The 2010s were a memorable decade for home design, marked by bold statements and unique choices. As we move further into the 2020s, certain trends from the last decade may seem a tad outdated.
Let’s take a playful look at 24 signs that your home might proudly display its 2010s roots, complete with some tongue-in-cheek advice on how to give those decor elements a fresh update.
From chevron patterns to gallery walls, these iconic styles defined a generation’s taste in interior design.
1. Chevron Everything
Chevron patterns were practically the mascot of the 2010s. If your living space is riddled with those zigzag lines, it’s a sure sign of the era. While chevron had its moment, consider swapping them out for more subtle geometric designs.
These can keep the visual interest without overwhelming the senses.
Start small by changing pillow covers or a rug. You’ll find your space feels instantly refreshed! And though the chevron craze has waned, its legacy persists in our nostalgia for bold prints.
2. Gallery Walls Galore
Gallery walls were the go-to for adding personality and flair. If your walls are a mosaic of mismatched frames, it’s time to reconsider. While they tell a story, a more streamlined look is trending.
You might try selecting a single statement piece to complement your space.
This doesn’t mean ditching personal touches; instead, curate your collection to showcase the most meaningful pieces. Balancing personal art with a cohesive design can modernize without losing sentimentality.
3. Farmhouse Chic
The farmhouse aesthetic, with its rustic charm, filled many homes in the 2010s. If your kitchen resembles a rustic barn with shiplap walls, it might be time for an update. Incorporating industrial elements or sleek fixtures can blend the old with the new.
Consider swapping those rustic cabinet handles for something modern. This fusion of styles keeps the charm but adds a fresh, dynamic touch, perfect for the contemporary home lover.
4. Industrial Overload
Industrial design, with its raw and edgy appeal, was all the rage. Metal pipes and exposed brick were the darlings of this trend. However, too much industrial can feel cold and impersonal.
Introduce warmth with textiles and colors. Softer elements, like plush cushions or vibrant throw blankets, can counterbalance the starkness. This approach maintains the chic industrial look but makes it more inviting, bridging the past decade’s love for urban style with today’s comfort-conscious design.
5. Pallet Furniture
Pallet furniture was the epitome of DIY charm, bringing a sense of creativity and sustainability. However, it can feel a bit too makeshift for modern tastes.
To update, consider blending pallet pieces with more polished items. A sleek coffee table paired with pallet seating can strike the right balance. Enhancing the natural wood with rich stains or cushions can elevate the look, retaining the eco-friendly vibe while stepping up the sophistication.
6. Open Shelving
Open shelving was a double-edged sword, offering both style and pressure to keep things tidy. If your kitchen shelves are more cluttered than curated, it’s time for a rethink.
Consider mixing open and closed storage to maintain visual interest without constant tidying. This compromise offers the best of both worlds, allowing for decorative flair and practicality. Embracing a minimalist approach to what you display can transform chaos into a chic showcase.
7. Barn Doors Inside
Sliding barn doors brought a touch of country charm to interior spaces. But their overuse might now scream 2010s. To modernize, paint them in a matte or bold color, providing a contemporary twist.
Alternatively, consider other sliding door styles that offer the same space-saving benefits while feeling fresh. This approach keeps functionality while updating the aesthetics, proving that barn doors can still have a place in modern decor.
8. Edison Bulb Overload
Edison bulbs were the quintessential vintage nod, adding warm, ambient light. Yet, their overuse can date a room. Transitioning to modern LED fixtures that mimic Edison bulb warmth saves energy and updates the style.
Mixing in LED accents or dimmable bulbs can retain the cozy glow, offering flexibility and freshness. This simple switch modernizes lighting without losing the inviting atmosphere they initially provided.
9. Mason Jar Mania
Mason jars once reigned supreme for their rustic versatility. From storage to decor, they were everywhere. While still functional, their charm can feel overplayed.
Refresh by integrating modern containers alongside the jars. This blend can highlight their practicality without overwhelming your decor. Opting for uniform storage solutions adds a touch of elegance, proving that even the humblest of items can evolve with the times.
10. Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint turned walls into canvases, perfect for artistic expression. However, it’s a trend that can look outdated if overdone.
Consider limiting it to a small accent wall or framed section. This creates a focal point without dominating the space. Incorporating bright, complementary artwork can enliven the area, ensuring the chalkboard feature feels fresh and intentional, rather than a remnant of the past decade.
