These are the interior design trends that instantly date your home, according to interior design experts.
Out of all the home decor trends you can follow, there are some that may be doing a little more harm than good to your home if you're after a fresh, new look. Now, this is quite different to embracing vintage living room ideas, for example, as those style choices are intentionally curated.
What we're talking about are the unintentional, minor design details that might be making your space look a little tired.
8 interior trends that date your home
From textures to tile choices, there are a couple of trends and stylistic choices that may be worth avoiding if you're trying to give a more up-to-date feel to your home.
1. Popcorn ceilings
This is likely a common interior trend that many of us lived through in our childhood homes or similar, and indeed, one that many of us can attest to has got to go.
'Popcorn ceilings, also called stucco or acoustic ceilings, grew popular in the late 1950s and were installed into homes as it was not only time and cost-effective but also helped absorb sound and cover up imperfections in the ceiling,' explain interior design experts at Hovia.
'Multi-Trade Building Services claim that this is their most requested quote is to remove the stucco or popcorn off ceilings.'
2. Tile countertops
'Ceramic tiles were heavily popular in the 1980s due to being cheap, easy to install and for its design purposes of colour, size and pattern options,' say interior design experts at Hovia. However, there have since been many kitchen worktop ideas that are a lot more desirable.
'Some issues that can arise with tile countertops are stains and bacteria, as grout is used to put the tile in place which is material that will absorb liquids and can lead to bacteria growth. There is also a risk of cracks and breakages, and the staining can also lead to the surface being very hard to clean.'
3. Mirrored wardrobes
This one might come as a surprise to some. 'The mirror wardrobe was very popular for many years. Plus, it was space-saving and functional. But sadly, mirrored wardrobes are no longer stylish,' says Sarah Lloyd, interior and paint expert from Valspar.
'Instead, go for a textured wood or a warm-tone colour for the wardrobe. Something neutral and natural works best. Then, add a mirror as part of the decor of the room.'
4. Subway tiles
Subway tiles definitely had their moment, and we saw them everywhere as part of many people's kitchen splashback ideas. However, despite it looking clean and aesthetic, Sarah Lloyd at Valspar believes that it's a kitchen trend that lacks character and can also often feel a bit industrial.
'Look for either plain tiles that will never go out of style, or if you’re feeling bold find something with lots of characters that’s really unique.'
5. Word art
Knowing how art improves well-being in the home, we're definitely partial to having some feel-good pieces in our space. 'Having the odd framed quote or piece of art is fine, especially if it’s your style. But there’s no real need to have word art in each room,' says Sarah Lloyd at Valspar.
'It’s very noughties and while for some the noughties do not seem long ago at all, it’s still around two decades old. Instead, update your art with textural pieces.'
6. Wood kitchens
Sarah Lloyd at Valspar assures that this doesn't apply to all wood (so don't be shaken if you've got a wood kitchen you love), 'but for a long time that laminated wooden look was a go-to choice for a lot of people.'
'Anything like this that is overdone tends to feel quite dated. Wood in a kitchen can be great but try to find pieces that have some character and texture – this will never go out of style.'
7. Spaces lacking in colour
For Harriet Pringle, founder of Narchie, spaces lacing any colour can look dated.
'We are moving away from the all grey colour schemes that have reigned the last decade, with warmer neutrals becoming more popular. They are also easier to work with when introducing pops of colour, so you don't have to be an expert to style them.'
8. Following only one particular aesthetic
'The cookie-cutter design approach following one particular aesthetic has the increasing potential to make a home look dated,' says Tala Fustok, designer and founder of Tala Fustok Studio.
'The eclectic nature of fusing various styles has a much more forward-thinking design dynamic and keeps a home looking current and fresh. Stark whites still have their moment in the world of design, however, unless packed with a punch (such as a splash of gold or integrating varying textures), this can look done.
What you should do instead, according to experts
Harriet Pringle at Narchie adds, 'Mixing different designs, styles and eras is an easy way to stop your home from looking outdated.'
'Decorating with resale homeware and furniture gives the opportunity to reflect a personal style and also doesn't dictate like trend-led pieces that come and go.'
As always, despite us sharing some 'dated' interior trends, if you like something, then who cares what trends say?
Tala Fustok advises us to try to stay away from new trends (which will eventually go out of fashion) and encourage us to stay true to ourselves so that the resulting design is more personal, therefore always timeless.
