19 Home Décor Trends That Are Outdated and Unappealing

Written By Jill Taylor

Home décor greatly affects the look and feel of your space, but not all trends last, so it’s important to update. Some styles become less attractive over time, so here are 19 old home décor trends that might be making your place look outdated.

Shabby Chic

Photo Credit: rudnitskaya_anna/Shutterstock

According to Homes and Gardens, shabby chic has a romantic 90s vibe, which means it isn’t used in interior design anymore. It often features worn-out furniture and too many trinkets, making spaces look messy instead of cute. It’s time to go for simpler and more functional designs.

Heavy Drapes

Photo Credit: Femii Familia/Shutterstock

We may have all noticed that our thick, fancy drapes made our room look outdated and dark. Modern homes look better with lighter window coverings that let in natural light and feel airy, so swap heavy drapes for sheer curtains or simple blinds for a fresher, more contemporary vibe.

Tuscan Kitchens

Photo Credit: Vadim Ovchinnikov/Shutterstock

What used to be a huge trend no longer is, as Tuscan-style kitchens with dark wood and fancy details have lost their popularity. Modern kitchens now favor clean lines, light colors, and simple designs. Updating your kitchen to match these trends can make it feel more open and welcoming.

Overly Themed Rooms

Photo Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

As times have changed, the desire to have rooms with one strong theme, like nautical or rustic, has changed as well. These themes can seem too much, so instead, you may want to try a cohesive style with smaller hints of your interests. This way, your space looks more elegant and timeless without being overpowering.

Word Art

Photo Credit: sa2ukedr/Shutterstock

It may be time to paint over your ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ decor as Decorative word art and inspirational quotes on walls are no longer trendy. They often feel cliché and impersonal. Instead, choose artwork or photos that showcase your personality. This adds a unique and meaningful touch to your space, making it feel more like your own.

Faux Finishes

Photo Credit: FotoHelin/Shutterstock

As trends come and go, fake finishes like faux brick or marble can now look cheap and fake. Using real materials or good-quality imitations looks much better and lasts longer. Investing in genuine or realistic finishes makes your home look and feel nicer overall.

Wallpaper Borders

Photo Credit: Phovoir/Shutterstock

As the minimalist trend has made headway, wallpaper borders, which used to be trendy, now seem old-fashioned. Today’s style prefers clean walls with bold paint or cool textures, so getting rid of wallpaper borders can quickly refresh a room and give you a blank canvas for new ideas.

Dark Wood Furniture

Photo Credit: SKT Studio/Shutterstock

Nowadays, we like our rooms to feel as light as possible. Instead of dark, heavy wood furniture that can make a room feel cramped and outdated, try using lighter wood or painted pieces to brighten things up. This will make the space feel more open and welcoming.

Matching Furniture Sets

Photo Credit: VIS Fine Art/Shutterstock

It’s no surprise that matching furniture can make a room feel dull and as though there’s no life in the room. Mixing up different styles, colors, and textures adds depth and makes things more interesting. This way, you create a space that’s unique, engaging and has more color.

Granite Countertops

Photo Credit: Artazum/Shutterstock

One huge trend used to be granite countertops, which were the top choice for kitchens. Now, these are less popular, with newer options like quartz and concrete becoming more popular. They’re more durable and stylish and will leave your kitchen feeling modern. Updating your countertops can give your kitchen a fresh, clean look.

Edison Bulbs

Photo Credit: IMG Stock Studio/Shutterstock

Many people may agree that Edison bulbs, with their vintage filaments, are no longer the cutting-edge choice they once were. Transitioning to updated lighting, like sleek, energy-efficient LED bulbs, can improve your home’s look and functionality. LED lighting provides better illumination and a more modern aesthetic. 

Vertical Blinds

Photo Credit: Christine Bird/Shutterstock

It may be time to remove your vertical blinds, as they’re often associated with office spaces and can feel impersonal in a home setting. Contemporary window treatments like roller shades or Roman blinds offer a softer, more stylish alternative. Replacing vertical blinds can enhance the comfort and appeal of your living areas.

Barn Doors

Photo Credit: A.Flassig/Shutterstock

As you may know, barn doors had their moment in rustic and farmhouse décor, but they are now viewed as a passing trend. Sliding doors with a more refined design can provide the same space-saving benefits while looking more sophisticated. Consider upgrading to a more elegant option.

Popcorn Ceilings

Photo Credit: MC Media/Shutterstock

Chances are you’ve had a popcorn ceiling at one point. While they were once a standard feature in many homes, they are now considered an eyesore. Smooth, flat ceilings are more in line with current tastes. Removing popcorn ceilings can modernize your home and make it look cleaner and more spacious.

Overstuffed Furniture

Photo Credit: Sergey Ryzhov/Shutterstock

If you have a small room, bulky, overstuffed furniture can dominate it and make it feel cramped. Sleeker, more streamlined pieces offer comfort without overwhelming the space and leave you with more space. Choosing modern furniture designs can create a more open and airy environment.

Pastel Bathroom Fixtures

Photo Credit: alexandre zveiger/Shutterstock

If you need to redo your bathroom, remember that colored bathroom fixtures in shades like pink and mint green were popular decades ago but now feel dated. White or neutral fixtures provide a timeless look that is easy to update with accessories. Replacing pastel fixtures can give your bathroom a fresh, modern appeal.

Fake Plants

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

You may want to stop buying artificial plants, as they can appear cheap and lack the vibrancy of real greenery. Incorporating real plants into your décor brings life and color to your space. Even low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants can make a significant difference in creating a more natural feel.

Tiled Countertops

Photo Credit: BUNDITINAY/Shutterstock

It could be time to update your tile countertops, especially with grout lines, as they’re difficult to keep clean and look outdated. Upgrading your countertops can enhance both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. Solid-surface countertops in materials like quartz or Corian offer a sleeker, more hygienic option

Beaded Curtains

Photo Credit: Haelen Haagen/Shutterstock

While beaded curtains were once a trendy way to divide spaces, they now seem kitschy and impractical. Modern room dividers or open-plan layouts provide better solutions for defining areas in your home. Removing beaded curtains can streamline your space and give it a more cohesive look.

Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries

Photo Credit: Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.

19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries

19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

Photo Credit: KomootP/Shutterstock

Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.

19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House

Photo Credit: BearFotos/Shutterstock

Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.

17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE