Home decor trends come and go, reflecting the ever-changing tastes and cultural shifts in our society. What was once considered chic and cutting-edge can become overused and stale, leaving behind a trail of outdated styles.
In this article, we explore 31 beloved home decor trends that have transitioned from being adored to tacky. From furniture styles and color schemes to decor items and design choices, we’ll delve into why these trends were initially popular and how they lost their charm.
Join us in a nostalgic yet insightful journey through the evolution of home decor, and discover how you can update these once-favored styles for a more modern, sophisticated look.
1. Shag Carpeting
Once the epitome of 70s chic, shag carpeting graced many a living room floor with its plush, textured allure. The deep pile was a delight for bare feet, offering warmth and comfort. However, its tendency to trap dust and dirt quickly diminished its appeal.
As modern design trends favor sleek, clean lines, shag carpeting began to look more like a relic than a design choice. Now considered kitschy, homeowners are replacing it with hardwood floors or minimalist area rugs that better suit contemporary tastes.
2. Avocado Green Appliances
In the 60s and 70s, avocado green was all the rage in kitchen design, adorning appliances like refrigerators and stoves. This color brought a natural, earthy feel amidst the technological boom of the era. However, as time went on, its vibrant hue became overwhelming.
Today, these appliances are seen as outdated, giving way to stainless steel or sleek black finishes that exude modern elegance. Homeowners looking to update their kitchens often opt for neutral tones that offer a timeless appeal.
3. Overstuffed Furniture
Overstuffed furniture, with its plump cushions and expansive frames, once represented luxury and comfort. Yet, as open-plan living became popular, these bulky pieces began to feel imposing and impractical.
Modern design favors streamlined silhouettes that maximize space and enhance flow. The shift towards minimalism has left overstuffed furniture in the dust, with many opting for sleek sectionals or modular seating that offers both style and flexibility.
4. Pastel Overload
Pastel colors, with their soft and soothing tones, were once the go-to palette for creating calm, inviting spaces. Homes in the 80s and 90s often featured pastel overload, with walls, furniture, and decor all drenched in gentle hues.
However, the lack of contrast and depth led to spaces that felt washed out and bland. Today’s decorators prefer bolder accents or a mix of neutrals to create dynamic, vibrant environments that reflect personality and style.
5. Floral Wallpaper
Floral wallpaper once adorned walls in a variety of settings, bringing nature indoors with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. It encapsulated a sense of romanticism and traditional elegance.
However, as design sensibilities shifted towards minimalism and simplicity, these busy patterns became overwhelming. Modern trends favor neutral walls painted in calming tones, with botanicals incorporated through art or live plants for a more understated touch.
6. Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains were once a symbol of sophistication and opulence, transforming rooms into luxurious retreats. Their rich texture and deep colors added drama to any space.
Yet, their heavy, imposing nature can now feel suffocating and outdated. Modern interiors lean towards airy fabrics that allow natural light to flow, opting for sheer or lightweight drapes that create an open, inviting ambiance.
7. Mirrored Furniture
Mirrored furniture was once the hallmark of glam home decor, reflecting light and adding a touch of Hollywood regency to spaces. Pieces like mirrored nightstands and dressers were prized for their ability to make rooms feel larger.
However, the high-maintenance nature of these items, prone to fingerprints and scratches, has led to their decline. Today’s designs favor understated elegance, with matte or lightly textured finishes that offer a more refined look.
8. Neon Accents
Neon accents were a staple of the 80s, bringing vibrant energy and a futuristic vibe to home decor. Fluorescent pinks, greens, and yellows lit up rooms with their bold presence.
But as the novelty faded, these colors began to feel jarring and out of place. Now, homeowners choose more subdued palettes, with pops of color used sparingly to add interest without overwhelming the senses.
9. Faux Finishes
Faux finishes once reigned supreme in home decor, offering the allure of marble, wood, or stone without the cost. Techniques like rag rolling and sponge painting created textured illusions that were widely popular.
