12 Home Decor Trends That Are Out Of Style
What decorating trends are out of style in 2024? This list will help you avoid passé designs so you can let them go to keep your home updated, classic, and inspiring.
If you clicked on this post, you probably like to look at trends. People love to see what styles are in and out, what styles are hot and not! I love trends. I like them for their oooh, this is interesting quality and their what a trainwreck quality, too! Today, let’s chat about home decor trends that are out of style.
Before I discuss what’s in or out, I like to distinguish between a trend and a classic. You might have read the next two topics before in any of my trend posts, but I think knowing the difference is important to remember them!
What Is A Trend?
Trends are born as a reaction to the world around us. They are creative solutions to what is happening in our lives. These can be practical or inventive or sometimes even a bit ridiculous!
When we talk about trends, we are talking about interior design styles that are hot or very, very popular right now. We are not saying that other interior designs are out of style, bad, or ugly because they are not! They are just not the bright, new, or popular thing on the design scene!
There is one most important thing to remember when talking about trends…
No matter how you feel about trends, always use what you love in your home! Because your home is just that… YOUR HOME!
When we decorate our homes, we should not be overly concerned about trends because what we love to fill our homes with is really a matter of personal style and or individual tastes.
What Is A Classic?
Oh, I love a good classic. Classic decor is something that has stood the test of time and good taste and is always in style. Classic interior design transcends trendiness. Although some classic decor may float in and out as the latest trend before it settles on its high pedestal as the best of the best decor!
I love trends, but I use them sparingly unless I know they will be classics or are already considered classic decor that has gained enough popularity to be a trend. I’m a classic girl through and through!
Classic decor examples are…
- marble countertops and backsplashes
- white walls
- white trim and molding
- traditional chandelier light fixtures
- pinch pleat window treatments
- natural materials like quartz, granite (yes, granite) and terrazzo
- beautifully preserved vintage pieces and antique furniture
- gilded mirrors
Why Do Things Go Out Of Style?
Things go out of style for a variety of complex reasons that are interplayed with social, cultural, economic, and psychological factors.
One of the biggest reasons things go out of style is because of changing trends and tastes. Styles are driven by ever-changing trends and tastes. What is considered fashionable and desirable today may not be so in the future. People’s preferences and aesthetics evolve over time, and as new ideas and styles emerge, older ones naturally fall out of favor. It’s just human nature! For the most part, we like new, shiny things!
The second reason things go in and out of style is media and advertising! Media and advertising have a powerful influence on popularizing and promoting certain styles. When a particular style or product is heavily marketed and embraced by celebrities or influencers, it can quickly become trendy. However, as new trends emerge and the media landscape changes, the popularity of certain styles may wane.
Do Experts Agree On Interior Design Trends?
Oh, goodness, no! The interior design industry cannot always agree on what is in or out of style. But I look for a consensus. And I look at what I am seeing in magazines, in fashion, on blogs, and on Pinterest and Instagram. As you will see in the list below.
However, you can almost be sure a trend is heading out of favor if…
- The trend has been very popular for several years. And…
- It has been very overexposed.
Even the most popular tend to have an average trending cycle of about 10 years.
If that trend does not reach classic status, it will be out of style—at least for a couple decades.
Here are two examples of very big kitchen trends. One was and still is a classic, and the other a totally out-of-style pariah. A white kitchen, as you will see, is becoming less trendy. However, and this is a BIG, however, white kitchens are classic, so they will always be in style!
The other example is the 70s orange and green kitchen. Once a trend and never a classic, it has been out of style for over 40 years. And can we all say amen to that!
So, the smart decorator who doesn’t have tons of money and lots of time and wants to remodel their kitchen will stick to a modern classic.
HOW TO DECORATE A ROOM WITH BOTH CLASSIC AND TRENDY DECOR is a helpful post that shows how to use trendy and classic home furnishings smartly.
My Two Cents
I think trends get a bad rap! Most of us are not wearing the same styles we did when we were twenty, and we probably don’t have the same furniture we did then, either. We change! And so do the things we like.
My best advice for handling trends is not to take them too personally or too seriously. But know that you most certainly have had some of your decorating choices affected by trends, even without knowing it.
And speaking about things that change, here are 10 things that are falling out of favor and are considered to be outdated home decor trends.
White Kitchens
What The Experts Say
White kitchens have been a trend for almost a decade. If you have looked at Pinterest or Instagram, I’m sure you have seen ombre and blue kitchens making a trendy appearance in the last 3-5 years. Right now, black and white kitchens (high contrast) are popular, as are matte black kitchens. And so are kitchens with no upper cabinets.
