Here are 10 design trends whose day has come and gone long ago. If you have any of these and need some inspiration, check out the options below to help refresh your space. The first image is the “what to get rid of” just in case you were confused. 😉Â
- Tile countertops
If your cabinets are in reasonably good shape, you might be surprised how much changing the countertop will update the room. If it is a bathroom, you may be able to find a quartz remnant at the stone shop that will fit, and combined with a new under-mount sink and faucet the update will be well underway for a reasonable cost. Home Depot and Fergason have some great options with integrated cabinet and quartz counter options at under $1k-1.5k for double vanities!
- Wood paneling
Sure, it was the rage in the 70s and I grew up in a house full of it. If you still have it, it is time to pull it down and drywall. Sometimes painting wood paneling is an option if the paneling is not the cheap sheet like we had growing up and you are going for a more traditional or more country look.
- Tufted headboards.
This one may be controversial but tufted headboards screen granny and fussy. Instead, choose an upholstered headboard with simple lines and streamlined, non-patterned fabric which allows you to have more fun with bedding and pillows rather than being stuck with something you picked years ago.
- Tuscan kitchens
These were the rage in the late 2000s with orangey cabinets, speckled granite, and ornate detailing. If you do not have the budget for a complete renovation and the layout is good, update by painting the cabinets and adding quartz and new lighting which can give you a light, airy place to cook rather than feeling like you are in a wine cellar. Check out kitchen inspiration HERE where I discuss the end of the all-white kitchen.
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- Window valances
Unless your home is uber traditional, and even then, I highly recommend getting rid of these. It is shocking how much your windows look often with the same side panels by just removing the soft or even worse, hard valances above the windows. Again, this is very granny looking and even if you are a granny, you are not going for granny style as you are too hip for that!
- Hollywood mirror lights
I am shocked at how often I see these 90s remnants in homes. Lighting is seriously the easiest and most affordable change that you can make for a quick update. This lighting is not flattering to anyone and in fact, it will age both you and your home. No excuses or passes on this one ever. Check out some great finds that have mixed metal finishes HERE.
- Vertical blinds
In addition to wood paneling, I had these in my home when I was a child. I am now nearing 50 – enough said. Seriously, swap them out for simple curtains or even no blinds. Most people really do not need privacy on sliding doors which is the most common area that these offenders show up.
- Giant fake flowers
If you have been following along, you know that I have nothing against faux plants and in fact have more faux plans than real – see HERE and HERE. However, if you have a large faux flower arrangement, dump it for either a real orchid or a few stems in an interesting vase instead of the big dust collectors.
- Heavy wooden bedroom furniture
Yeah, I get it bedroom furniture is an investment and many people still have the entire matching set that they purchased or received as a gift when they got married. Time to let it go. There are so many low-cost options for both beds and nightstands, mind you not matching sets, that will really create the restful retreat that you deserve. To help you get started, check out my nightstand round-up HERE.
