10 Outdated Design Trends

 

As mentioned in my last post, I wanted to touch on some design trends that need to go. If you have any of these in excess in your home, it may be time for a refresh. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen prey to some of these trends as well and just gave my own living room a huge overthrow. Sometimes it takes a little outside perspective to see that some things in your home are way past their due date (i.e. my gold and red vases that were sitting on my fireplace mantle! Byeeeee).

There are of course exceptions to each of these for certain homes, but in general….if you still have these trends in your home and don’t want your guests to see your home as dated, let’s freshen up your space!

Red and Gold

 

Let’s just start with the culprit that ailed my own home. I can admit that sometimes I spend all day working on other people’s homes and can be guilty of neglecting my own (so no judgement if you didn’t notice your decor has aged around you!). However, this past year I was looking at my living room decor and realized there was way too much old gold and red…which I would never suggest to a client in this day and age. So I took every single item out for donation and started completely over with a fresh new black scheme that immediately looked better in my space.

If you look around your house and see a lot of red, burgundy, or crimson mixed with golds…it is time to refresh that color scheme.

Brown Upholstery

 

If you have a sofa, loveseat, or sectional out of a brown fabric, I’m sorry but that is now outdated. Brown leather is fine, tan or beige fabric is fine, but chocolate colored fabric on your furniture pieces is out. The trend in furniture now is to go much lighter towards a beige, tan, or taupe if you want to be in the warm tones. Lighten up those fabrics!

Frilly, Overdone Drapery

 

Swags, bullions, ruffles, tassels, jabots… I think it goes without saying that those are words that most people barely even hear anymore, let alone put onto the drapery in their new homes. Drapery is still absolutely necessary in most every room, but these super overdone drapery treatments are not. I love a simple set of drapery panels in a fun color, texture, or pattern. But that’s about as far as I usually like to go on the overall drapery design.

Fast Furniture

 

IKEA really had its hay-day in the ‘90s and ‘00s with the cheap, build-it-yourself, throw it away in a year type of furniture. But it isn’t quality and people can definitely tell. If your fast furniture has somehow lasted this long, it’s time to let it go and replace it with some quality pieces.

Pine Furniture

 

Speaking of the ‘80s and ‘90s, pine was just about everywhere. Not anymore. This yellow wood tone alone can make your space look dated and has been replaced with much more grey-undertoned woods. If you have multiple pine colored pieces in your living spaces or even in your kitchen, it is most definitely time for an upgrade.

Stripes

I say this delicately, because there are definitely some forms of stripes that are still relevant, but for the most part striped pillows or furniture are a trend that I would not sell to anyone today and can definitely make your space look dated. If you’re in doubt about your striped pieces, just go ahead and toss them and simplify your patterns.

Vertical Blinds

 

These are an eye-sore and incredibly hard to maneuver. They are super outdated and never looked good, let’s just be honest. Do yourself a favor and invest in some beautiful updated window treatments and drapery.

Floral Everything

 

If every piece of furniture in your room has a flower of some type on it, it’s probably a safe bet that your space is outdated. This is incredibly ‘80s. Florals are still relevant, but better suited to pillows and artwork. Let’s keep the big patterns off the furniture, people.

Fake Fruit

There’s no reason for this. Fake fruit is a dust-collector and just looks old and dead. You aren’t fooling anyone. Instead, pick up a few extra fresh lemons at the grocery store and decorate with them. Not only do they smell good, but they last a long time, they are brighter in color, and they are REAL.

Tuscan

 

This is a hard one for me to bring up because living in central Texas, the Tuscan theme is still very much alive and well. I hate to break it to y’all, but this scheme screams 2000 and has lived it’s life out. I know that given my location, more than likely several people reading this are thinking I’ve fallen off my rocker and that your Tuscan scheme is still relevant. Guys, I love you, you’re the best, but I have to tell you that Tuscan is over. Time to freshen up and simplify your home decor. I’m sorry!!!

 

 

 

I know that might have been hard and painful to read for some. No one wants to admit that their home is out of date, but I’m here as a professional to give you the hard facts to help you keep your home beautiful and fresh. I wouldn’t be telling you this if I didn’t want to help you! When you have company over I want them to be in awe of your space, not horrified by the dust that’s collecting on your ruffled drape swags.

 

As usual, if you’re ready to refresh your space, contact me to get started. I’d love to help you make your home a place you’re proud of!

Much love,