Interior design allows us to show off our sense of style and be creative however we choose—with so many options available for every room in the house, the possibilities are truly endless. However, maybe we should have put the breaks on some home decor trends because looking back on them now, they aged like milk instead of wine. Here are 10 of the ugliest home decor trends and 10 that will never go out of style.
1. No Color
We’re not sure where “beige moms” got their interior decorating advice, but color livens up a space! When you zap the color from a room or follow a cold aesthetic, your space looks like a lifeless hospital room and not a cozy home.
Photo by Hayffield L on Unsplash
2. Carpeted Bathrooms
We’re not sure why this was ever a good idea. A bathmat is one thing, but a whole carpet in the bathroom? That’s just germs and an unattractive design all wrapped into one look.
Photo by Lotus Design N Print on Unsplash
3. Wood Paneling
Back in the day, wood paneling was affordable and stylish, so it was a no-brainer to line your walls with it. But today the style looks outdated and more than a little boxy.
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
4. Low Lighting
We hope you’re not reading this under the pathetic light of an Edison bulb. For a while there it seemed like all the rage was to hang the lowest-watt bulbs for aesthetic purposes and sight be damned! But thankfully this trend is a thing of the past and we can all openly admit that sight is beneficial.
Photo by Cássio Batista on Unsplash
5. Rose Gold Accents
It’s been a hot minute since rose gold was the accent color of choice, but back when it was all the craze, homes everywhere had a touch of it. That said, there’s nothing wrong with plain old utensils or artwork in normal frames and we’re glad this trend hit the dirt.
Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash
6. Open-Concept Everything
Remember when the latest trend was to tear down beautiful archways or knock out walls to make everything open-concept? Well, we do and we’re still upset about the mayhem. “Open-concept” took on a life of its own and became less about widening a space and more about creating the world’s largest studio apartment.
Photo by Jonathan Ikemura on Unsplash
7. Word Art
Love, laugh, live…or however the phrase went. Chances are you or someone you know has word art plastered over the front door or framed in a guest bathroom, but it’s time to ditch the look.
8. Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains certainly were a novelty back in the day, but unless you’re Phoebe Buffay they hardly make an appearance anymore. Not that we’re complaining—impractical and noisy, beaded curtains are unsightly and were hardly the best choice for privacy.
Susan Sermoneta on Wikimedia Commons
9. Linoleum Floors
Linoleum flooring may have looked nice once, but all the crazy patterns look outdated and a little tacky now. Not to mention, it’s softer than other finishes (which means scratches) and the color is more susceptible to fading.
Photo by Jakarta Parquet on Unsplash
10. Fuzzy Toilet Lid Covers
Older generations loved these things but we can see them for the hideous germ infestations they truly are. For too long fuzzy toilet lid covers blended into the bathroom and it’s high time we yanked them off and put them in the trash where they belong…just be sure to shake out all the dust first.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
After reliving those monstrosities, let’s dive into which style choices withstood the test of time.
1. Marble
There’s nothing finer than a marble countertop. Not only is it elegant and timeless, but it’s also more durable against stains or scratches, meaning your countertops will last as long as marble’s good name.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
2. Stone Fireplace
We love a good fireplace, but something about a stone one just gives that extra flare to a room. There are tons of designs to choose from and stone also traps in heat for longer, allowing you can stay toasty. It’s the ultimate statement piece.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
3. Layered Lighting
Sometimes the big light is too much and a floor lamp isn’t enough, and that’s where layered lighting comes in. The aesthetic ties an entire room together and the variety gives you exactly as much light as you want, in whatever hue or color speaks to you.
4. Books
Coffee table books are a good start, but why stop there? Line your shelves, stack them with the pages out, or leave a few strategically placed books on an end table. You can even choose based on which best matches your style—in this case, it’s encouraged to choose a book by its cover!
Photo by Darren Richardson on Unsplash
5. Exposed Brick
Looking to add oomph to a bland living space? Exposed brick has been a staple in homes for decades and it’s hard to deny the appeal. The design choice is versatile across all styles and adds texture to just about any room.
Photo by Drew Coffman on Unsplash
6. Artwork
One of the best things about artwork in the home is it gives you a chance to show off more of who you are—and you don’t need to break the bank doing it. No one says you have to walk into a gallery and dump a paycheck on a painting. Sometimes all you need is a trip to a thrift store or a friend’s charcoal drawing to bring life to your walls.
Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash
7. Vintage Pieces
Vintage pieces are great because they go beyond one or two items. Oftentimes people dismiss vintage items as antique lamps or 60-year-old clothing trunks, but they can stretch to just about anything for any room. Plus, it’s a good excuse to go thrifting.
Photo by Deborah Diem on Unsplash
8. Striped Furniture
A sofa is a major accent piece, and while plenty gravitate towards leather or matching sets, don’t overlook the chicness of stripes. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and when styled right, can help a room look larger.
Photo by Charlotte Harrison on Unsplash
9. White Bedding
While there’s nothing wrong with loud prints, white bedsheets maintain an elegant look in the bedroom. It might seem a little boring on the surface, but white goes with practically everything and this timeless design choice is one people turn to time and again.
Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash
10. Hardwood Floors
Of all the timeless design choices out there, hardwood floors may take the cake. Not only does hardwood hide scratches but it’s the perfect chameleon that matches nearly every style. With so many colors and finishes to choose from, hardwood floors aren’t going anywhere and we don’t want them to!
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