Is Your Love Of Home Decor Trends Actually Making Your Home More Outdated?

It can be tempting, and even fun, to jump on the newest home decor trends. After all, they offer exciting ways to express your personal taste and freshen up your space. But just like jumping on the latest fashion trends, staying on top of home decor fads can be a double-edged sword if they don't age well. When it comes to classic home decor trends that stand the test of time, you can't beat elements like neutral color palettes, classic furniture shapes, and well-made materials like wood and leather to make a home look expensive. When current trends ask that you add design elements that go beyond these timeless features, it can leave you with an outdated home you're continuously struggling to update.

Think back to recent trends that dominated social media feeds, like barn doors in every room, farmhouse signs with scripted fonts, all-gray interiors, over-the-top accent walls, and faux finishes. These looks were all the rage for a minute, but modern home decor trends don't always age well, leaving many homes feeling like time capsules of a specific year. If your goal is a home that feels elevated, the secret is choosing decor elements that have stood the test of time. Asking yourself if a current trend is versatile, easily replaceable, or blends with timeless elements is a good place to start. And if you are looking at some outdated trends in your home, there are plenty of ways to help soften those trends so they blend better into a timeless aesthetic.

No matter the style, it's easy to find ways to soften outdated trends and incorporate more timeless elements. That includes over-the-top accent walls that had quite a moment in the early 2000s with their vibrant color contrasts, busy chevron patterns, and intricately textured finishes. The idea is to draw attention to one wall in a room, but that often makes the space feel disjointed simultaneously. To update an accent wall, cover it in a soft, earthy tone, while being more selective and purposeful with its placement. Also, consider shifting the focal point of the room by introducing a statement art piece, a unique light fixture, or a stylish piece of furniture that won't require a complete overhaul of the space.

Farmhouse decor is another one of those design styles that rose to popularity in the mid 2010s. When it first arrived on the scene, homeowners plastered their spaces with chipping paint pieces, distressed signs, big bulky letters, and barn doors in every room. These elements have now become overly commercialized and offer little uniqueness to your home. However, you can hold onto this style in a modernized way by ditching the chipped wood and distressed signs, and choosing only classic elements of the style. Opt for unique vintage pieces, neutral furnishings, and reclaimed woods to keep this style from dating your home. While it's tempting to jump on the latest fad, make sure you know how to tell the difference between timeless and trendy designs before incorporating them into your home.