My Two Cents
Oh, say it ain’t so!!!! I LOVE my white kitchen! And no wonder a white kitchen is a classic. I don’t think white kitchens are ever out of style, but an all-white kitchen is not the most popular kitchen now. If you love a white kitchen, it will always look classic and fresh. It just won’t be the trendy thing. And I’ll take classic over trendy any day
Get the whole story about ARE WHITE KITCHENS REALLY OUT OF STYLE?
All White Or All Gray Rooms
What The Experts Say
Color is coming on strong! And moody vibes are still very popular. Rooms that are all white or gray have fallen out of favor.
My Two Cents
Don’t get too comfortable with those moody tones. They will be fickle trends. They have been popular for a few years, and I’m feeling a shift to warm neutrals and lots of wood tones again. Color trends are very important to pay attention to when talking about home decor. Grand Millennial, with its bright cacophony of color, is also beginning to fade. But it might take another few years to start looking out of style. It is being replaced with a warmer, cozier, vintage-loving style English Cottage Core. This style has made thrifting trendy!
I think all-white or all-gray rooms have gone by the wayside over a decade ago. If you love whites or grays, mix them with other warm neutrals and pops of color to keep them classic and fresh.
IS GRAY PAINT COLOR TOTALLY OUT is a very informative post with lots to say about using gray in your home. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COLOR BEIGE will help you understand why beige is not boring and should probably be something you should decorate with. After more than a decade of cool gray, the warmth of colors like brown is making it very popular.
You might also like to read CAN I MIX WARM AND COOL COLORS WHEN I DECORATE? This post totally demystifies undertones and helps you use warm and cool colors in your home in the right amounts.
BROWN IS THE NEW HOT COLOR, REALLY? will help you embrace this beautiful, warm, versatile hue in all its tints and shades when you decorate. It is a companion post to WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COLOR BEIGE.
Animal Prints
What Expert Say
Along with white-on-white decor, animal prints are now out of style. Experts say biomorphic shapes, which are shapes with curves, are in right now.
My Two Cents
Animal prints can either look tacky or classic. It’s how they are used and what you put them on. I must admit I do love animal prints. However, I did give up my zebra rug about a year ago, but I’m thinking of bringing it back. It really is a classic!
Keep animal prints on smaller decor items like throw pillows.
Rose Gold And Gold Hardware
What Experts Say
Experts are saying rose gold is totally out. And gold is taking the slow boat out of the trend harbor.
My Two Cents
I agree with rose gold. It was so overdone! And its undertones don’t work with a lot. As far as gold hardware? And other gold home decor items? I think gold is here for quite a few more years. Gold is a classic, however, like unlacquered brass.
Open Kitchen Shelves
What Experts Say
There is a lot of ambivalence about open kitchen shelves. Kitchens with no upper cabinets or kitchen shelves are one trend that has already been popular for a few years. Open shelves have been around for quite a while, and we are ready for something new.
The same applies to bathroom open shelves.
My Two Cents
I’m not totally sure about this one. With the no-upper cabinet or shelves trend, I have to wonder… where do people put things? This trend does not seem practical unless you have a huge kitchen. And most of us don’t. I do agree that shelves have had their time in the trend sun, so it would not surprise me to see them slowly go away. And open shelves are not classics, so eventually, they will say goodbye!
Millennial Pink
What Expert Say
This has been a hugely popular color. It was made popular by Gen Z social media influencers like the Kardashians. However, this color is so hard to define because it is not exactly one color. There are several pinks that claim to be Millennial pink. Professionals are in a quandary about which pink is the real thing.
My Two Cents
I’m not a fan of this pink. I like the color, but not how overused it has been by Gen Z influencers. Now I hear Gen Z yellow is trending! If you like Millenial pink, use it!
Sliding Barn Doors
What Experts Say
Since the departure of Farmhouse as the on-trend design style, sliding barn doors have gone out of style.
My Two Cents
Farmhouse 2.0 and Cottage Core are still going strong. These styles were supposed to be out of style a few years ago. When they finally drift into the sunset, sliding barn doors will be out. That said, I do think they date a home.
Biomorphic Furniture
What Experts Say
The love affair with squiggly and squishy furnishing is over. However, boucle´ chairs are still having their moment.
