There is a lot to take in when it comes to interior decor. Some homes are completely modern and contemporary, but some are more classical and rustic. With that being said, there are definitely some old decor options to avoid. Previously, we had written on the blending of old and new decor designs, but here is a list of older overdone decorating trends that you can just skip over entirely.

”For me, decorating perfection means eclectic styles and collections of beautiful things like pottery, pillboxes and match strikers.” - Jane Green

Step 1: The Basics

Boring furniture has got to go!
What to do with older pieces of furniture? Source: HGTV

To understand what older trends just don’t seem to work anymore, it helps to set a few ground rules for what does work. This is especially true in modern day homes. When you need to know the overall interior design game plan for your home, it’s good to know what’s been proven to work and what is simply outdated. Here’s what to avoid in outdated decorating trends.

  • Not everything has to match perfectly
  • Pay attention to the focal point of a room
  • Decorate but don’t clutter
  • Open up a room by placing furniture against walls
  • Test your paint colors first
  • Invest in quality furniture
  • Invest in adequate lighting
  • Remember scale and proportion for a room

Dark Wooden Paneling

A huge phase that took hold in the ’60s and ’70s, back when adding wood to everything was not just acceptable but encouraged, interior dark wood panels have fallen by the wayside. It just became an over decorated living room trend. However, genuine wooden interiors have remained a constant in American homes. Furthermore, you can always paint or stain over genuine wood to freshen up the look a little bit.

Carpeting. Just, Everywhere

Carpeting everywhere isn't as attractive as it used to be.
Not quite loving the look. Source: Laundry and Darcari

Many older homes thought it was okay to put down carpeting in nearly every room in the house. While this was certainly popular for a time, people began to realize just how many stains could accumulate over the years. That’s why this is one of the biggest old decor options to avoid. You should certainly price how much it may cost to remove carpeting if you find an overabundance in your home.

Too Much Farmhouse Decor

For some, it's too much. For others? Not enough
Farmhouse decor can polarize modern homes. Source: Crelio

When it comes to old, rustic decor, there’s the well known choice of farmhouse. Exactly like what the name implies, you could expect to find these decor pieces on a farm or in a barn. While still stylish in their own right, that style is purposefully dated.

Yet it seems like homeowners are split down the middle on this particular style. Some are tired of farmhouse style living rooms, but others love to decorate their homes in this rustic setting. In any case, it’s still trending on Pinterest as a result. So if you want to upcycle items into DIY projects to give your home a cozy, rustic feel, then farmhouse decor is right for you.

Uncomfortable Chairs

Yes, it belinged to your grandmother, but it was never comfortable.
The older, less comfortable furniture. Source: Danslelakehouse

Yes, some furniture can be antiques that have a great deal of sentiment for you and your family. But that’s not always the case. Some pieces are just old and worn. These things can be our wooden chairs that don’t fit right, rocking chairs that don’t rock, or sofas with a few springs out of order. In any case, old decor options to avoid include broken and uncomfortable furniture.


Want to know what decor tips and tricks are out there? Is your home in need of a fresh look? Get a free estimate today!

Continue Reading:

Join the conversation