25 Outdated Home Design Trends (and the Stylish Updates to Try Instead!)
Does your home feel a little stuck in the past? Don’t worry — you’re not alone! From old-fashioned color palettes to dated furniture styles, some design choices can make even the coziest space feel out of touch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 40 common decorating mistakes that can make your home look older than it is — plus fresh, stylish swaps to help you modernize your space without losing its charm.
1. Ready for a Change
Trends come and go, but if your home feels a bit dated, it might be time for a refresh. The good news? You don’t need a big renovation — just a few smart updates can make your space feel brand new.
2. Say Goodbye to Dated Wood Paneling
Wood paneling had its moment back in the 1970s, but today it can make your space feel dark and outdated. Want a quick fix? You have two great options — remove it completely and start fresh with smooth drywall, or give it new life with a few coats of crisp white paint. Painted paneling can look beautiful in country cottages or farmhouse-style homes, offering that cozy shiplap charm without the hefty price tag.
3. Try This Instead: Custom Wainscoting
Custom wainscoting is one trend that’s definitely here to stay. Adding millwork like wainscoting, door trim, and window casings instantly gives your home personality and timeless charm. These details help define your home’s architectural style and create a sense of flow from room to room. Want to try it yourself? Use your home’s existing design as a guide and follow a simple step-by-step tutorial to bring your vision to life.
4. Time to Let Go of Builder-Grade Greige Tiles
Those early 2000s greige tiles — not quite beige, not quite gray — can make your bathroom feel dull and outdated. Their matte texture doesn’t help either, often looking worn out, no matter how much you clean. Want a quick upgrade? Try painting your existing tiles for a budget-friendly refresh, or swap them out for classic white subway tiles that never go out of style.
5. Trending Now: Lived-In Tile Finishes
White subway tiles are timeless, but sometimes their glossy finish can make a space feel a little too crisp or cold. If you love that classic look but want more warmth and character, try the lived-in tile trend. Think Zellige, terracotta, marble, stone, or cement — these materials bring rich texture and natural beauty to your bathroom. Over time, they only get better, adding depth and personality that feel effortlessly inviting.
6. Dated Look: Tile Countertops
Tile countertops were a big deal in the ‘70s and ‘80s — until everyone realized how hard it is to keep that grout clean! If your kitchen still has them, don’t worry. Tile counters can actually be quite charming, especially in Mediterranean, bohemian, or cottage-style spaces. The trick is to make them look fresh: give the grout a deep clean, seal it, or even paint it for a quick update. A little care can go a long way in making those classic tiles shine again.
7. Trending Now: Ceiling-Height Tile Backsplashes
Gone are the days when a backsplash only covered the small space between your counters and cabinets. Today’s kitchens are all about going big — and that means tiling from the counter all the way to the ceiling. This trend creates a bold, modern statement and adds stunning texture to your space. Glazed subway tiles, marble, stone, or cement all work beautifully, especially when paired with open shelving or minimal upper cabinets for that fresh, airy look.
8. Dated Trend: Carpet Everywhere
If you love carpet, go for it! But if your floors are looking worn, stained, or collecting dust, it might be time for a change. Swapping out old carpet for solid surface flooring — like hardwood or luxury vinyl tile — not only makes cleaning a breeze but can also boost your home’s resale value. It’s a practical update that instantly modernizes your space.
9. Trending Now: Wood Floors Throughout
Open floor plans can make flooring choices tricky. Wall-to-wall carpet can feel dated and messy, while tiles might feel cold in living areas and bedrooms. The perfect solution? Wood floors. Solid, engineered, or luxury vinyl plank wood adds warmth, durability, and a seamless flow throughout your home. Plus, it visually opens up your space, making every room feel connected and inviting.
10. Dated Look: Carpet in the Bathroom
Carpet in the bathroom might have seemed cozy once, but today it mostly collects water stains and wear. Plush underfoot? Sure — but a machine-washable bathmat can give you that same comfort without the hassle. Want a longer-lasting solution? Vinyl plank flooring is stylish, easy to install, and built to handle moisture, making it a perfect bathroom upgrade on a budget.
11. Trending Now: Waterproof Wood Floors
Love the look of hardwood but worried about moisture? You’re in luck! Waterproof wood-look options, like wood-inspired tiles or luxury vinyl planks, let you enjoy that warm, natural style even in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They’re durable, water-resistant, and add the same inviting charm as real wood — without the maintenance worries.