However, these methods often resulted in uneven, artificial appearances that quickly lost favor. Today, authenticity is key, with homeowners opting for real materials and high-quality craftsmanship that stand the test of time.
10. Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops were once a budget-friendly choice for homeowners wanting a sleek, easy-to-clean surface. Available in various colors and patterns, they brought a touch of modernity to kitchens.
However, their propensity to chip and wear over time led to their decline. Nowadays, granite, quartz, and butcher block countertops are favored for their durability and aesthetic appeal, offering a blend of function and luxury.
11. Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders once crowned ceilings with decorative flair, breaking up monotony and adding a splash of color. These strips were a quick, affordable way to personalize a space.
Yet, as design trends moved towards seamless, cohesive looks, borders became unnecessary clutter. Modern decor embraces full accent walls or continuous patterns that enhance flow and sophistication.
12. Ornate Light Fixtures
Ornate light fixtures, like crystal chandeliers and wrought-iron sconces, once symbolized elegance and grandeur. They served as focal points in rooms, adding opulence and grandeur.
However, their elaborate designs can overpower modern minimalist spaces. Today, streamlined lighting with clean lines and subtle finishes is preferred, offering illumination without distraction.
13. Frilly Bed Skirts
Frilly bed skirts were once a staple in bedroom decor, adding a touch of femininity and elegance to the bed. They covered under-bed storage and hid unsightly frames.
Yet, the excessive fabric and intricate designs now seem fussy and impractical. Modern bedrooms favor simplicity and convenience, often utilizing sleek platform beds or minimal bedding that highlights comfort and style.
14. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their textured appearance, were a popular choice for hiding imperfections and dampening noise. They were a staple in mid-20th-century homes, appreciated for their practicality.
However, their rough texture is challenging to clean and can harbor dust, leading to their fall from favor. Smooth, flat ceilings are now preferred, offering a clean, modern look that’s easy to maintain.
15. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains were once a hallmark of bohemian chic, offering a whimsical alternative to traditional doors. They added movement and color, dividing spaces with flair.
Yet, their impracticality and tendency to tangle have led to their decline. Modern interiors favor open layouts or sliding doors, maintaining a sense of flow and practicality without compromising style.
16. Lace Doilies
Lace doilies once graced tables and armchairs, showcasing intricacy and craftsmanship. They added a touch of elegance and tradition to various surfaces.
But their fussy nature and association with outdated decor have made them less desirable. Today, cleaner lines and unadorned surfaces are favored, highlighting the beauty of materials and design without unnecessary embellishment.
17. Macramé Decor
Macramé decor, with its woven patterns and natural fibers, enjoyed a resurgence in the 70s as part of the boho trend. Wall hangings and plant holders added texture and a handmade feel.
However, as tastes shifted towards sleek, industrial styles, macramé began to feel dated. Contemporary designs favor minimalist decor and geometric shapes, offering a fresh, clean aesthetic that balances form and function.
18. Brass Hardware
Brass hardware was once the go-to choice for adding warmth and richness to cabinetry and fixtures. Its golden hue complemented a variety of styles, from traditional to country.
Yet, its tendency to tarnish and clash with modern palettes led to its decline. Now, brushed nickel and matte black are favored for their versatility and understated elegance, enhancing contemporary aesthetics.
19. Ruffled Curtains
Ruffled curtains once framed windows in soft layers, adding a romantic, cottage-like charm. Their delicate appearance was popular in cozy settings, complementing floral prints and quaint furnishings.
However, their fussiness and outdated feel have fallen out of favor. Modern interiors opt for clean, simple window treatments like roller blinds or streamlined panels that offer elegance without excess fabric.
20. Overly Themed Rooms
Themed rooms, while fun and whimsical, often go overboard with matching decor and furniture. Pirate or princess-themed spaces, for instance, can feel stifling and lack adaptability.
As children grow, their tastes evolve, making these rooms impractical in the long run. Today’s parents prefer versatile designs that can easily transition with age, using themes subtly through accessories rather than an all-out approach.