My Two Cents
Didn’t we just say animal prints are giving way to biomorphic shapes in interior design? Just goes to show you how fickle design is. Yes, sorry, I agree. You will see biomorphic furniture in ultra-modern/mid-century modern designer homes or museums.
Word Signs
What Experts Say
Word signs are very out of style, according to many interior designers. Choose art that says something about you instead of words.
My Two Cents
Word signs have been popular for a long time, and seasonal signs still work. But I agree about all the other signs. Try something new. I am.
Open Floor Plans
Open Floor Plans
Although open floor plans offer lots of open space, many of us would like some private space. Semi-open homes with distinct living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are becoming more trendy now.
My Two Cents
I do see homes with more planned rooms becoming more popular. However, I don’t think the open concept is out of style. Semi-open plans are very on-trend right now.
Rattan Furniture
What Expert Say
Rattan has gained fast popularity in recent years. But now, it is overexposed and ubiquitous.
My Two Cents
This was a very short-lived trend. Good, high-quality rattan, however, is a classic.
Greige
What Experts Say
Greige walls, especially, are heading out because they have been so overdone.
My Two Cents
I agree, but Greige is not going anywhere. It’s still beloved! I’m hoping it will become a classic wall color.
Other Trends That Are Out Of Style
- Edison lights
- Mass-produced furniture- like the furniture that rhymes with the word mikea
- Mid-Century furniture
- Chesterfield sofas
- All light wood flooring
- color matched furniture
- home styles that don’t match their locations
- Maximalism
- diminutive furniture
A Good Thing To Remember
Trends come and go, but updated classics always look fresh and in style. Use classic furnishings for larger and bigger-ticket items and trending items for small accents and accessories. Also, think about creating a neutral color palette for your home. Again, it’s another classic!
Saying all that, remember your home should be a reflection of you and what you love!
Frequently Asked Question
What home decor will be popular in 204?
Things like statement lamps, enclosed kitchens, warm wood, stripes, plaid, and wallpaper will be popular in 2024.
What color will be popular?
Moody colors are still popular this year and into 2024. Bolder colors will start making an appearance.
What styles will be out of date?
Farmhouse and Mid-Century Modern styles will slowly transition off the design stage and give way to a modern/antique mix. However, it will take a few years.
More Related Posts To Read
Top Interior Design Trends For 2024 You Will Love
How To Decorate A Room With Classic And Trendy Decor
I still love my white Kitchen, Sliding Barn doors, Greige walls and semi open floor plan! You are right that if you love it, just keep it! It’s about what makes you happy.
Yes it is, Mary! It’s your home, right?
Thank you! I always enjoy what you share! Some good information to follow!
You are so welcome.
Yvonne, loved this article….I have a white kitchen, and would never go back. It’s a small , small kitchen and when I remodeled I did toy with dark lower cabinets. So happy I didn’t. What I did do, is bring in soft green tones as accents, my backsplash is a 6inch piece of marble from my counters. The rest is just wall painted in a soft sage green…lots of greenery, and a few wooden bread boards and fortunately a large window over the sink which lightens up the entire kitchen, which is closed off from the living area. I do like your styling style and suggestions….I do tend to stay to the classics……
LOVE the sound of your kitchen Nancy! Yes being a classic girl is the way to go, at least for you and me.
Great observations and info, as usual. I guess I’ll always be a classic-style kind of gal because I have to find ways to mix “the modern” with treasured antique and family pieces and items. I think listening to our hubby’s input is very important when applicable. They live in the home also…and are usually the voices of reason. Wink wink
Smart wife! LOVE your comment Deb.
Yvonne, I so enjoy your blog. You shared that rose gold is out and gold hardware is waining. Is the classic brushed nickel? I would like to redo our primary bathroom and would like a timeless design. Also, what is your opinion on the free standing soaking tubs? Thank you!
Here’s my take on metals. Use a metal that works with your decor. Choose one metal for your main hardware and mix in other metals in your decor. BTW: I love brushed nickel. It’s soft looking.
I read recently on trends that built in tubs are coming back in style. Whether free standing will be out or just another option, I don’t know. The benefit of a built in is that you have the surround to decorate or to place accoutrements.
Hi Joanna, thanks for helping Stacy. I think stand alone tubs are classics! You are probably safe getting one.
