Are you thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? It’s exciting to plan a redecoration project. But before you start picking out paint and furniture, there’s something you should know. Some of the most popular looks from just a few years ago are now considered major interior design trends going out of style.
Choosing one of these can accidentally make your newly finished room feel dated before you even begin. It’s a frustrating and costly mistake to make.
But don’t worry. We’re here to help you navigate what’s in and what’s out. This guide will walk you through the top decor trends to avoid. We’ll show you what to choose instead to create a beautiful, modern, and timeless space you’ll love for years to come.
Dated Decor: 9 Trends to Leave in the Past
Keeping your home current doesn’t mean you have to change everything every year. It’s about choosing a foundation that lasts. Let’s look at some popular but outdated home decor ideas and their more timeless alternatives.
1. The Random Accent Wall
For years, painting one wall a bold color was the go-to way to add personality to a room. Today, it can look a bit random and make a space feel choppy. It often feels like a design choice made without a clear purpose.
What to do instead: For a truly modern and elegant look, go all in. Paint all four walls, the trim, and even the doors the same color. This creates a rich, immersive feeling that makes a room feel intentional and high-end. If you still want to highlight one wall, create a large gallery wall with your favorite art and photos.
2. The All-White Kitchen
An all-white kitchen is classic, and it will never be truly “bad.” However, the trend of having everything—cabinets, counters, and backsplash—in stark white is fading. People are now looking for kitchens with more warmth, character, and personality.
What to do instead: If you have an all-white kitchen, you have the perfect blank canvas! To modernize it, introduce natural elements. Consider adding wood tones through shelving or a butcher block island. Change your cabinet hardware to a warm brass. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of color. Painting your island a deep green or navy blue can completely transform the space.
3. Exposed Floating Shelves
A few years ago, everyone was tearing out their upper kitchen cabinets and putting up stacks of open floating shelves. While they look great in photos, they can quickly become cluttered and impractical for everyday life.
What to do instead: The new, sophisticated way to do open shelving is to integrate a single shelf into your backsplash. This is often done by running a stone slab up the wall and having it wrap around a sturdy shelf. It’s a clean, stylish look that adds a display area without sacrificing a sense of calm. It’s one of the top decor trends to avoid replacing with a more streamlined look.
4. Strict, Themed Decor (like Farmhouse)
So, is farmhouse style outdated? While elements of it are timeless, going “full farmhouse” with shiplap everywhere, rustic signs, and buffalo check can feel more like a theme than a personal style. The same goes for overly industrial or boho looks. When a style is too specific, it dates itself quickly.
What to do instead: Instead of following a strict theme, create a more personal, collected look. If you like boho, add a few rattan furniture pieces. If you like farmhouse, use a classic apron-front sink. Mix these elements with timeless furniture and decor that you truly love. Thrifting for unique, antique pieces is a great way to add character that will never go out of style.
5. The Totally Open-Concept Home
The idea of knocking down every wall to create one giant living space was huge. But many people found that a lack of defined rooms made their homes feel loud and chaotic, with no place for privacy.
What to do instead: A more balanced approach is now favored. This is sometimes called a “broken-plan” layout. You might have an open kitchen and living room, but a separate dining room or a closed-off den. Keeping some distinct rooms creates cozy, functional zones for different activities.
6. Shiny, Glossy Finishes
From super shiny floors to high-gloss cabinets and polished countertops, the sleek and shiny look is on its way out. These surfaces often feel less natural and can show every fingerprint and smudge.
What to do instead: Embrace texture! The focus now is on organic, natural-feeling materials. Look for countertops with a matte or “honed” finish. Choose wood furniture that shows its natural grain. This move toward matte surfaces makes a home feel warmer, more inviting, and more connected to nature.
7. Overused Wall Details (like Shiplap)
Horizontal shiplap became so tied to the farmhouse trend that it now instantly dates a space. The same is true for the complex geometric accent walls that were a huge DIY trend. They were so specific to a certain time that they no longer feel fresh.
What to do instead: If you want to add architectural interest to your walls, choose classic molding styles. Picture frame molding or wainscoting are timeless choices that add elegance and texture to a room without tying it to a fleeting trend.
8. Light-Toned Wood Everywhere
The Scandinavian-inspired trend of very light, almost bleached, wood floors and furniture is being replaced by something richer. While mixing wood tones is always a good idea, the all-light-wood look is one of the interior design trends going out of style.
What to do instead: Deep, dark wood tones are back in a big way. Think rich walnut and dark oak. These deep woods add a sense of drama, history, and luxury to a room. You don’t have to replace your light wood floors; just start layering in darker furniture and decor for a beautiful contrast.
9. Basic Subway Tile with Dark Grout
White, 3×6 subway tile laid in a horizontal pattern with dark gray or black grout had its moment. It was everywhere. Because it was so overused, it now feels a bit dated and uninspired.
What to do instead: Subway tile itself is a classic! To make it modern, change the way you use it. Try stacking it vertically for a clean, fresh look, and use a matching light-colored grout for a seamless texture. Or, explore other beautiful tile options like Zellige tiles, which have a handmade, unique texture that adds incredible warmth and character.
Quick Guide: Swap These Outdated Decor Trends
Feeling overwhelmed? Here is a simple table to help you remember the key swaps.
| Trend That’s Fading | Timeless Alternative |
|---|---|
| Random Accent Walls | Full-Room Color or Gallery Walls |
| All-White Kitchens | Kitchens with Color and Wood Tones |
| Overly Themed Styles | A Collected, Personal Mix of Pieces |
| Totally Open-Concept | Defined Rooms or “Broken-Plan” Layouts |
| Shiny, Glossy Surfaces | Natural, Matte, and Textured Finishes |
FAQs
What is the current trend for interior design?
The biggest trend is personal, cozy style. People want homes that feel warm and unique. This is often called “organic modern” design. It uses natural materials like wood and stone. Colors are warm and earthy. Dark wood is also very popular right now.
What are the 7 basics of interior design?
Interior design has seven main elements. These are space, line, form, and light. The last three are color, texture, and pattern. Each one is important. They work together to create a beautiful room.
How do you stay up to date with design trends?
It is easy to follow design trends. Read home decor magazines and blogs. Follow designers on social media sites like Instagram. Pinterest is a great place for new ideas. Also, visit furniture stores to see what’s new.
What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
This is a rule for styling shelves and tables. It says to group items in odd numbers. A group of three, five, or seven things looks best. Make sure the items have different heights. This creates a balanced and interesting look.
What is the 2/3 rule for living rooms?
This rule helps you choose the right size furniture. Your coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa. This creates a feeling of good balance. It stops furniture from looking too big or too small for the space.
Creating a Home You Love
Remember, these are just guidelines. The number one rule in decorating is that you should love the home you live in. If you have an accent wall that brings you joy every day, then it is a wonderful choice for you!
The goal is to avoid making choices you’ll regret in a few years. By focusing on classic foundations, natural materials, and personal touches, you can create a home that feels both modern and timeless.
What trend are you happy to see go? Share your thoughts in the comments below
