I’ll admit it, I held onto that faux brick wallpaper way too long. At the time, it felt bold and edgy, but now? It’s giving more stuck in 2018 than stylish.
And don’t even get me started on the shiplap phase or the barn door obsession that took over my hallway. Interior trends move fast, and it’s easy to wake up one day and realize your space is clinging to the past.
I’ve learned it’s okay to let go of what once felt fresh and lean into what feels right now.
1. Overly Matchy-Matchy Decor
Stepping into a room where everything matches perfectly can feel like walking into a department store display. The overly matchy-matchy decor lacks the personality that eclectic mixes bring.
Instead of screaming unity, it whispers monotony. Swap out some matching pieces for unique finds that reflect your style.
Mixing materials, colors, and patterns creates a space that feels curated rather than cataloged. Balance is key, making sure to avoid chaos while embracing diversity.
2. Excessive Minimalism
Ah, minimalism, the art of less is more. But sometimes, less becomes too little. While simplicity is classy, excessive minimalism can feel cold and uninviting.
Rooms stripped of personality and warmth are quickly falling out of favor. The key is finding that sweet spot between clean and cozy.
Introduce textures, layers, and a few accessories to make the space feel lived-in. Add a splash of color or a piece of art to express individuality. Minimalism doesn’t mean void of charm, so add some heart.
3. Outdated Granite Countertops
Today, they can weigh down a modern kitchen with their dark, speckled appearance. They scream ‘early 2000s’ in a world that’s moved on to more sophisticated surfaces.
Consider quartz or marble for a fresh update. Lighter, brighter options can transform a kitchen’s aesthetic, making it feel open and contemporary.
Countertops should complement, not overshadow, the rest of the kitchen. If your granite is feeling like a relic, it might be time for a countertop revolution.
4. Faux Finishes
Remember faux finishes? Those walls pretending to be something they’re not, like marble or wood. They had their moment but are now a bit of a faux pas.
The trend has shifted towards authenticity and simplicity. Real materials or high-quality finishes speak volumes more than pretend textures.
Ditch the pretense and let your walls tell a true story, one that doesn’t rely on outdated tricks. Keep it real and your space will thank you.
5. Heavy, Ornate Furniture
Walking into a room filled with heavy, ornate furniture can feel like stepping back in time. It’s as if the furniture is shouting for attention, overshadowing everything else.
Today’s trend leans towards lighter, more streamlined pieces that offer both style and comfort. Swapping out bulky furniture for pieces with clean lines can open up a space.
Lighten the load and let your furniture breathe, creating a modern, airy vibe that feels refreshingly current.
6. Plain Beige Walls
Ah, the beige wall. Once a safe choice, now it feels more like a missed opportunity. Beige can mute a room’s personality, leaving it feeling uninspired and flat.
Walls are a blank canvas begging for expression. Whether it’s a bold color, an accent wall, or some artwork, it’s time to let those walls do the talking.
Injecting some color or creativity can transform the mood of a room, making it lively and engaging. Don’t let your walls whisper when they can sing.
7. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
High maintenance, prone to stains, and often harboring allergens, it’s a trend many are trading for hardwood or tile. These options offer a cleaner, more contemporary look.
Plus, they’re easier to maintain and can be dressed up with rugs for added warmth. If your carpet has seen better days, it might be time to roll it up and explore new flooring adventures. Your floors deserve an upgrade.
8. Too Many Open Shelves
Kitchens filled with open shelving often look more like storage units than stylish spaces. They require constant upkeep to avoid looking cluttered.
If the shelves are overflowing, it might be time to rethink storage solutions. Mix in some closed cabinetry to hide the less attractive necessities.
A balance between open and closed storage can maintain the aesthetic appeal while keeping the chaos at bay. Let your kitchen breathe and stay organized.
9. Shiny, Over-polished Floors
Such floors may remind you of a ballroom, but they can be slippery territory in a home. The glare and high-maintenance sheen are losing their luster.
Today’s trend favors more natural finishes that enhance the wood’s inherent beauty and feel comfortable underfoot. A matte or satin finish can add elegance without the blinding shine.
If your floors reflect more light than your lamps, it might be time for a finishing makeover. Embrace the natural look and let your floors feel grounded.
10. Barn Doors in Every Room
When they appear in every room, barn doors loose their aura. They begin to feel forced and out of place, especially in homes with no rustic charm.
Barn doors have their merits in small doses, adding character and saving space. But their overuse can dilute their impact. Consider using them sparingly where they truly add value.
If every door in your home slides like a barn, it might be time to rein in the trend. Less can be more, even with doors.
11. Fast Furniture
It’s tempting with its affordability, but it often lacks durability and personality. Pieces that fall apart or go out of style quickly leave you back at square one.
