16 Home Décor Trends on Their Way Out
Updated: Apr. 17, 2024
If you're thinking about a home décor update, let go of even the recent past. It's OK, you can do it. The future is cozy, colorful and comfortable!
All White Interiors
One of the most notable trends leaving the zeitgeist is all-white everything. What once felt clean and fresh now feels clinical and cold. A classic paint color mistake.
Can’t let go of all white? That’s OK, too. Instead, consider choosing warmer whites. Yellow or pink undertones can provide warmth that stark, cool whites don’t have. Another option: Choose, say, white cabinetry, then warm up the room with a contrasting paint color, wallpaper or colorful tile backsplash.
Next, explore decor ideas to go with white walls and white trim.
Repeating Patterns
Wallpaper is still having its moment, so don’t panic if you just finished hanging fresh paper in your home. However, if you’re just starting to warm up to wallpaper, another option would be a wall mural, which features one large image or a series of images that don’t repeat.
Wall murals are sized for your space and wall dimensions. And because the images are much larger in scale than those in repeating-pattern wallpaper, a mural creates that custom impression.
No More Faux
Faux finishes, no matter how good, are on their way out. Some engineered finishes have come a long way, but the latest interior design trends lean on authenticity.
Sarah Jameson of Green Building Elements says because more people are spending more time at home than in the past, they’re yearning for “more natural and organic materials” paired with color accents.
Distressed Furniture
Another fallout trend from the modern farmhouse overload is distressed furniture. Rustic touches can be nice, but may overwhelm when the theme is carried throughout the entire room. Consider cabinets in a historic paint color instead, or find one rustic accent piece to complement a fresher, cleaner look.
Note: Underneath all that distressed paint might be some enviable, no-longer-available heirloom wood!
Velvet
There’s always a place for texture and luxury in a room. For a while, velvet was a favorite choice. But lately, velvet’s hot and heavy moment seems to be cooling.
But there are still great ways to incorporate texture and luxurious elements into your home. Swap out the velvet duvet cover you have for a visually and physically lighter, but no less texturally interesting, linen duvet cover in a beautiful color. And here’s how to put on any duvet cover.
Open Concept Living
Open concept floor plans seemed to make a lot of sense when they arrived on the scene — especially for those who often entertain. But open concept floor plans can be tricky to furnish, disorganized and noisy.
As lifestyles shifted over the last few years, many people are now yearning for a private office, separate entertaining areas or a quiet den away from the din.
Industrial Details
For a few years, the love of industrial décor rivaled the boom of industrialization — or so it seemed. Repurposing machinery, tool-shop shelving, exposed plumbing, heating and brick were all top choices.
Now that’s giving way to a general ambiance of cozy, homey warmth. Think warm woods instead of cold metals, colors borrowed from nature rather than machines, and softening angles and edges with plants. Trade industrial tooling for Grandma’s needlepoint.
Glass Block Windows
While glass block might always have a place in certain situations, it shouldn’t be applied across the board for adding privacy for bathrooms or front-door sidelights. Instead, consider hanging stained or leaded glass windows, frosting the glass or keeping regular windows but adding window treatments to soften the edges.
Marble Tile
Marble is a classic for a reason, and it is beautiful. But after a considerable bump in consumer interest, homeowners are now embracing colored and patterned tile. For a true on-trend take, stack tiles or set subway tiles vertically. Deep green or bold blue tile is on trend now.
If you can’t let go of your love for marble, homeowners are choosing it in bolder color options, such as graphic black-and-white veining or this Calacatta Viola, a perfect plum-and-white combination. You could also trade in smaller tile patterns for larger slabs for a more modern statement.
A New Way With Wood
Reclaimed wood as sliding doors or signage within the house are fading fast, but there’s renewed interest in reclaimed wood flooring. “More people are leaning into sustainable and eco-friendly living practices,” says Jameson. These include salvaging wood for floors or considering alternate materials like durable, sustainable cork.
All New Furniture
Gone are coordinating furniture sets and matchy-matchy vibes. Incorporating vintage, antique or secondhand furnishings is a sustainable, stylish way to go now. And it’s not expensive. Shop in person at thrift and vintage stores, or virtually via social media platforms. You’ll save money and find distinctive pieces, resulting in a one-of-a-kind décor. Fight the wasteful tides of fast furniture by supporting one of these sustainable furniture companies.
Center Ceiling Lights
You may still have one, and it may be a showstopper. (Don’t feel bad — many of us do!) But to truly enhance your room while making it comfortable and cozy, don’t rely on a center ceiling light.
Instead, consider an assortment of lamps, sconces, or lights in all corners of the ceiling. As the old interior designer adage goes: Lighting is the jewelry of the home. Accessorize accordingly.
Mid-Century Lines
Mid-century design was truly all the rage, and the trend long-lasting. It’s important to note that its angular, geometric designs, especially when paired in a true mid-century modern home, are classic.
But the “trend” of mid-century is fading as we turn toward feelings of comfort and serenity. One example: “Furniture shapes will be soft and curvy to accommodate comfort instead of box sofas,” says Jameson.
White Ceilings
Ceilings are often an afterthought. Even with boldly painted walls, the ceiling is often jarringly white. But as white fades away in trend, it’s a good time to rethink what we see overhead.
As we crave more color, consider a bolder ceiling color, perhaps paired with a contrasting or tone-on-tone wall color.
Corner Pantries
Corner pantries have been a hit with some kitchen designers and builders, but they don’t always translate to cohesive design or flow. (Plus, the door may be mistaken for an awkwardly placed powder room door!)
Instead, designate a full-height pull-out cabinet with shelving or organizers or a full closet for your pantry staples.
Static Spaces
According to Eugene Colberg, principal at Colberg Architecture, static rooms that only serve one function are on their way out.
“Materials that are not practical, require a lot of maintenance or don’t allow for spaces to serve multiple purposes are no longer acceptable,” he says. “Because of the ways we now live in our homes — incorporating work, hobbies, exercise, school and more — there is renewed emphasis on functionality.”
Originally Published: February 04, 2021
