14 Decor Trends That Are Secretly Outdated and Lowering Your Home’s Value

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Times change, and so do decor trends. Something that was stylish can feel outdated. Some design choices were popular once, but if you don’t update them, they can actually negatively affect your home’s value.

It’s worth looking at your space to see if any of those old favorites are subliminally detracting from your home’s appeal: from specific colors to outdated designs and materials. Read on for the decor trends that might be knocking down your home’s value without you even knowing it.

Shiplap Walls

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This farmhouse trend became hugely popular, but now this farmhouse trend is old, and it ruins the homes. Instead of shiplap, go with textured walls or wallpapers with subtle patterns that give depth without feeling out of date.

Granite Countertops

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Granite countertops used to be the ultimate luxury but now they give a home an aged look. Consider modern quartz or ecofriendly recycled materials that give kitchens and bathrooms a fresh modern look.

Heavy Drapes and Curtains

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Bulky ornate curtains can make a room seem dark and small, and overcrowded. In their place consider light, sheer fabrics, or streamlined blinds, for a cleaner, more modern look.

Tuscan Kitchens

Tuscan kitchens have lost their rich earthy tones and spaces feel heavy and dated. Kitchen can have a contemporary look with a lighter color palette and simpler cabinetry and it opens up the room.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

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If carpets are in entire rooms, such as in bathrooms or dining areas, it gives them that dated feeling and they can be hard to keep up. Luxury vinyl plank flooring or hardwood flooring provides a more modern, easy to maintain, versatile solution.

Overly Distressed Furniture

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The shabby chic look had its day but is now outdated. Nowadays, overly distressed furniture is just worn out. Choose furniture with simple, clean lines and finishes, which will add sophistication to your space.

All-White Interiors

Once trendy for their clean and minimalist vibe, all-white spaces can now feel stark and impersonal. Mixing natural tones, textures, and soft colors adds warmth and makes a room feel homely.

Edison Bulbs

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The cliché has set in, and Edison bulbs are popular because of their industrial charm. However, more modern lighting options not only have more efficient LED technology but also have sleeker designs. For those not looking for something different, there are plenty of other options which are not outdated.

Bold Accent Walls

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A bold accent wall was once a statement feature, but these days, it’s considered dated. Instead of using bolder, harsher colors throughout the room or using artwork as the focal point, choose a few more subtle, harmonious colors.

Mason Jar Décor

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According to Poise and Purpose, mason jars used to be all the rage in DIY decor, but now they are just too quaint and outdated. Instead of opting for contemporary vases, you can give your space a fresh, sophisticated touch by opting for more modern storage solutions.

Brown and Beige Color Schemes

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Warm, neutral tones are now bland and uninspiring. Cooler, more versatile shades like greys are worth choosing to give your home a modern and spacious look. Consider adding different textures such as wood, metal, or fabric to add depth and interest to your space.

Tile Countertops

The grouted seams of tile countertops, once very affordable, are now seen as impractical and old. Quartz or butcher block is a single-surface option that is easier to clean and more appealing.

Brass Fixtures

Brass, however, is gaining popularity again, but it has lost its shine to more modern finishes such as matte black, brushed nickel, or bronze. Changing your fixtures can really make a difference without spending too much and can save you money in the long run by reducing your monthly water bills.

Barn Doors

Barn doors were popular for a long time, especially in rustic or farmhouse-style homes, but they’re no longer a hot trend. Pocket doors and modern doors with a classic finish bring a timeless look without the trendy touch.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.