Have you ever looked around your home and felt like something was… off? You love your space, but it doesn’t quite feel as fresh and modern as you’d like. Often, the culprit is a design trend that was super popular a few years ago but has since fallen out of style. These lingering looks can make your entire home feel dated.
The good news is you don’t need to start a massive renovation to fix it. Knowing which outdated interior design trends to look for is the first step. The next is learning the simple, affordable ways to update them.
If you’re ready to modernize your home and create a timeless look you’ll love for years, you’re in the right place. We’re going to walk through 10 common decor mistakes that date your home and exactly how to fix them.
Dated Decor at a Glance: Quick Fixes for a Modern Home
| Dated Trend | The Modern Fix |
|---|---|
| All Gray Everything | Introduce warm wood tones and natural colors. |
| Dark Wood Paneling | Paint it! Don’t remove it. |
| Bulky Window Shutters | Replace with roller shades or simple drapes. |
| Fuzzy Toilet Seat Covers | Remove it for an instant, free upgrade. |
| Oversized Jacuzzi Tubs | Opt for a freestanding tub or glass shower. |
| Wallpaper Borders | Peel them off for a cleaner look. |
| Chevron Patterns | Swap for the classic herringbone pattern. |
| Ornate Iron Fixtures | Choose simple, streamlined lighting and railings. |
| Short, Basic Fireplaces | Extend the fireplace surround to the ceiling. |
| Shiny Chrome & White | Mix in matte finishes and natural textures. |
1. The “All Gray Everything” Look
Just a few years ago, cool gray was the color everyone wanted. Gray walls, gray floors, gray sofas—it was everywhere. While gray can be a great neutral, a home drenched in cool, blue-toned grays can now feel a bit sterile and, frankly, about 10 years old.
The Fix: You don’t have to repaint your whole house. The easiest way to modernize a gray room is to warm it up. Bring in natural wood tones with furniture, like a white oak coffee table or media console. Add warmth through textiles, like beige, cream, or earthy-colored pillows and rugs. This mix of warm and cool tones creates a balanced and timeless feel.
2. Dark Wood Paneling from the 70s
That dark, vertical wood paneling can make a room feel like a time capsule. It often darkens a space and makes it feel smaller and older. But before you grab a crowbar, stop! The texture of that paneling is actually a wonderful design element.
The Fix: Keep the paneling, but give it a fresh coat of paint. Painting wood paneling white or a soft off-white can instantly brighten the room and give it a modern farmhouse or coastal vibe. If you’re feeling bold, a dark, moody green or navy can turn that wall into a stunning, contemporary feature. It’s a very affordable change that makes a huge impact.
3. Bulky California Shutters
California shutters were once considered a high-end, custom window treatment. Today, their bulky frames can feel heavy and block a surprising amount of natural light. To open them fully, you have to swing the entire panel into the room, which takes up valuable space.
The Fix: For a cleaner, more modern look, replace them with something simpler. Roller shades are minimal and practically disappear when raised. Roman shades offer a softer look, while a beautiful set of drapes can add color, texture, and a sense of height to the room. Any of these options will let in more light and make your windows feel bigger.
4. The Fuzzy Toilet Seat Cover
This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to update your bathroom. Fuzzy toilet seat covers and matching bath mats instantly date a bathroom back several decades. They might feel cozy, but they are a clear sign of dated home decor.
The Fix: Simply take it off. That’s it! This one-second, zero-cost change will instantly make your toilet and your entire bathroom look cleaner and more modern.
5. The Giant Corner Jacuzzi Tub
In the 90s and early 2000s, a huge corner tub with jets was the height of luxury. Now, these massive tubs often go unused, take up a ton of floor space, and look very outdated.
The Fix: If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, consider replacing that corner tub. A sleek, freestanding soaking tub can become a beautiful focal point and makes the room feel much larger. Another great option is to remove the tub entirely and create a large, luxurious walk-in shower with beautiful tile and a glass door. This is a bigger project, but it adds major value to your home.
