Shag carpet and popcorn ceilings were both popular home decor trends in the 1970s, but they are among a long list of design elements that will age your space. Like these, elements that were once considered modern may now give a tired or overly themed look, diminishing the fresh and timeless appeal that we want for our homes.
Design decisions that rely too heavily on past trends can create a sense of stagnation rather than evolution, making it more difficult than ever to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. Updating key features, incorporating more versatile pieces, and balancing classic elements with modern touches can help to refresh the look of your home and create a timeless style.
We are the first to say that if you love your home as it is, you should embrace your own style; however, if you are ready for an interior makeover, consider addressing the home decor trends we have highlighted that date your home to a bygone time or design era.
Tuscan and Faux Rustic Overload
Popular in the early 2000s, Tuscan style was characterized by the use of heavy woodwork, wrought iron, ornate details, and bright, warm earth tones. This style aimed to evoke the warmth of Italian countryside villas and rustic farmhouses. But the overuse of elements like heavy wood beams, elaborate scrollwork, faux stone, and faux distressed furniture now feels inauthentic and overly thematic.
As home trends evolve, they are shifting toward simpler, more refined approaches that echo the desired style without going overboard, such as the use of warm but lighter color palettes and streamlined wood elements. This more restrained look can help to revitalize an interior, making it feel more open, airy, and modern.
Granite Countertops in Bold Patterns
Natural materials such as granite will always be popular and durable for countertops, but the bold, heavily speckled, and swirled granite countertops of the early 2000s can look out of date. These patterns dominate the kitchen’s design and clash with a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Boldly patterned granite also limits the changes that can be made to your kitchen, making it more difficult to update other elements.
Today, homeowners are opting for more subtle countertop materials. Quartz, lightly patterned granite, or marble offer a cleaner and more uniform appearance. Light, neutral-toned colors such as white, gray, or beige provide a fresh and versatile backdrop for any future changes you may make.
Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows were once a staple of contemporary homes built in the 1980s, and they are experiencing a small resurgence in some homes today. They were useful as a way to bring light into bathrooms and bedrooms while still maintaining privacy. While they are still useful in this regard, the grid-like appearance can feel out of sync with the understated style of the current moment.
If you want to bring in light while maintaining privacy, options like frosted, fluted, or textured glass windows can provide the same effect but provide a more refined look.
Beige Overload
Beige is back, and we are here for it, but the trend of painting every wall in the home the same beige is outdated. While this trend promotes cohesion, it also leaves most spaces feeling flat and uninspired.
While people are craving more warmth in their interior designs, they are also craving more color. Homeowners are feeling inspired to let their spaces reflect their personalities through a variety of color choices, both saturated and more neutral. Even if you still prefer the minimalist look of a single-color interior, make sure to include a variety of textures and color ideas in your furniture and decor. This will give your interior a more timeless look while also adding depth and nuance.
Heavy Window Treatments
Although heavy window treatments such as valances and ornate swags work well in historic homes, they date most interior designs. These bulky window coverings block a significant amount of light, and most cannot be easily adjusted to provide more or less sunlight or privacy.
Modern interiors are opting for more streamlined curtain options like simple panel curtains, blinds, or shades. These enhance the airy look of the room while still maintaining privacy. Window coverings that feature smart controls are gaining in popularity. Consider window coverings in natural materials like cotton and linen for the most luxurious look.
Gray Floors
Home trends change faster than ever before, and the rise and fall of gray floors exemplifies this new reality. Gray-stained wood and laminate floors were briefly popular in the 2010s, but they were so overused that they quickly became outdated. They reflected the shift toward cooler tones in general, but they are now associated with a home that feels sterile and cold.
Instead, choose flooring in natural and balanced colors that are neither too warm nor too cold. While natural wood color variations fluctuate to a degree, these colors, within a certain range, always return to fashion.
Gaudy Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are the natural focal point of most rooms, and an overly ornate light fixture will quickly date your space. Fixtures like oversized chandeliers with excessive crystals or an overly detailed ceiling fan will overwhelm every other design choice. These choices are seen at odds with today’s more streamlined aesthetic.
More homeowners are choosing fixtures with simple, clean lines and timeless materials. Sleek pendant lights, sculptural sconces, and minimalist fixtures are functional and aesthetic without overwhelming the space. If your tastes run more maximalist, look for fixture styles that might have a strong presence but still clean lines and use classic materials.
Carpet on the Stairs or in the Bathroom
Two examples of design choices that defy common sense are carpet in the bathroom and on the stairs. Though carpet is slip-resistant, it is also prone to damage from heavy wear and mold and mildew growth. This creates maintenance hassles that are difficult to manage.
Hard flooring surfaces like tile, wood, or laminate are more durable design choices. These are much easier to keep clean and have greater longevity. If comfort or safety is a concern on the stairs, consider a durable carpet runner that you can replace if it becomes worn. In the bathroom, use plush mats with a rubber underside to provide a soft layer beneath your feet.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn texture on ceilings was popular in the 1960s and 1970s because of its ability to hide imperfections and absorb sound. Their rough, bumpy texture collects dust and grease and mars a streamlined room design. Popcorn ceilings might also contain asbestos, which makes the removal a higher priority.
You can remove the popcorn texture yourself, but you need to test for asbestos first. This job is quite messy, so do your research before getting started. Alternatively, if you do not mind losing any ceiling height, you can cover the popcorn-textured ceiling with wood paneling or thin sheetrock to get a smooth surface.
Ceiling Fans With Domed Lights
Ceiling fans are a necessity in homes in warmer climates as they make them more energy efficient and comfortable. A certain type of ceiling fan became popular in the early 2000s. These had a single light with a frosted domed shade. These are not only bulky and generic-looking, they do not provide adequate lighting.
Replacing these fixtures with low-profile fans and streamlined lights is an excellent way to update the appearance of a room. Matte black, brushed brass, and wood-toned finishes can all look sophisticated, while slimmer blades create a more refined appearance.