21. Carpeted Bathrooms
Carpeted bathrooms were once seen as a warm, luxurious alternative to cold tile floors. They provided comfort underfoot and a plush aesthetic.
Yet, the impracticality of maintaining carpet in humid, wet environments led to their decline. Modern bathrooms favor tiles or vinyl flooring that combines durability with style, offering an easy-to-clean, moisture-resistant solution.
22. Heavy Wood Paneling
Wood paneling once transformed spaces into cozy, cabin-like retreats, offering warmth and texture. Popular in the 60s and 70s, these dark walls were a common sight in dens and basements.
However, their oppressive feel and association with outdated styles have led to their replacement. Light, painted walls or reclaimed wood accents are now preferred, adding character without overwhelming darkness.
23. Excessive Throw Pillows
Throw pillows, in abundance, were once the hallmark of a cozy, inviting space. They added color and comfort, allowing for easy seasonal updates.
However, too many pillows can clutter a space, detracting from comfort and style. Modern design favors a few well-chosen cushions that complement the room’s palette, adding texture without overwhelming.
24. Patterned Carpets
Patterned carpets, with their intricate designs and vibrant colors, once added personality to living spaces. They were a popular choice for injecting color and interest underfoot.
Yet, the busy patterns can make spaces feel dated and chaotic. Neutral carpets or hardwood floors with area rugs are now preferred, providing a versatile backdrop that complements various styles.
25. Subway Tile Overload
Subway tiles, with their clean, classic look, have long been a staple in kitchens and bathrooms. Their simplicity allowed for endless combinations and designs.
However, overuse has led to a sense of predictability and monotony. Homeowners now seek variety, incorporating patterned tiles or colored grout to add character and visual interest to their spaces.
26. Faux Fur Accents
Faux fur accents, with their luxurious texture, once added warmth and opulence to interiors. Throws, rugs, and pillows created cozy retreats during colder months.
Yet, as sustainability and minimalism gained traction, these pieces began to feel excessive. Today’s decor favors natural textures like wool or linen, offering a subtle elegance that aligns with eco-conscious values.
27. Plaid Upholstery
Plaid upholstery, often seen in rustic or country settings, added a traditional, homey feel to furniture. Its timeless patterns were a staple in many living rooms.
However, the association with dated decor and limited versatility has made it less popular. Contemporary interiors prefer solid colors or subtle patterns, providing a fresh, updated look that adapts easily to changing trends.
28. Mason Jar Overuse
Mason jars, once charmingly repurposed for rustic decor, became ubiquitous in kitchens and living spaces. They held everything from flowers to candles, appealing for their simplicity and versatility.
Yet, overuse led to a sense of cliché, prompting a shift towards more unique, personalized decor. Homeowners now seek inventive solutions that prioritize individuality and creativity over commonplace trends.
29. Glossy Finish Furniture
Glossy finish furniture, with its sleek surfaces and reflective shine, once epitomized modern sophistication. It added a polished look to contemporary spaces.
However, the high-maintenance nature and tendency to show imperfections led to a decline in popularity. Matte finishes and textured materials are now favored, providing a chic, understated elegance that’s both practical and stylish.
30. Wicker Furniture Indoors
Wicker furniture, traditionally used outdoors, found its way indoors during the 80s and 90s, adding a casual, beachy vibe. Its lightweight, woven structure was ideal for sunrooms and casual lounges.
Yet, the association with dated styles and limited durability has led to a decline in its use indoors. Modern interiors prefer more durable materials, like rattan or teak, that offer a refined look without sacrificing longevity.
31. Teal and Peach Combo
The teal and peach color combination once defined the 80s and early 90s, offering a fresh, vibrant palette that was both bold and soothing. It graced everything from bedding to wall paint.
However, its overuse led to a sense of nostalgia and datedness that many now avoid. Current trends favor more balanced, neutral palettes that provide a timeless, sophisticated backdrop for evolving decor styles.