11. Word Art Everywhere
Inspirational word art was meant to uplift, but too much can overwhelm. If your walls are shouting messages, opt for subtlety. Select a single phrase that resonates and display it stylishly.
Modern typography or calligraphy can elevate the look, keeping it meaningful without cluttering. This approach turns word art from a cliché to a sophisticated personal statement, enhancing your decor with intention and style.
12. Gray Walls
Gray walls were the neutral of choice, offering a sophisticated backdrop. Yet, an all-gray palette can feel monotonous. Break up the gray with colorful accents or textured wallpapers.
Adding vibrant artwork or statement furniture pieces can inject life into a subdued color scheme. This strategy keeps the elegance of gray while infusing personality and warmth, transforming your space from safe to sensational.
13. Faux Taxidermy
Faux taxidermy brought whimsical wildlife into homes sans the ethical concerns. Yet, a menagerie can feel kitschy. If your wall looks like a faux hunting lodge, scale back.
Choose a single piece as a quirky accent, complemented by other art forms or greenery. The result is a dynamic yet balanced display, maintaining the playful spirit while avoiding an overdone theme that shouts “2010s” too loudly.
14. Succulent Overload
Succulents were the darlings of indoor greenery, loved for their low maintenance. However, a succulent jungle can lose appeal. Diversify your plant life by incorporating various species.
Mixing succulents with leafy greens or flowering plants adds depth and interest. This variety not only enhances aesthetics but also caters to different light and care needs, ensuring your indoor garden thrives and evolves beyond a single-trend showcase.
15. Accent Walls
Accent walls, with their bold contrasts, were a decorating staple. Although once eye-catching, they can now feel dated. Consider using textured wallpaper or a subtler color shift.
This approach can provide depth without overwhelming the room. Balancing boldness with understated elegance allows the accent wall to shine as a focal point, evolving from a mere trend into a timeless element of your decor.
16. Overstuffed Sofas
Big, plush sofas offered supreme comfort, but their bulkiness can dominate a space. Streamline your seating with sleek designs that maintain coziness.
Incorporate thinner cushions and throws for added texture and color. This not only modernizes the room but also optimizes space, proving that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style and space efficiency.
17. Shiplap Walls
Shiplap walls were the epitome of rustic charm, especially in farmhouse-style homes. However, too much can feel outdated. Opt for a single feature wall or paint it in a fresh hue.
This strategy retains the texture’s charm while aligning with contemporary design trends. With the right balance, shiplap can remain a beloved feature without anchoring you to the past.
18. Marble Everything
Marble was the luxury material of choice, often used excessively. If your space feels like a marble showroom, pare back.
Introduce different materials such as wood or matte metals to create contrast. This diversifies textures and adds warmth, ensuring your space retains elegance without feeling cold or overly opulent.
19. Copper Fixtures
Copper fixtures added warmth and character to kitchens. Yet, an abundance can date the room. Balance with stainless steel or black finishes to add a modern edge.
Mixing metals can create a harmonious yet dynamic look, ensuring your kitchen feels current while retaining some of that 2010s charm.
20. All-White Kitchens
The all-white kitchen was synonymous with modern elegance but can now seem sterile. Introduce color through backsplashes or accessories.
Contrast with dark wood elements to add warmth and depth. This method transforms the space into a more inviting and lively area without losing its clean, sleek appeal.
21. Moroccan Poufs
Moroccan poufs were a must-have for adding exotic flair. While stylish, too many can clutter a room. Select one as an accent piece.
Pairing it with contemporary furniture creates a balanced and eclectic aesthetic. This approach preserves the pouf’s charm while ensuring it complements rather than overwhelms your space.
22. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern was a beloved nod to retro chic. However, an entire room in this style can feel like a set piece. Blend with contemporary elements.
Modern art or decor can add freshness and prevent your home from becoming a period piece. This mix creates a dynamic environment where the best of both worlds coexist.
23. Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture added texture and a casual vibe, yet can look dated if overdone. Update with modern designs and bold cushions.
Incorporate vibrant textiles or sleek tables to enhance the look. This keeps the breezy feel of wicker while aligning with current design trends, ensuring your space feels stylishly relaxed.
24. Geometric Rugs
Geometric rugs added visual interest, but bold patterns can dominate a room. Opt for muted tones or smaller patterns.
This adjustment maintains the rug’s appeal without overwhelming. Pairing with minimalist decor enhances the room’s overall aesthetic, proving that subtle shifts can keep even the boldest trends feeling fresh and relevant.