The 12 Worst 2000s Home Decor Trends We Hope Never Come Back

While certain home trends last forever, others seem to only stay around for a flash. The 2000s saw some very interesting styles and designs that quickly died off, which is why it seems there are always some outdated home trends to leave behind and redesigns to be made to a house from this decade. 

Sure, a few designs were fun and whimsical, and may still be the guilty pleasure of the occasional homeowner. However, there were more than a couple of trends that caught on despite being rather unpleasant to current tastes. These are the ones that hopefully never come back to take over otherwise lovely homes. Things like bright and contrasting colors, uncomfortable furniture, dark spaces, and confusing textures slowly vanished from homes after the late 2000s, replaced by things that were more comfortable, natural, and easier on the eyes. 

Though these trends are no longer popular, it doesn't mean you have to abandon them completely. If there are a few you like or work for your home, then they can be worth trying out. But if you're looking to sell or improve the value of your home, these are maybe things you want to avoid or get rid of in your space, instead opting to replace them with something a little more modern. That way, it's easier for potential buyers to see themselves in your space without the distraction of trends from decades past. 

Birds are great, and there is something to be said for more of a cottage-core or nature-inspired home. It feels nice to connect to the outer world and incorporate it into your house with art and plants. However, the 2000s saw birds as a prominent design that completely took over. Everywhere you turned, there were owls, cardinals, or robins across the home. While any bird design passed in the early 2000s, silhouettes were a very popular option. Instead, focus on creating colorful DIYs that invite more birds into your backyard space and see the real things.

The 2000s saw some beautiful designs on the outside of homes, with brick, stucco, and Tudor style exteriors reappearing. Unfortunately, these styles had one big problem: They were fake. Instead of actually using bricks or going with a full stucco design in a home, it was just a thin veneer. While it originally might feel like a cheaper way to have a unique design, now it comes across as outdated and a bad DIY project. Authentic designs are now the hot trend. Other imitation decor, like fake plants and animal rugs, is also overdue for an upgrade.

For a while in the 2000s, having a wall packed full of different pictures was incredibly popular. You could do a blend of art, personal photos, and a mix of frame types. However, over the years, that trend has died down. While they're not entirely out and can make a statement in some cases, they are difficult to get just right. However, that doesn't mean you have to get rid of all of your favorite pieces. Instead, consider putting your art up throughout the room, styling small areas with photos in clusters rather than covering a whole wall.

Open shelves are one of those outdated kitchen trends you can leave in the past. Decor made a huge jump from everything hidden to wide open shelves. While it feels less claustrophobic than dozens of cabinets, it can also feel cluttered and chaotic with open shelves unless you keep it organized perfectly all the time. Additionally, dust is more likely to pile up on your cups, plates, and bowls, meaning you'll have to give them a proper wash before you use them pretty much every time. Instead, go with partial open shelving or sleek cabinets that stand out.

While there is some debate as to whether tile or wood is the better option for a kitchen floor, both are valid options. However, if you are choosing tile, it's best to find something clean-looking. For a while in the 2000s, heavily patterned tiles with shades of brown were trending. These designs did look cool in theory, but they are not the best in practice, as they tend to make your floors appear dirty all the time. Patterned tile is another kitchen flooring trend you might regret, as it makes your home look dated.

Large entertainment centers were a huge trend in the 2000s. Your TV was surrounded by shelves and cabinets, taking up whole walls and definitely becoming the center of attention. They usually held DVDs, speakers, and other random decor. Instead, a sleek and elegant TV stand with some decorations is the new way to go. Thankfully, if you do own an entertainment center, especially a built-in one, you don't have to completely get rid of it. Removing some of the shelves or repainting the system, can make a world of difference in improving your bulky entertainment center.

Jet tubs sound like luxury. They massage, stir up the water, and help you relax after a long day. Unfortunately, the idea behind this design did not meet up with reality, which is why it's a luxurious bathroom trend you can say goodbye to in 2025. They are noisy and nearly impossible to clean, and many people who buy homes that have a jet tub spend months trying to get out all the grit, insects, mold, and debris. If you're looking for relaxation, abandon these tubs and go for something easier to maintain.

Sponge painted walls were very popular in the '90s and '00s and are a design trend that won't be making a comeback anytime soon. There are some more subtle cases where it adds texture to a wall and looks nice, but most of the time, it makes the walls look messy and confusing. The loud textures and colors also make it nearly impossible to create a complementary design with furniture and decorations, and all that texture can agitate the senses rather than calming them down. Try to stick to solid colors for a more relaxed space.

Though solid colors are much more popular than patterned ones, there are still some colors you should avoid. Red is the biggest, according to a survey by Fixr. While red walls definitely make a statement, many people are moving away from this color in homes. It's said red influences your emotions, raising agitation and passion. For a calmer feeling, blues, greens, or neutrals are a better option. If you are going to go with this color, there are five things to consider before committing to painting your walls red.

Themed rooms were all the rage in the early aughts. Each room would feel entirely different, whether it was a beach-themed bathroom, tiger print in the office, or florals in the bedroom. While these rooms were cool, their high cost and the lack of flow they create has made them feel less attractive and more outdated to modern eyes. While there is no problem with light themes or a theme throughout the home, creating a space where each room works together is a better approach.

It seems natural light wasn't all that popular in the 2000s. Many homes built at the time have few windows, leaving rooms to feel dark and dingy, even in the middle of the day when all the curtains are open. Thankfully, that trend has gone away, with homes now focused instead on skylights and big windows to let the sun do most of the illumination during the day, especially in the living room. It seems it was meant to mimic a movie theater, but when a space is always dark, it feels a little depressing. 

With many of the trends above, they could still be enjoyed by some people and look good if done right. However, one trend that absolutely has no place in a modern home is inflatable furniture. Those plastic chairs and couches certainly fit the 2000s vibes in terms of looks, but now they just read as cheap. Plus, they were never very comfortable, and made a lot of noise whenever you moved around. Comfort and more natural materials have taken the place of this trend, and for a very good reason.