Home decor styles are constantly changing, and there’s no need to embrace every single trending look in your space—doing so would simply appear chaotic. However, you will want to pay close enough attention to what’s currently in style so that you can be sure to avoid any majorly dated looks in your home. After all, no one wants their guests to feel as though they’re stepping back in time when walking through the front door.
Here, three interior designers highlight five home decor trends that are unanimously seen as outdated, so you’ll want to be sure to say goodbye to them ASAP and make way for new, contemporary aesthetics instead.
Word Signs
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Think back to 10 or 20 years ago when word signs were everywhere. Word art, specifically signs telling you to “live, laugh, love” simply isn’t necessary anymore, Sallie Lord, the founder of GreyHunt Interiors, says. By no means do you need to leave your walls blank (that isn’t a good look either), but instead, opt for something that will convey a bit more style and personality, the interior designer suggests.
You can even go a bit literal if you’d like and embody the live, laugh, love ethos on your own terms:
“Blow up a photo of you laughing with your loved ones and frame it as a reminder,” Lord recommends.
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Faux Greenery
Gone are the days when you’ll come across tons of faux plants everywhere, like you may have in the 1980s. While it’s fine to use faux plants in moderation, they shouldn’t be seen as a default pick. If you’re looking to fill an empty corner or countertop, try a low-maintenance real plant instead—no need to put a ton of pressure on yourself to have a perfect green thumb right away.
Not only are faux plants seen as dated, but they can also be dust collectors, Lord says.
“Based on the size, it’s better to do a real plant, even if you have to replace it a couple of times in the year,” Lord explains.
All Gray Spaces
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Say yay to colors other than gray, Susan Knof, the founder of KNOF Design, urges.
“Gray-on-gray interiors are now falling flat,” Knof says. “This monochromatic trend often lacks warmth and personality, making spaces feel cold and uninviting.”
Sandra Asdourian, the founder of Sandra Asdourian Interiors, agrees that using gray everywhere within a space can feel clinical or institutional. Instead, she recommends mixing some beige tones into your gray space for a softer look.
Feeling a bit more daring? Knof suggests turning to warmer neutrals, highlighting Pantone’s color of the year, Mocha Mousse, as one viable option.
She also recommends embracing textural accents where possible. Knof recommends using woven throws or natural wood elements to add warmth to your space which will create a cozy, layered look.
Neutral Farmhouse Style
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Farmhouse design became popular in the early 2000s and hasn’t really gone anywhere since. Knof comments that while she still appreciates elements of the neutral farmhouse look, she finds that it can sometimes look a bit too predictable and impersonal.
“Rather than ditching it altogether, I say spice it up,” the designer says.
A few possible tactics she recommends include weaving in vintage furnishings, embracing some pops of color and prints on the walls, and more.
“Adding bold patterns, rich textures, and personal mementos will create a space that’s not only beautiful but uniquely yours,” Knof says.
Wallpaper Borders
Popular in the 1980s and 90s, wallpaper borders that once graced bedrooms, bathrooms, and even living rooms are no longer seen as stylish, according to Asdourian.
“They look dated, particularly when paired with bold patterns or bright colors,” she says. “A distinct border can visually divide a room and disrupt the overall design.”
Looking to achieve visual interest on the walls in a more contemporary fashion? Try adding wainscoting, crown, and base trim, the designer encourages.
