Interior design trends come and go, but some choices can leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. From shag carpets to popcorn ceilings, certain decorative elements are best left in the past.
Shag Carpets Everywhere
The shag carpet, once the pinnacle of living room luxury, now serves as a cautionary tale in interior design. Its thick, tangled fibers are a haven for dust and allergens. Beyond practicality, its dated appearance can make any space feel like a time capsule rather than a home.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, a texture choice beloved in the 20th century, have fallen out of favor because they are they difficult to clean and repair and can contain harmful asbestos. Their rough texture makes rooms look smaller and darker, a definite no-go in modern design.
Overuse of Neon Colors
While a splash of color can invigorate a space, neon colors are difficult to match and can make spaces feel cluttered and chaotic. It’s best to use these vibrant hues sparingly as accents rather than the main palette.
Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Wall-to-wall mirrors can quickly become too much of a good thing. Beyond the constant cleaning to avoid smudges, this design choice can feel disorienting and overly flashy. A few strategically placed mirrors are a more thoughtful way to achieve spaciousness.
Toilet Rug Sets
Toilet rug sets, including those that wrap around the base of the toilet, are a hygiene nightmare. They trap moisture and bacteria, turning your bathroom into a breeding ground for germs. Opt for easy-to-clean flooring and minimal fabric in bathrooms for both style and sanitation.
Plastic Furniture Covers
Plastic furniture covers sacrifice comfort for cleanliness. Sitting on plastic-wrapped furniture is noisy, sticky, and generally unpleasant. Modern fabrics offer durability and ease of cleaning without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort.
Faux Finishes
Laminate and pressed board finishes often fall short of the real thing, looking cheap and tacky. These attempts at mimicry can also date a space quickly as trends change. Investing in authentic materials adds true value and beauty to your home.
Vertical Blinds
Loose plastic blinds can make a home feel like an office building rather than a personal sanctuary. They’re notorious for breaking and becoming tangled. Curtains offer a warmer, more reliable window treatment option.
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching furniture sets make a space feel more like a catalog than a lived-in room. It lacks personality and creativity, making your home look generic. Mixing and matching pieces creates a more dynamic, inviting atmosphere.
Inflatable Furniture
Inflatable furniture screams temporary and cheap. Not only is it prone to leaks and punctures, but it also offers little in terms of comfort and stability. Opt for durable, classic pieces that stand the test of time.
Excessively Themed Rooms
Themed rooms, when overdone, can quickly go from charming to overwhelming. A space dedicated entirely to a sports team or a movie franchise can feel cluttered and stifling. Instead, subtly incorporate elements of your passion into the decor to maintain balance.
Cluttered Open Shelving
Open shelving is a trend that can easily backfire if not meticulously curated. A cluttered shelf becomes a dust collector and makes a room feel disorganized. Keep open shelving minimal and intentional, with a focus on aesthetics as much as functionality.
Too Much Animal Print
Animal print in interior design should be used sparingly as an accent rather than the main attraction. Overuse can quickly overwhelm a space, making it feel chaotic and kitschy. Stick to one or two small animal print items to add intrigue without overpowering.
Mismatched Wood Tones
Mixing wood tones without a coherent strategy can result in a disjointed appearance. Stick to a primary wood tone for the space and complement it with similar or deliberately contrasting hues. This creates harmony and flow throughout the room.
Overwhelming Wallpaper Patterns
Bold wallpaper patterns can make a statement but can also shrink a room visually and become quickly tiresome. Consider using bold patterns on a feature wall or in a small powder room where it won’t overwhelm you. Choose patterns that complement rather than dominate.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops in kitchens and bathrooms may seem quaint, but the grout lines become havens for grime and bacteria. They require constant maintenance to keep clean and can make your space look dated. Modern solid-surface countertops offer a sleek, hygienic alternative.
Heavy Drapery
Heavy, dark window treatments block natural light and collect dust over time. Lighter, breathable fabrics in curtains allow for privacy while maintaining a bright, airy feel in the room.
Overdecorating
A space crammed with knick-knacks, photos, and furniture leaves no room to breathe. Embrace minimalism to allow key pieces to stand out and give the room a sense of spaciousness and calm.
Water Beds
Once the epitome of bedroom luxury, water beds now represent a bygone era of interior design. They’re notorious for leaks, providing poor support, and being difficult to move. Modern mattress technology offers superior comfort without the hassle and potential mess of a water bed.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps, while iconic, can feel out of place in contemporary decor, lending a juvenile or dated look to spaces. If you’re fond of mood lighting, consider LED strip lights or smart bulbs that offer customizable colors and settings for a modern twist.
Speckled Granite Countertops
Once a sought-after material, speckled granite countertops can now make a kitchen look busy and outdated. Simpler, more uniform countertops, such as quartz or marble, offer a timeless look that complements rather than competes with your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Futons as Primary Sofas
Using a futon as the main sofa in living spaces suggests a temporary or makeshift approach to furnishing. It can detract from the overall feel of adulthood and permanence in your home. Investing in a quality sofa transforms the living space into a comfortable, welcoming area.
Bean Bag Chairs
While fun in a game room or a child’s bedroom, bean bag chairs in common living areas can undermine the sophistication of your home decor. Consider accent chairs that elevate your space while still providing relaxation.
DIY Pallet Furniture
Furniture made from pallets often looks rough and out of place in more refined interiors. Instead, upcycled furniture can be a sustainable choice if done with a professional finish. This approach keeps the eco-conscious spirit alive while ensuring your space looks polished.
Oversized Entertainment Centers
Massive entertainment centers consume valuable living space and can make a room feel dated. With the advent of flat-screen TVs and minimalist stands, less is more. Opting for wall-mounted TVs or sleek, modern media consoles can open up the room.
