Are you still holding on to outdated home trends that are dragging your style down? It’s time to leave them where they belong—in the past!
Our taste keeps evolving as we age, and so should our homes! My children visited me a couple of weeks ago and told me that my home decor game was almost nonexistent. I had old furniture pieces I hadn’t updated since they were little, and the color schemes were looking more tired than timeless. It was a bit of a wake-up call, so my husband and I decided it was time for a makeover! If you’re in the same boat as us, this article is for you!
What once was all the rage is now more likely to drag down the energy of your otherwise beautiful space. But don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds, and the best part is that you don’t have to start from scratch. Today’s post is an encouragement to ditch the outdated home trends and embrace those gorgeous, functional, and modern styles that bring coziness and elegance to any room.
So, if you’re over 50 and feel like your living space needs a quick touch-up, say no more. Without further ado, here are all the outdated home trends you should ditch for good! After all, your home is a reflection of who you are today, not the person you were over 10 years ago. Are you ready? Let’s go!
1. Too much matchy-matchy
A few years ago, I was happy to make my home look like a showroom by matching the furniture pieces with the color of the walls or with the overall design aesthetic. While my love for this style lasted for a decade, it was time to part ways with it.
It wasn’t easy, because symmetry looks pleasing, but I noticed it looked uninspiring, impersonal, and rigid. My daughter helped me mix and match textures, furniture styles, and colors, and I must say that our home looks better than ever (ask me again in 10 years, though). It’s eclectic, dynamic, and very modern!
This is all about balance, not perfection. Here’s what I did: I paired my gorgeous vintage armchair with a modern and bold couch for the sitting area, and then I mixed metal and glass elements with wood finishes. It’s like I have a different lounge room—it’s warm, personal, cozy, interesting, and very welcoming, I must say.
…So, the first outdated home trend you should ditch is the matchy-matchy everything! Trust me, it will make a huge difference!
2. Too many throw pillows
Do you remember those days when having an excessive amount of throw pillows on the bed and couch was all the rage? Those times are long gone, and now it’s only an outdated home trend. While I don’t deny they look cozy and inviting, they often make the space look cramped and cluttered. Not to mention, they’re not that relaxing if you try to take a nap.
Instead of covering your couch or bed with throw pillows, only keep the most beautiful ones and place them thoughtfully by texture and color. This task will only take you a couple of minutes, and the final look will be clean and polished. You’re going to love how tidy your room will be!
If you want to take it a step further, I recommend you play around with different tones and fabrics to create a unique touch that complements your style and home decor.
3. Fake plants and fruits
It doesn’t matter how “Carmen Miranda-worthy” you think your fruit bowl looks; I can recognize from here that it is only plastic. This is one of the outdated home trends I was most eager to ditch, and so should you!
And yes, the same rule applies to your faux plants and flowers. While some might be convincing, they often sit around and only gather dust. If you worry about your brown thumb, say no more, because that was my problem too. However, I recommend you get a low-maintenance plant like a snake plant or a cactus, as they require little attention and often thrive on neglect.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you can dry your own homegrown flowers, put them in a gorgeous vase, and have a unique and stylish decor piece.
PS: This is a great budget-friendly option too!
4. Ditch the giant carpet
Once upon a time, giant carpets were the go-to choice, but it’s time to say goodbye to this outdated home trend—especially since they trap dust, allergens, and dirt. Besides that, cleaning a carpet the size of your entire room? A nightmare!
Upgrade your home to a more modern, sophisticated look with tiles, hardwood floors, or high-quality laminate. These materials are not only easier to clean and more durable, but they also add beauty to any room. One of the best parts? They can even improve air quality—something we all value more as we age.
So, if you want to make your home easier to clean and give it a stylish makeover, it’s time to ditch that old carpet! You won’t regret it!
5. Heavy curtains
Another outdated home trend to ditch? Heavy drapes and curtains! While this style was fashionable in the past, it makes your space look stuffy and passé. And just like the giant carpet, these are dust-trappers, so it’s terrible for people with allergies or those who suffer from respiratory health issues.
You can swap the old-fashioned drapes and curtains with more beautiful and airy options like bamboo blinds and sheer curtains. This quick makeover will allow natural light to flood the room, making it cozy, bright, fresh, and inviting.
Last but not least, you’ll have more control over how much sunlight comes in, so it’s easier than ever to create a gorgeous ambiance in any room.
6. Tacky wallpaper
Wallpaper was all the rage in the past, but now it’s only an outdated home trend you should part ways with ASAP. If the patterns are too bold or busy, it can make the entire room feel and look overwhelming.
You can upgrade the space with neutral-colored paint and textured wall treatments. This touch will create a stunning look that blends perfectly with the other tips mentioned today. However, if you’re a die-hard wallpaper fan, you can choose geometric, minimalist, or nature-inspired patterns to achieve that contemporary, fresh look.
Just like with makeup, less is more when it comes to walls. Try accent walls with subtle touches or go for peel-and-stick wallpaper for an easy, stylish fix. Keeping things simple and clean will transform your space into something that looks straight out of a magazine!
7. Dark wood
I remember when dark wood flooring and furniture were the IT pieces for your home, but they should be left where they belong—in the past. You can swap this outdated home trend with something more modern and breezier, such as lighter wood colors.
If this upgrade sounds like fun, I recommend you replace dark oak, mahogany, or cherry furniture with lighter wood, such as oak, birch, and maple. The nuanced difference will open up your space and even bring you a sense of calm and peace.
I convinced my husband to take the plunge and give our home a wood makeover, and let me tell you that he is now hooked. It took us a couple of months to completely replace our furniture (we sold the old one on Facebook Marketplace to afford the new one), and our home has such a soothing and modern atmosphere; I just love it!
Takeaway
Outdated home trends might make a space feel stuck in the past, but if you love the way your home looks, there’s no need to change a thing. However, if you’re ready for a refresh, these updates can transform your space into something more modern and magazine-worthy. It’s all about creating good vibes, comfort, style, and simplicity!
What are your thoughts on these outdated home trends? Are you up for a makeover? I would love to know what your thoughts are, so leave a comment below, and let’s chat! If you find this article helpful and would like to check out something else from The Home Team, here’s a post you won’t want to miss: Small Closet? These 5 IKEA Hacks Will Save the Day