Thank you Yvonne. You are right on target for your comments… trends come and go so decorators and furniture stores can get those certain few that want to change their homes like they change their outfits… those people truly do not know themselves. I love some minor trends in my home but not many. I/we had never trendy… and never dank the “Kool aide” no matter what. We are a classic home that is more traditional. If you buy quality and stick with neutrals you are always classic. We just finished painting (yesterday) our 2800 square foot home swiss coffee a nice warm beige based white from an antique linen that had too much of a yellow base. It is now fresh, crisp and clean. So excited I do not follow the trends. Thank you for your 2 cents they are exactly how I think… Pat
Pat, you know the secret to a home that stays in style! Thanks for the comment!
I love Swiss coffee! I use it A LOT.
Gasp! Midcentury Modern furniture is on its way out?! Noooooo! I love my (authentic) mid century furniture!
I didn’t buy my furniture because MidMod was a trend, I bought my pieces because I love the style. I won’t be tossing it either ( because it was not cheap ) So I’ll keep my style Scandinavian and sleek and tweak the soft furnishings as and when I fall in love…
Thank you for the great blog!
I hope you read the part of this post that says “No matter how you feel about trends, always use what you love in your home! Because your home is just that… YOUR HOME!” keep your MidMod and your Scandi- use what you love!
I absolutely did read that part and I wholeheartedly agree with it. And in the name of sustainability and saving money I will use what I love
❤️
Love your thoughts on these Yvonne- and I agree with much! A lot of things changing and a lot staying the same over here. Hope all is well- miss seeing you at conferences and events! A lot has changed with those too it seems! xo
Oh, Courtney! What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! And such a joy.
MCM may be on the way out as a trend but complements a MCM home beautifully. In those environments, it’s a classic!
In that case, you are so right Missy! Just mix other styles in with MCM so it does not look like you are trapped in a time warp.
Great article and lovely blog! Just ran across it today while trying to decide on a bedroom update and want to be certain the room flows with the rest of our home . I agree, although pretty to look, at I never got on the open shelving in the kitchen train. It just never made logical sense to me as we are a family that actually cooks in our kitchen and cabinets doors are much easier to wipe down afterwards than having all my dishes exposed. Though I will have to disagree with the Chesterfield sofas being out of style. They are a classic and have been around since the 1700s! Ok, ok, confession…we are a family of readers so there is also some deep nostalgia there as well 😉 But seriously, I’ve seen them very well done for multiple styles and they always look luxurious and classic (leather in a library, velvet in a victorian sitting room, linen in a formal sitting area, even one that looks like a fabric patchwork quilt in an eclectic home). The trick is definitely matching the covering choice and the size to what your home needs (another great article of yours…helped me understand that the scale/proportion of our nightstands was too small for our king bed and that’s what was throwing the look off). Bless you for sharing your knowledge!
Hi Audrey, I so agree about the Chesterfield. However this post is about trends, not classics. Chesterfield sofas are not the new hot things right now. But they will always be a classic.
In my opionion chesterfield dofas will never go out of style, it’s a classic,found in chateaus, palaces,castles,libraries,my church’s gathering area, & thru out in Europe ! These ‘ so called ‘ people ‘ who think they set trends try to control them for their self gratification, to get us to buy new trends they are supporting. Pish tosh.. I make up my own mind,period.
Hi MarBurke,
You are so right. In this post, I addressed the difference between a trend and a classic. A Chesterfield sofa will always be beautiful because it is a classic, but it just is not on trend. Big difference.
I hope the silly style of turning books around on bookshelves so you can’t see the titles is going out of style. It’s absolutely absurd and stupid. Who would want to do that–just because some TV designer says it’s the “in” thing? I could say the new trend is sitting on the commode backwards, and some people would start doing it!
Please don’t shoot the messenger! Oh, I can see you are passionate about this trend, Eileen.
They do that on tv decorating shows to prevent the titles/authors from being shown and having to pay rights fees. Decorators have been silly to jump on the bandwagon.
Very good point. I say, do what looks right to you! It’s always fun to do something different in our homes.
It’s like you gave me the green light to bid farewell to the trends that have overstayed their welcome. Your honesty about what’s in and what’s out is a breath of fresh air.
best brunch nyc
Oh, thank you! I needed to hear that. Many times I’m the messenger my dear readers shoot when it comes to sharing what things are out! LOL!
I love my sliding barn doors! Used one in the Pantry and gained so much more space there without having to accommodate a door that swung inside! Used another into the main bathroom. The old door swung into my half of the double vanity. Bang! We also live on 20 acres and barn doors are never outdated in the country!
