5 Design Trends Making Your Home Look Outdated, Say Experts

Some things never go out of style. A classic little black dress. Or a method for crafting the ideal succulent roasted chicken. Beautiful jewelry On the contrary, numerous trends emerge and fade away. This also applies in this regard. home design . Unlike these 11 kinds of antique items that will increase in value with time , specific design elements might cause your home to appear outdated—not in an appealing, vintage style kind of way.

"The boundary between stylishly vintage or antique and unappealingly outdated is subjective and varies according to the architectural style and personal preferences," agrees Leah Harmatz , founder of Field Theory Design in San Francisco and the creator of Hotel Lilien In Tannersville, New York. Nevertheless, there are certain criteria that distinguish antiques from items considered merely outdated.

Combining your antique and vintage items Using contemporary art and innovative lighting can make an area feel up-to-date, says Adrianne Bugg, who is the lead designer. Pillar & Peacock Interior design in Florence, Alabama (a venture she started alongside Brandeis Short) brings a modern twist to classic elements, making them feel rejuvenated and integrated into contemporary style trends.

The way a piece fits within the space can greatly distinguish whether something appears tastefully vintage or antique versus feeling uncomfortably dated, notes Kellie Sirna, who owns and leads the firm. Studio 11 Design In Dallas, Texas. Should the touches appear purposeful and harmonious with contemporary features, they can introduce charm. An old-fashioned piece inside a sleek, modern frame? Exquisitely fashionable. Preserving an aged side table while adorning it with a few recent coffee-table reads? Quite sophisticated.

"Nonetheless, if a feature overwhelms the area or conflicts with the general atmosphere, it might seem misplaced and result in an old-fashioned appearance," Sirna explains. (Think about you, popcorn ceilings.)

You can never go wrong by choosing pieces that are classic and not trendy for just right now, Bugg adds. Below, we’re revealing the home furniture, decor, and design choices that are making your home look dated, according to designers.

Crimson, Tangerine, or Deep Brown Timber

Trends change rapidly in the age of TikTok, but the ’90s-style Wood cabinets and flooring stained in reddish, orange, or very dark tones often appear outdated, as noted by Sirna and Harmatz.

Today, many individuals aim to enhance their environments by increasing warmth and natural light," states Harmatz. "To achieve this, they're leaning toward using natural and organic materials along with light-inspired design styles such as those found in Scandinavian or Japandi interiors.

These designs highlight materials such as bamboo, pale beechwood, white oak, or light walnut, and they emphasize white components to create an atmosphere that feels lighter and more spacious.

"Natural wood cabinets and millwork in deeper shades of wood can still appear modern and chic provided they do not have a pronounced reddish or orangy tint," Harmatz notes.

$95.80

Shop Now

Stark, Minimal Interiors

Even though these areas might appear neat, "they frequently seem chilly and unwelcoming," according to Sirna, lacking any homely feel.

Recently, many homeowners have moved away from the industrial style and embraced another aspect of Scandinavian design known as hygge. According to Sirna, this approach focuses on crafting cozy environments that radiate warmth and encourage relaxation.

The ten fundamental concepts of hygge can guide you in designing your space: ambiance, being present, enjoyment, fairness, thankfulness, balance, coziness, tranquility, companionship, and ultimately, protection. Elements like area rugs, gentle illumination, candles, artwork, plush throws, and organic components all align with the essence of hygge, inviting one to relax and unwind.

$101.00

Shop Now

Bouclé Fabric

When selecting fabrics for sofas, cushions, and window decorations, Sirna suggests moving away from bouclé. Despite its ability to add visual appeal and tactile elements to a room, and even though it was considered trendy just last year, Bouclé is now outdated. quiet luxury The primary issue with this material, which features looped yarn with curly textures and bumpy rows, is that it tends to catch and rip with prolonged usage.

"This fabric has certainly lost its charm when compared to how it was perceived in the not-too-distant past, mainly due to its tendency to struggle with maintaining a pristine appearance, particularly in bustling spaces that see frequent usage," according to Sirna.

Many individuals are now leaning towards softer, low-maintenance materials that offer that snug feeling with minimal care required, as Sirna points out. Fabrics like cotton mixes and wools, which have various textures, seem more classic and are available in an array of plain shades and patterns.

$37.00

Shop Now

Matchy-Matchy Furniture

It can be alluring to opt for an effortless solution and purchase a matching furniture ensemble, yet Harmatz feels this could be too much commitment to make with just one click.

Using overly matched elements, particularly intricate furnishings, might seem outdated as individuals now prefer spaces that appear more livable and cozy. Our houses mirror our personal styles, and there’s a growing preference for materials that possess a more considered, natural aesthetic," according to Harmatz.

To achieve an elegant and thoughtfully assembled living space, choose a blend of vintage pieces, souvenirs gathered from your journeys, individual collectibles, and furnishings from various eras and design aesthetics.

$1450.00

Shop Now

Granite Countertops

Although granite isn't quite "over" like laminate and tile countertops, its popularity has waned. (This is particularly true for the extremely glossy versions in neutral shades of brown or beige.)

Indeed, granite is robust and relatively affordable, yet numerous classic, strong, and fashionable alternatives are available within a comparable budget range. Materials such as quartz, marble, porcelain, wood, and various types of natural stones are becoming increasingly popular choices for countertops.

Regarding Harmatz, she directs customers who are thinking about granite towards "natural stones featuring more intricate patterns and texture, like marble or soapstone."

$3.99

Shop Now