What home decor is out of style

Interior design trends? They shift all the time. What looked hot a few years ago can feel painfully dated now. Homeowners trying to update their spaces get stuck wondering what's actually old news. This article digs into the most common outdated decor trends, pulling from current design thinking and what experts are saying, so you can build a home that feels current—and maybe even timeless.

What are the most outdated living room trends?

Your living room. It's where everyone gathers, right? And some trends that used to dominate? Yeah, they're done. Designers are pretty much over matched sets and anything that feels too heavy or dark.

• Matching furniture sets: You know, when the sofa, loveseat, and armchair all match perfectly? That look screams "catalog from 2005." These days, people mix it up—different styles, textures, even eras. It feels way more alive.
• Overly large, bulky sectionals: Comfort matters. I get it. But those massive L-shapes that swallow a room whole? They're getting swapped for sleeker, modular stuff you can actually rearrange.
• Dark, heavy wood furniture: Look, some dark wood is fine. Classic even. But having it everywhere—coffee tables, entertainment centers, end tables—feels like a cave. Lighter woods like oak and ash are having a moment.
• Floating shelves with generic decor: Floating shelves aren't dead. But loading them up with mass-produced signs that say "Live, Laugh, Love"? That's played out. Curate your shelves. Make them personal.

Is "farmhouse" decor officially out of style?

The modern farmhouse thing, thanks to shows like Fixer Upper, it's morphed a lot. The original version with all its specific tricks? Designers are calling it tired.

"The farmhouse style isn't dead, but it has matured. The rustic, overly thematic version is out. The new iteration is more refined, blending modern elements with subtle nods to rustic charm. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and high-quality natural materials." — Interior Designer, Sarah Walker

What kitchen trends look dated in 2024?

Kitchens. High-impact zone. If something's dated here, you notice it fast. A bunch of looks from the last ten years? They're on their way out.

Why are all-white kitchens becoming less popular?

All-white kitchens were huge. For years. But now? People are calling them sterile. Boring. Lacking any real personality. The shift is toward warmth—richer colors, more texture.

• Out: Stark white cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, and white quartz countertops.
• In: Warm off-whites, creamy beiges, sage greens, navy blues, and earthy terracotta tones. Wood elements and natural stone like soapstone or marble are preferred.

Are open shelving and farmhouse sinks still in style?

Open shelving? Still around, but it's not the automatic choice anymore. People realize it's a pain to keep tidy. And the apron-front farmhouse sink? Less of a must-have, more of a specific taste thing now.

What bathroom features are considered out of style?

Bathrooms from the 90s and early 2000s. They're full of stuff that feels super dated. Updating a few things can make a huge difference.

• Builder-grade cultured marble: Those one-piece vanity tops and shower surrounds? Hallmark of a dated bathroom. Replace them with natural stone, quartz, or large-format porcelain tiles.
• Glass block windows: Sure, they let in light and gave privacy. But they scream 80s and 90s. Frosted glass or high-set operable windows are way better.
• Oversized jetted tubs: Huge tubs nobody uses. They're getting swapped for spacious walk-in showers with multiple showerheads and bench seating.
• Beige and peach color schemes: Those warm neutrals? So over. Cooler tones, spa greens, and crisp whites are in.

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