Nowadays, we seem to have an obsession with micro trends, flipping from one extreme to another, with each trend seemingly ending faster than the last. While some fads evolve into classics, many are being left by the wayside, hoping to be recycled in years to come. With the blending of clear style categories and sustainability at the forefront of our minds, we are making way for more personalized, thoughtful, and timeless designs.
Whether you stick with vintage treasures or embrace something new, the key is to choose what you love because while trends may come and go, style transcends.
To help you avoid any furniture faux pas or a lack of interior integrity, we’ve compiled a list of a few outdated trends worth avoiding.
Animal Print
There is nothing timeless, subtle, or particularly elegant about an overload of animal prints. Too many prints are just way too visually overwhelming and give a space a pretty dated feel. Animal prints may have been on trend in previous decades, but nowadays, they don’t exactly scream modern and sophisticated—they just scream out of fashion.
Animal Skin Rugs
The animal skin rug trend, much like the rugs themselves, has unfortunately died. Not only is the idea of decorating your home with dead or mock animal skins a bit creepy, but the use of real fur or skin isn’t just visually out of fashion but widely frowned upon based on animal cruelty and sustainability.
Fast Furniture
Fast fashion is a major environmental and trend issue, and so is fast furniture. Mass-produced, poorly made products are out, and classic, one-off vintage pieces are what’s hot. Whether it’s buying second-hand or having it handmade, sustainability is in, and so is individuality, especially when it comes to making a house your home.
Linoleum Flooring
There is something unbelievably nostalgic about linoleum floors. However, while they may bring back sweet memories, that’s certainly not a sign that they’re fashionable. This rather dated trend is probably best left in the past in favor of something a little more classy and modern, like wood or tile.
Carpeted Bathrooms
This is less about trends and more about basic practicality. Whoever thought of putting carpets in a bathroom had clearly never thought of using one. Not only is this completely illogical, but it is also unhygienic, and frankly, this trend deserves to remain a distant memory.
Word Art
There is nothing more millennial-coded and out of fashion than plastering your home with word art or decorative inspirational quotes. ‘Keep Calm And Carry On’ or ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ does not need to be plastered around your home in different fonts and signs.
Futons
While the humble futon may have been practical during your student days, it isn’t the most decorative. That’s not to say you should get rid of them entirely; in fact, futons can be a lifesaver, especially when hosting friends or family. However, it’s probably best to store them out of sight and opt for a proper sofa as part of your main setup.
Neon
The neon trend has thankfully fallen far out of fashion. There is nothing calming, homely, or pleasing about having your eyes assaulted by sci-fi neon interiors or glowing signs. Unless it’s done tastefully and in moderation or as part of a one-off Halloween theme, then this is a trend that should stay in the past.
Tile Countertops
An iconic trend of the 1970s, tile countertops have fallen out of mainstream favor as single-slab marble and stone countertops have become the go-to choice for modern kitchens. Today, tiled surfaces are viewed more as a niche, vintage-inspired design element rather than a staple of contemporary interiors.
Pastels
This trend has been around for a while. However, it seems as if we are finally moving away from the whimsical world of muted colors. As the world gets darker, it seems we’re turning to furniture to brighten up our lives, opting for more vibrant shades than previously.
Boho Style
This may seem controversial to some, but this whimsical, eclectic style is so overdone, especially amongst millennials. Macrame wall hangings, excessive plants, and ethnic wall art have long past their peak. It’s time to declutter, keep it simple, and maybe crack open a window to dilute the overbearing smell of incense.
Weird Blobby Shaped Furniture
From wavy mirrors to bulbous couches, millennials will be disappointed to hear that their bizarre momentary rebellion against clean-cut lines is no longer trendy. This whimsical aesthetic may have been fun, but let’s face it, there was little to no practicality about this trend.
Tiffany Lamps
If you’re over a certain age, then we can let this one slide. However, Tiffany lamps aren’t exactly timeless, trendy, or practical. They just look like they’ve been borrowed from your grandparent’s house. They’re outdated and terrible light sources, and unless you’re aiming for that haunted house feel, there are plenty of other elegant lighting options available.
Rose Gold Accents
Sorry, but there is nothing classy about the excessive use of rose gold accents. If you haven’t heard, quiet luxury is the new trend, meaning subtle and classy, fixtures have far succeeded the use of excessive bling, which, let’s face it just looks a bit tacky.
Bright Whites
Minimalism has been a huge trend over the last few years, resulting in an excess of bright whites and cold greys and little to no character or feeling of homeliness. However, finally, this bizarrely clinical fad is on its way out in favor of warmer, more welcoming, natural tones and accents.
Don’t Get Caught in the Fashion Fads
Being trendy is great, but when it comes to developing your personal style, it’s important not to be influenced by passing fads. Focus on your style over fleeting trends by investing in timeless, meaningful pieces that reflect your individuality and support sustainability.
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