Investing in quality, timeless pieces may cost more upfront but pays off in longevity and style. Opt for furniture that tells a story, not just fills a space.
If your living room looks like a showroom for temporary fixes, it’s time to slow down and choose wisely.
12. Faux Brick or Stone Wallpapers
Everyone knows the feeling of trying to bring a rustic feel but often falling short. It can look cheap and artificial, missing the mark on authenticity.
The trend now is to embrace real materials or opt for painted textures that complement the space. Authenticity is key to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
If your walls are masquerading as something they’re not, it might be time for a real change. Let the true character of your home shine through, minus the faux facade.
13. Stiff, Traditional Lighting Fixtures
They can appear outdated, clashing with contemporary aesthetics. Modern lighting options offer fancy designs and better illumination, enhancing rather than overshadowing decor.
Consider swapping heavy chandeliers for minimalist or artistic pieces that reflect your style. Lighting should highlight the room, not steal the spotlight.
If your fixtures are stuck in the past, it might be time to shed some light on new possibilities.
14. Neon Colors
You will see them shouting for attention, and yet often leave a space feeling loud and chaotic. They can overshadow the subtler elements that make a room inviting.
Today’s trends favor calmer palettes that create harmony and allow different textures and elements to shine. If your walls or decor scream neon, consider dialing it down to create a more balanced environment.
Sometimes, less is more when it comes to color. A bit of neon can be fun, but moderation keeps the peace.
15. Overused Shiplap
Shiplap has sailed into many homes, bringing a farmhouse charm. But when it’s overused, it can start to feel repetitive and uninspired.
The goal is to highlight architectural features, not overshadow them. Using shiplap sparingly can retain its impact, adding texture without taking over.
If every wall in your home sports shiplap, it might be time to chart a new course. Balance is key, making sure each design choice complements rather than competes.
16. Too Much All-White Design
When overdone, it loses warmth. Instead of feeling inviting, it can appear sterile and unapproachable.
Adding layers of texture and soft hues can break the monotony, creating a cozy, welcoming vibe. A splash of color through accessories or art can bring life to an all-white space.
If your home feels more like a showroom than a sanctuary, it’s time to add some warmth and personality. Color adds life, even in small doses.
17. Faux Plants Everywhere
These can add greenery, but an abundance can make a space feel lifeless. Real plants bring not only color but also fresh air and a sense of calm.
They require care but offer rewards that faux foliage can’t match. If your home resembles a faux jungle, consider introducing some real greenery.
Start small with easy-to-care-for plants. It’s a step towards a more dynamic and healthy environment. A little real green can go a long way.
18. Closed-Off Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet closed-off designs isolate it from the rest of the living space. Open kitchens encourage interaction and connectivity, fitting today’s lifestyle.
Knocking down a wall or two can transform a home’s aura, making it more inviting. If your kitchen feels like a cooking cave, it may be time to open up.
Embrace the flow and let the energy of the kitchen fill your home. Open spaces invite more than light. They invite life.
19. Super-Industrial Designs
Today’s trend is about balance, mixing industrial elements with softer touches. Incorporating wood, textiles, and warmer colors can add coziness to industrial spaces.
If your home feels more warehouse than warm, it might be time to soften those hard edges. Industrial doesn’t have to mean uninviting.
It’s about finding harmony between the raw and the refined, creating a space that’s as welcoming as it is cool.
20. Cluttered Gallery Walls
Too many frames can overwhelm rather than showcase favorite pieces. The key is editing, curating a selection that tells a story without shouting. Consider spacing and alignment to create a cohesive look.
If your gallery wall resembles an art store, it’s time to pare down. Less can be more when it comes to displaying art, allowing each piece to breathe and shine. Let your wall tell a story without the noise.
21. Holographic Wall Coverings
Remember when everyone went crazy for those color-shifting holographic wallpapers that changed depending on viewing angle? The rainbow effect that once seemed futuristic now gives visitors instant headaches!
Homeowners spent thousands covering entire rooms with these eye-straining surfaces, believing they were investing in cutting-edge design. Though they certainly created conversation starters, the novelty wore off faster than expected.
Consider instead walls with gentle depth created through plaster techniques or botanical-inspired patterns that bring nature indoors without resembling a 1990s rave afterparty.
22. Heavy Curtains and Drapes
There was a time when heavy curtains were synonymous with luxury, adding a sense of grandeur to any room. Fast forward to 2025, and the trend is all about letting in natural light and embracing airy spaces.
Swap out those weighty fabrics for sheer or lightweight curtains that allow more sunlight to brighten your home. This change not only modernizes your space but also makes it feel more open and inviting.
Fun fact: The use of heavy drapes dates back to medieval castles, where they served to keep out drafts and add privacy.