15 Home Decor Trends That Make Your Space Look Dated

We understand that everyone has their own personal style. You should express yourself throughout your home in any way you’d like! Design trends are constantly changing and evolving but there are a few outdated home decor trends that you may want to reconsider.

These 15 decor ideas may have been popular in the past years, but now they might be dating your home, making it look old and out of style. Take a look at these trends that you may want to ditch if you are looking to give your home a fresh, modern, updated look.

Heavy Drapes

Remember those heavy, ornate drapes that were all the rage back in the day? They might have added a touch of grandeur back in the day, but now they often make rooms feel dark and stuffy. Modern trends lean towards light, airy window treatments that let natural light in. Consider swapping out those heavy drapes for sheer curtains or sleek blinds to open up your space.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings were once popular for their texture and ability to hide imperfections, but they now scream outdated. Not only are they difficult to clean, but they can also contain asbestos in older homes, posing a health risk. A smooth, flat ceiling painted in a crisp white or soft color will instantly modernize your home and make it feel more spacious.

Floral Upholstery

Floral patterns on sofas, chairs, and other upholstery were a hallmark of 80s and 90s decor. While a floral touch can add charm, too much can overwhelm and date a room. If your furniture is still sporting those busy floral prints, consider reupholstering with a solid or subtle pattern that offers a more contemporary and versatile look.

Wallpaper Borders

Once a go-to for adding a decorative touch to rooms, wallpaper borders have fallen out of favor. They often break up the flow of a room and can make spaces feel smaller and more cluttered. Remove the borders and paint the walls a cohesive color for a fresher look. If you still love the idea of a patterned accent, consider a feature wall with modern wallpaper.

Carpet In The Bathroom

Carpeted bathrooms might have been considered a cozy touch in the past, but they are far from practical. Carpets in such a moisture-prone area can harbor mold and mildew, posing health risks. Replace bathroom carpets with tiles, vinyl, or water-resistant laminate for a cleaner, more hygienic, and contemporary look.

Shag Carpet

Shag carpets, with their long, thick fibers, were once synonymous with luxury and comfort. However, they are notoriously difficult to clean and can quickly look dated. Modern flooring options like hardwood, laminate, or even sleek area rugs offer a more updated and practical alternative while still adding warmth and style to your home.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring, particularly those with busy patterns, has seen better days. While linoleum itself has made a comeback in more sophisticated designs, the older, less appealing versions can drag down the look of your home. For a fresh, clean appearance, consider upgrading to more modern flooring options like vinyl planks, tile, or engineered wood.

Brass Fixtures

Brass fixtures, once a staple in home decor, can make spaces feel dated. Swapping out brass for more contemporary finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or stainless steel can give your home an instant facelift. These finishes offer a timeless appeal and work well with various design styles, from modern to farmhouse.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds were once a practical solution for large windows and sliding doors, but their clunky appearance has fallen out of favor. Modern alternatives like roller shades, panel tracks, or sleek curtains provide a more streamlined and attractive option. These updates improve aesthetics and offer better functionality and ease of use.

Cluttered Knick-Knacks

Collecting knick-knacks can add personality to your home, but too many can create a cluttered and overwhelming look. Modern decor trends favor minimalism and thoughtful curation. Consider paring down your collections and displaying only a few meaningful pieces. This approach will make your home feel more spacious and allow your most treasured items to stand out.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops were once a budget-friendly choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but they can look cheap and wear poorly over time. Upgrading to materials like quartz, granite, or butcher block can transform your space and add significant value to your home. These materials are not only more durable but also offer a timeless elegance.

Overstuffed Furniture

While comfort is key, overstuffed furniture can make a room feel cramped and outdated. Opt for more streamlined, modern pieces that offer comfort without the bulk and without all the extra bulk taking up space. Furniture with clean lines and a more tailored look can make your living spaces feel open, airy, and inviting.

Fake Plants

If you cannot care for plants properly, just let go of the idea of having plants in your house. Everyone can spot a fake plastic plant, so avoid this common mistake. There are plenty of other ways to incorporate a bit of greenery and vegetation in your house. First, opt for easy-to-care plants, such as bamboo sticks and cacti. Second, buy some paintings of rainforests and flowers you love. Last, add some dry branches in a vase and some freshly cut flowers, or press some leaves between transparent glass pieces for a unique piece of art.

Taxidermy

Have you ever heard of the term taxidermy? This word refers to preparing, stuffing, and mounting animals to display in your house. But let’s be honest, it looks so awful! You are not a hunter, and this is not the 18th century. Hanging a deer’s head on your living room wall is unnecessary. The same goes with insects such as butterflies, beetles, and spiders. Your house is not the National Museum of Natural Sciences, right?

Massive TVs

The TV used to be put in the center of a room, making it a focal point for the whole house. A huge TV was something that people liked to look at and made a room seem impressive. Now, people choose to hide their TV in creative ways. Whether behind the closed doors of a console or tucked away inside a cabinet, design experts recommend keeping your TV out of sight these days. Art and other decorations are more interesting and exciting than your walls’ big black TV screen.