10 Outdated Home Designs to Avoid in Your Own Home

The world of interior design is in a constant state of flux, with trends rising and falling in popularity. To ensure your living space remains chic and contemporary, it’s crucial to sidestep those styles that have fallen from favor. Below is a list of 10 home design trends that have become outdated, guiding you to navigate away from these passé practices.

1. Heavy Curtains

Expansive, bulky curtains have a tendency to dominate smaller or more streamlined interiors, often resulting in an oppressive atmosphere that can diminish the sense of space and lead to a gloomy ambiance. To avoid the pitfall of making a compact room feel even more confined, consider opting for contemporary curtain styles such as sheer or layered curtains. These options not only provide a more adaptable approach to window dressing but also allow for an enhanced flow of natural light, brightening and expanding the visual appeal of the room.

2. Shag Carpets

We’ve moved well beyond the 1970s, and with that, the era of shag carpets has faded into the past! These plush floor coverings clash with contemporary design sensibilities, potentially rendering a space outdated and visually cluttered. Moreover, shag carpets present challenges, being notoriously hard to maintain clean due to their thick, fibrous nature that can harbor allergens—definitely not an appealing feature for today’s homes!

3. Tuscan Kitchens

Bidding farewell to the Tuscan-style kitchen is a step towards embracing contemporary design. Traditionally characterized by robust details and somber hues, the Tuscan kitchen can cast a shadow of gloom, making the space appear cramped and isolated. In contrast, the allure of today’s kitchen design lies in lighter, more open-concept layouts that promote a sense of spaciousness and connection to the rest of the home.

4. Nautical Decorations

Regardless of your proximity to the ocean, it’s essential to avoid an overabundance of maritime-themed decor. Cluttering your home with anchors, ropes, and blue stripes in every nook and cranny can come across as overdone. Consider reserving the nautical aesthetic for a vacation retreat, rather than incorporating it into your everyday living spaces.

5. Vertical Blinds

For a cozy and inviting ambiance, vertical blinds may not be the ideal choice. Their design can come off as stark and is frequently associated with institutional settings like offices or schools. To achieve a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing look, stylish homes are increasingly opting for curtains or built-in shades that offer a sleek and polished appearance.

6. Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, with their textured and messy appearance, stand in stark contrast to the sleek, contemporary aesthetic currently in vogue. Not only are they challenging to maintain clean, but they can also give the illusion of reduced space by diminishing the reflection of light. Furthermore, older popcorn ceilings may pose a health risk, the texturing material could potentially contain asbestos.

7. Floral Furniture

The overuse of patterns, florals, and prints can create visual chaos and “disturb the eye.” Floral-embellished furniture, in particular, can pose a challenge when attempting to integrate it with a modern interior design. This decorative trend is frequently linked to the styles of older homes and eras. Just because your parents or grandparents may have adorned their spaces with floral pieces doesn’t mean it’s a look you need to perpetuate in your own home.

8. Overdone Industrial

While the industrial aesthetic can be sophisticated and appealing, there’s a fine line between stylish and excessive. An overabundance of metal or visible plumbing can render a space cold and inhospitable. Achieving a harmonious design involves tempering the stark industrial features with softer textures and the warmth of natural materials, creating a balanced and inviting ambiance.

9. Furniture Skirts

Furniture skirts are reminiscent of a bygone era, much like the floral armchairs and sofas! This antiquated design element is typically associated with older homes and is notorious for attracting dust. To achieve a contemporary appearance, opt for furniture that boasts clean lines or features legs that are exposed and elegantly styled.

10. Faux Finishes

Faux finishes, which aim to mimic the look of various materials, can sometimes result in a home appearing gaudy or inauthentic. Moreover, committing to faux finishes can be limiting, as they are challenging to modify or refresh later on. Fortunately, there are superior modern painting techniques available that deliver a more polished and refined aesthetic.