As always, great advice and insight. Your blog remains my all-time favorite. Your heart shines through in all you say and do.
Twyla, so nice to hear from you! xo
The only things I agree with that are “out” are rose gold hardware, mass-produced furniture, and word signs. The rest are seen everywhere in print, online, and on TV. Some of these in/out list are ridiculous. Do designers think we are going to change everything in our homes according to their ever-changing minds? I don’t think so.
Lizzy, I’m afraid you have this a bit wrong. No one is saying you should’t have things you love. Acutualy, the many trends that are not classics will look dated after a while. Sad but true! Do you have the same furniture in your home that you did 30 years ago, if you are that old. Like it or not when our old furniture wears out, new styles will replace it. What the industry is saying is that the things on the list are no longer the new darlings and most sought after trends. They are still going to be around, at least for awhile. Things like white kitchens will always be classics but two toned kitchens in moody colors are not outpacing white kitchens. Please don’t shoot the messenger or get that worked up. Trends are not that important. Have fun reading the list and move on.
I came here expecting to be irritated, but I actually agree with you on nearly all, if not all, points. Especially the one that says decorate your home the way you want it. But I’m glad to know that some of those trends I never liked will be falling away. I’m so tired of what every builder/house flipper has been doing for the last five years.
Hi Kelly, trends are just suggestions. No need to be annoyed.
Weather we choose to follow trends or not, I strongly believe in keeping furniture and walls neutral and using accessories to update my rooms. I do love the moody, dark paint colors but will use that on a small guest bathroom. Love your content!
Jina, thanks for sharing your opinion. Good advice.
Happy Thursday morning from British Columbia Canada. I am so pleased that I read through your blog today. I certainly learned a lot I know in some areas I feel stuck as to what I should do regarding paint colors, etc. we have lived in our home for 11 years and I have not repainted . I wish you lived closer so I could have you come to my home and give me some wonderful ideas. One of my weaknesses are cushions I always seem to like to use different cushions and I tire of them quickly. The good news is I do plan on having the interior repainted this year but I am so uncertain as to what colours to choose. I have been following your blog for quite a few years and I have thoroughly enjoyed it and your recipes I have made a number of your food recipes, I’ve never been disappointed. I also made the Easter eggs and every Easter I bring them out. I’m very proud of that project. Well, I wish you a wonderful rest of the week. Thank you for all of your information.
Trudy, what a wonderful comment! Thank you for letting me know a bit about you, your home and what you are enjoying on StoneGable. Happy Spring.
I think that if you like something and it makes you happy whether it’s “in style” or not shouldn’t make a difference. I personally do not pay much attention to trends. If I’m happy with my home decor, that’s the most important!
Bengie, I so agree! However you are commenting, so you did read about them. And there is nothing wrong with being interested in trends.
Woohoo! Hardly anything on the outdated list appears in my home! I was getting seriously depressed at one point about my granite countertops in the kitchen! At my husbands insistence, we painted our newly remodeled ensuite and secondary bathroom with a greige paint color and I fought for the beige part of that paint! We have matching paint for the bedroom, but haven’t gotten around to that home improvement task (we’ve had the paint for over 5 years – so maybe it’s just too old to use)! I have one little word sign in the kitchen…a leftover from my “Tuscan” years. I never liked the farmhouse look but I do have a few galvanized steel pieces that will stay in the closet until the decor world says we need it in our lives! I stress between classic, trends and vintage! My grown children are very much into using vintage and color and using what they love. I’m happy for them!
Carol, it’s most important to look at trends so you can hear from the experts because the design industry will flooded with them. However, you have done it right. It’s MOST IMPORTANT to love your home and the things in it.
I love all your ideas!
I would love to see your bathroom ideas. I don’t believe you’ve ever shared any! Thank you!
I’ve always been a bit behind when it comes to trends in decorating. I latch onto styles more than trends, if that makes sense. In terms to color, I do have a bit of gray in my home, but I love it and don’t intent to change anytime soon. I also have a lot of color. My home is historic and we’ve tried to honor that history by not knocking down walls to create the open concept, but it has been tempting. I had been enamored with the country/rustic style, even though we live in the heart of downtown Phoenix. I’ve gravitated more toward your style, I find it very relaxing and comforting. I really try to use what I have in decorating, as I have acquired so many beautiful and meaningful heirlooms over the years. In essence, I agree with you, but I’m not a very trendy decorator anyway.
Hi Sue, your home sound beautiful. Keep your historic home preserved just the way it is!