15 Outdated Apartment Decorating Trends That Make Your Space Look Dated
When decorating an apartment, staying up to date with modern trends can make a huge difference in creating a fresh and inviting space. Some decor styles, once considered stylish, are now outdated and can make your home feel stuck in the past. If you want to refresh your apartment, here are 15 outdated decorating trends you should avoid.
1. Heavy, Oversized Furniture
Bulky furniture pieces take up too much space, making apartments feel cramped and cluttered. Instead of large, overstuffed couches and armchairs, opt for sleek, space-saving furniture with clean lines that complement modern aesthetics.
2. Tuscan-Style Interiors
Once popular in the early 2000s, Tuscan-style decor featuring dark woods, wrought iron, and heavy textures now feels overly dramatic and outdated. Bright, airy designs with lighter wood tones and neutral palettes are preferred today.
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Carpeting was once a staple in apartment decor, but it now looks outdated and is difficult to maintain. Instead, go for hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl flooring, which are easier to clean and add a contemporary touch.
4. Matching Furniture Sets
Buying an entire furniture set from one collection was once a go-to design choice, but it now looks generic and uninspired. Mixing and matching furniture pieces add character and create a more dynamic and curated look.
5. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were common in older apartments, but they now make a space look dated and difficult to maintain. Smooth, flat ceilings with a fresh coat of paint instantly modernize your space.
6. Dark, Heavy Curtains
Thick drapes block natural light and make a room feel smaller and outdated. Sheer, lightweight curtains or minimalist roller blinds offer a modern, airy feel while still providing privacy.
7. Overuse of Brown and Beige
Neutral colors are timeless, but an overuse of dull beige and brown tones makes a space feel lifeless. Instead, incorporate soft pastels, earthy greens, and warm whites for a more contemporary look.
8. Faux Finishes on Walls
Faux finishes like sponge painting, rag rolling, and textured walls were once trendy but now look outdated and excessive. A clean, simple paint job in neutral or modern colors enhances the sophistication of any space.
9. Cluttered Gallery Walls
While a well-planned gallery wall can be stylish, overly cluttered or chaotic arrangements with mismatched frames can make a space look messy. Choose a curated selection of art with cohesive frames for a polished aesthetic.
10. Floral and Damask Wallpaper
Busy floral and damask wallpapers were once considered elegant, but they now make a space feel dated. If you love patterns, opt for geometric designs or subtle textures in modern hues.
11. Over-the-Top Themed Rooms
Decorating an entire room around a single theme, such as nautical or rustic barnyard, can quickly feel gimmicky and outdated. Instead, incorporate subtle hints of your theme while maintaining a cohesive, modern aesthetic.
12. Excessive Use of DIY Pallet Furniture
Pallet furniture had a moment in rustic and industrial decor, but too much of it can make an apartment feel cheap and unpolished. Instead, blend DIY pieces with more refined elements for a balanced look.
13. Tiled Countertops
Once a staple in apartments, tiled countertops are now considered impractical and outdated due to their difficult maintenance and outdated aesthetic. Modern quartz, granite, or butcher block countertops are far more stylish and functional.
14. Heavy Wood Paneling
Dark wood paneling on walls was once a cozy trend but now makes apartments look old-fashioned and dreary. Painting over wood paneling with a light, neutral color or replacing it with drywall instantly updates the space.
15. Matching Throw Pillows and Bedding
Perfectly matching throw pillows and bedding may have once been the norm, but they now feel uninspired and predictable. Mixing different textures, colors, and patterns creates a more layered and visually appealing design.
