Home design trends are constantly changing. What was famous a few years ago might be considered outdated today. With the rise of social media and home renovation shows, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fads and styles. However, not all trends stand the test of time. There have been plenty of home trends that we hope never come back.
These design choices may have been all the rage at one point, but now they seem outdated and tacky. Here are the 15 outdated home trends and why we hope they stay in the past. From shag carpets to popcorn ceilings, get ready to cringe as we take this trip:
Avocado-Colored Appliances
In the 1970s, avocado-colored appliances were all the rage. From refrigerators to stoves, these appliances added a pop of color to kitchens across America. However, as design trends evolved, this bold color choice quickly fell out of favor. According to a survey by Zillow, only 3% of home buyers said they would pay more for a home with brightly colored appliances.
Houses with these outdated appliances sold for 8.6% less than similar homes with neutral-colored appliances. Interior designer Laura U says, “The avocado color trend was fun and playful in its time, but now it looks dated and kitschy. It’s best to stick to timeless colors like white or stainless steel for your appliances.”
Shag Carpets
Shag carpets were a staple in homes during the 1960s and 1970s. They added texture and warmth to living spaces but were notoriously tricky to clean and maintain. According to a survey by Realtor.com, 27% of home buyers said shag carpeting was the most significant design regret they had about purchasing their home.
Homes with shag carpeting sold for 11% less than similar homes without it. Interior designer, Emily Henderson, says, “Shag carpets are difficult to clean and trap dust and allergens. They also tend to look worn and dated over time. It’s best to opt for hardwood or low-pile carpeting instead.”
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were a popular trend in the 1950s to 1980s. They added texture and helped with acoustics, but posed potential health risks due to asbestos in older homes.
According to a survey by Curbio, 68% of real estate agents said that popcorn ceilings make a home more challenging to sell—houses with this outdated ceiling texture sold for 3% less than similar homes without.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling was a popular trend in the 1970s. It added warmth and texture to rooms, making spaces feel dark and dated. According to a survey by HomeLight, 36% of real estate agents said that wood paneling is one of the biggest design trends that can decrease a home’s value.
Houses with this outdated feature sold for 3.5% less than similar homes without it. Interior designer Emily Henderson says, “Wood paneling can make a room feel dark and closed off. Instead, opt for paint or wallpaper to add texture and personality to your walls.”
Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders were a popular trend in the 1990s and early 2000s. They added a decorative touch to rooms but could quickly become outdated or overwhelming.
According to a survey by Realtor.com, 22% of home buyers said wallpaper borders were the most significant design regret they had about purchasing their home. Homes with this trend sold for 7% less than similar homes without.
Brass Fixtures
Brass fixtures were a popular trend in the 1980s and 1990s. They added a touch of glamour and warmth to bathrooms and kitchens, but they quickly became outdated as trends shifted towards more modern finishes.
According to a survey by Zillow, homes with brass fixtures sold for 10% less than similar homes with updated fixtures. Only 17% of home buyers said they would pay more for a home with brass fixtures.
Built-In Entertainment Centers
Built-in entertainment centers were a popular trend in the 1990s and early 2000s. They provided storage and organization for TVs but also took up significant space and limited design options.
According to a survey by Realtor.com, 31% of home buyers said built-in entertainment centers were the most significant design regret they had about purchasing their homes. Homes with this feature sold for 7% less than similar homes without.
Sunken Living Rooms
Sunken living rooms were a popular trend in the 1960s and 1970s. They added a unique design element but posed safety hazards and limited furniture placement.
According to a survey by Zillow, only 4% of home buyers said they would pay more for a home with a sunken living room—houses with this feature sold for 9% less than similar homes without.
Carpeted Bathrooms
Carpeted bathrooms were a popular trend in the 1960s and 1970s. It added warmth and comfort to the space, but it also had hygiene concerns and was challenging to keep clean.
According to a survey by Realtor.com, 35% of home buyers said they would be less likely to buy a home with a carpeted bathroom—houses with this feature sold for 6% less than similar homes without.
Textured Walls
Textured walls, such as orange peel or popcorn texture, were famous in the 1980s and 1990s. They added depth and interest to walls but also made changing wall colors or adding wallpaper challenging.
According to a survey by HomeLight, 27% of real estate agents said textured walls are a design trend that can decrease a home’s value—houses with this feature sold for 2% less than similar homes without it.
Mirrored Closet Doors
Mirrored closet doors were a popular trend in the 1970s and 1980s. They served as a functional way to check outfits, making small spaces feel cramped and outdated.
According to a survey by Zillow, homes with mirrored closet doors sold for 10% less than similar homes without them. Only 1.5% of home buyers said they would pay more for a home with this feature.
Floral Prints
Floral prints were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but today they are considered outdated and overwhelming.
These bold patterns can make a room feel busy and cluttered. Instead, opt for more subtle designs or solid colors to update the look of your home.
Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains were popular in the 1960s and made a comeback in the 1990s to add some bohemian style to a room. However, today, they are considered outdated and can make a home feel tacky and cluttered. Instead, opt for more modern window treatments like blinds or curtains.
Country Decor
In the 1990s, country-themed decor was all the rage. This style included rustic furniture, floral patterns, and many rooster-themed items.
While some elements of this trend may still be popular today, an entire home decorated in this theme can make it feel outdated and unappealing.
Tiled Countertops
Tiled countertops were a popular trend in the 1980s and 1990s, but today, they are considered outdated and challenging to maintain.
Grout lines can be hard to clean, and tiles can easily chip, making them an impractical choice for kitchen or bathroom countertops.
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