6. Old-Fashioned Wallpaper Borders
Remember those strips of wallpaper that ran along the top of the wall? Whether they featured ivy, teddy bears, or floral patterns, wallpaper borders are a definite decorating mistake from the past.
The Fix: It’s time to take them down. Removing a wallpaper border is a perfect weekend DIY project. All you need is a spray bottle with wallpaper remover and a scraping tool. Spray the border, let it soak in, and it should peel right off. A clean, freshly painted wall will feel so much more current.
7. The Overused Chevron Pattern
Chevron was the “it” pattern around 2011. It was on rugs, pillows, curtains, and everything in between. Because it was so popular, it now feels very tied to that specific time. The bold, simple zig-zag can look a bit primary and less sophisticated today.
The Fix: Swap chevron for its more elegant cousin: herringbone. The herringbone pattern has a similar angled look but is a truly timeless design that has been popular for centuries. You can bring it into your home with a backsplash, floor tiles, or even a subtly patterned rug.
8. Heavy, Ornate Iron Fixtures
Think back to the Tuscan-inspired trend, with its heavy, dark, and swoopy wrought iron light fixtures and staircase railings. These ornate details can weigh down a room and make it feel dark and dated.
The Fix: This is one of the design trends to avoid if you want a modern look. Replace those fixtures with lighting that has simpler, cleaner lines. It can still have interesting details and beautiful finishes like matte black or brushed gold, but avoid the heavy swirls. Updating your staircase by swapping ornate iron balusters for simple, straight ones will also make a dramatic difference.
9. The Short, Basic Fireplace
Many homes have a standard, short fireplace that doesn’t make much of a statement. It’s functional, but it’s not the stunning focal point it could be. This is a missed opportunity to add a “wow” factor to your living room.
The Fix: Think vertical! Extend the fireplace surround all the way up to the ceiling. You can do this with drywall, tile, shiplap, or stone. This simple change draws the eye upward, makes the room feel taller, and turns your fireplace into a grand, intentional design feature.
10. Too Much Shiny Chrome and White
The ultra-modern, high-gloss look with shiny chrome and stark white surfaces was once popular for looking clean and futuristic. Today, it can feel cold, hard, and a bit like a doctor’s office. The trend is now moving toward warmer, more natural spaces.
The Fix: Add texture and warmth. If you have shiny floors, lay down a cozy area rug. Swap out some of your chrome hardware for matte black or brushed brass finishes for a mixed-metal look. Introduce wood furniture, plants, and textured fabrics like linen and wool to create a space that feels more lived-in, comfortable, and balanced.
FAQs
What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
The 3-5-7 rule is a simple design guide. It helps you group decorative items. You should group things in threes, fives, or sevens. Odd numbers look more natural. They are more pleasing to the eye. This creates a very stylish look.
What are the interior trends in 2026?
Trends for 2026 are still taking shape. But we expect to see a focus on nature. Sustainability will be very important. Think recycled materials and smart homes. Colors will likely be warm and earthy. Spaces will feel very personal and unique.
What is the trend in bedroom decor in 2025?
In 2025, bedrooms will be calm retreats. They will feel like a cozy sanctuary. We will see lots of soft, layered textures. Colors will be inspired by nature. Think soft greens, deep blues, and warm browns. Statement headboards will also be very popular.
What is the 70/30 rule in interior design?
The 70/30 rule helps you mix design styles. It creates a balanced and unique look. 70% of your room is your main style. This could be modern or traditional. The other 30% is a different, accent style. This adds personality and interest to your space.
What is the 357 rule in interior design?
The 357 rule is another name for the 3-5-7 rule. It is the exact same concept. The rule is to group decor items in odd numbers. Groups of three, five, or seven look best. This is a great trick for styling shelves or a coffee table.
Create a Home You Truly Love
Modernizing your home is not about chasing every new trend. It’s about letting go of the outdated interior design trends that no longer serve your space and replacing them with classic, timeless choices. By making a few thoughtful updates, you can create a home that feels fresh, comfortable, and perfectly you.
Which of these dated decor trends are you ready to say goodbye to in your home? Share your plans in the comments below
