.
22. Mason jars
The once beloved decor pieces at weddings, parties, and events are now a thing of the past also! Try using a vintage vase, or find a vase or thrift a one-of-a-kind classic vase that makes a statement.
23. Overload of pine furniture
Adding a bit of pine furniture in your home can make a warm, welcoming atmosphere. However, too much pine can outdate your home and make it look like it's from the '90s.
24. Colorful furniture
Be careful with the popular color–pop trend. Adding pops of color to a home with vibrant furniture can make your home look unsophisticated. This is true especially if you already have colorful furniture and other colorful accents.
25. Tropical palm prints
Tropical palm prints can be seen anywhere, from home decor to parties and events to master baths! This trend is no longer considered to be tasteful because it's so overdone, it's lost its appeal.
26. Carpet in bathrooms
Carpets and bathrooms don't mix. There's nothing wrong with having a bathmat in your bathroom but having door-to-door carpet just doesn't make sense.
27. Super minimalistic
Adding a bit of minimalism to your home is a good thing. Simple decor and decluttered spaces are great, but when minimalism is exaggerated, it makes a space look cold and void of character.
28. Electronics above the fireplace
Avoid putting electronics above the fireplace. Even if there's a mantel above your fireplace, mounting a TV above it will look cluttered and it can be dangerous as well. Any electronics above the fireplace are a fire hazard, so it’s best just to avoid them there altogether.
29. Living walls
Living walls are made of lined potted plants that create the illusion of living greenery. With green walls comes the potential for insects, allergens, and mold in the home. Plenty of other DIY decor ideas inspired by nature will add a serene earthy feel to your home.
30. 'Chopped' throw pillows
Chopped throw pillows may give your guests the impression that your furniture is for display only. This creates a cold and unwelcoming experience. Resist the urge to put a chop dent in your pillows.
31. Fake flowers
Although fake flowers are more convenient and easier to maintain than real flowers, unfortunately they're also easy to spot and don't bring the warmth and beauty that real flowers do.
32. Mid-century modern
Mid-century modern is an interior design style that grew popular from 1945 to 1969 and is defined by simple, classic furniture pieces. Since its revival, the design trend has become so common that it's now overused and too commonplace.
33. Edison bulbs
You've may have seen these lights hanging from ceilings in the latest bars and restaurants, but this look doesn't work as well in homes. You're better off investing in a beautiful chandelier or light fixture that's made for an interior space.
34. Too much granite
There can be too much of a good thing. Granite looks stunning in kitchens but overdoing the look will only devalue the look that you're going for.
35. Damask wallpaper
Damask wallpaper gives off an ancient look that interior designers no longer like. The wallpaper style was once a popular design element, but it's no longer relevant or trendy.
36. Short curtains
Short curtains look outdated and even frumpy, while long curtains that touch the floor are more classic and elegant.
37. Rose gold fixtures
Rose gold had its time, and while it can still look good in certain settings, try avoiding rose gold fixtures altogether. They look flashy and stick out against other decor pieces in the home.
38. Brass kitchen faucets
Brass can make your kitchen look years older than it is. Brass kitchen faucets are a trend of the past that will degrade the appearance of your home rather than adding to it.
39. Dark lampshades
Lampshades should be bright and serve the purpose of bringing more warm light into your home. When you use dark-colored lampshades, the light often looks gloomy and dark.
40. Gallery walls
Gallery walls with random photos look disjointed and impersonal. Try adding sentimental photos or artwork that speaks to you for a harmonious finish.
41. Boho decor style
Plants, rattan, and macramé decor were key players in the bohemian interior design movement. Boho decor was everywhere, but now, after a few years, the trend has fizzled and is no longer relevant.
If you're thinking about selling your home, and need some interior design tips, please let me know! I can help!