12. Dated Look: Lacey Drapes
Lace drapes once added a touch of romance, but over tim,e they tend to yellow and collect dust, leaving your windows looking tired. Luckily, this is an easy fix! Swap them out for fresh white linen curtains to instantly brighten your space. For an extra touch of elegance, hang your new drapes close to the ceiling — it’ll draw the eye upward and make your room feel taller and more open.
13. Trending Now: Roman Shades
Say goodbye to heavy, dust-collecting drapes and hello to the relaxed elegance of Roman shades. Designers love them for their clean look and versatility — they suit almost any style and light need. Go for airy linen shades to let soft sunlight filter through your kitchen, or choose rich velvet to add a cozy, dramatic touch to your bedroom. Either way, they’re a simple upgrade that feels effortlessly polished.
14. Dated Look: Flat Panel Doors
Flat panel doors can work beautifully in mid-century modern homes, but in most spaces, they tend to feel plain and uninspired. The good news? You can easily give them a stylish update over a weekend! Check out a simple DIY tutorial to add trim, paint, or molding details that bring instant character and charm to any room.
15. Trending Now: Painted Doors
A little paint can make a big impact! Give your plain doors a fresh personality by coating them in a bold or subtle hue. Rich, inky black doors create instant drama and sophistication, while soft neutral tones — just a shade lighter or darker than your walls — add quiet elegance. It’s an affordable update that instantly transforms hallways and rooms into polished, designer-worthy spaces.
16. Dated Look: Bulky Corner Tubs
Back in the early 2000s, corner jacuzzi tubs were the ultimate bathroom luxury. But today, they often make a space feel bulky and outdated. To modernize your bathroom, consider swapping yours for a sleek freestanding tub that feels open and elegant. On a budget? Add trim or millwork around the base and finish it with a few coats of bright white paint for a clean, refreshed look.
17. Trending Now: Soaking in the Views
Turn your bathroom into a spa-worthy retreat with a freestanding tub placed right under the window. It’s a beautiful focal point that lets you relax while enjoying the view — and yes, maybe sneak a peek at what’s happening outside. Just don’t forget to add Roman shades or light-filtering curtains for a little privacy when you need it.
18. Trending Now: Soaking in the Views
Create a spa-like retreat right at home with a freestanding tub placed perfectly beneath a window. It’s a stunning focal point that not only looks luxurious but also lets you relax while taking in the view. Just remember to add Roman shades or soft window coverings for privacy — because some moments are best kept to yourself.
19. Trending Now: Bold Window Frames
Make your windows stand out by framing them in a bold color, like classic black. Inspired by designer Connie Vernich, this look adds instant contrast, depth, and sophistication — especially against white walls or detailed trim. Not ready to go that dark? Try a softer neutral tone instead for a subtle, stylish update that still makes a statement.
20. Dated Look: Orange Oak Stair Railings
That orange-toned oak railing might have been trendy once, but now it can make your staircase look a little stuck in the past. Luckily, you can refresh it in just a weekend! Try staining it a rich espresso or deep Jacobean color to contrast beautifully with white spindles. Or, if you love a natural vibe, sand it down and embrace the raw wood for a warm, rustic finish.
21. Trending Now: Coffee-Stained Wood Stair Railings
Good news — those orange oak railings are out, and rich, coffee-stained finishes are in. This timeless look adds warmth and sophistication, especially in traditional or transitional homes. For a lighter, modern touch, whitewashed oak railings are also a beautiful choice. Don’t be afraid to tackle the update yourself — with a little sanding and stain, you can completely transform your staircase in a weekend.
22. Dated Look: Foggy Shower Doors
Foggy glass and silver-framed shower doors were once standard, but today they can make a bathroom feel cramped and hard to maintain. Time for an upgrade! Depending on your space, you could go frameless for a clean, open look, leave the shower open entirely, or add a stylish custom curtain to refresh the area instantly.
23. Trending Now: Sleek Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Frameless glass showers are a game-changer. Unlike bulky, cloudy doors of the past, these minimal designs make your bathroom feel open, bright, and luxurious. They add shine without adding visual clutter, giving even small spaces a modern, airy vibe. It’s an upgrade that instantly elevates your ensuite.
24. Dated Look: Stock Bathroom Vanity
We’ve all seen it — the basic brown faux-wood vanity with a plain countertop and zero personality. The good news? Updating it is easier than you think. Swap in new hardware, upgrade the countertop to something stylish (without breaking the bank), and give the vanity a fresh coat of paint. Even small changes can completely transform the look of your bathroom.
25. Trending Now: Elevated Custom Vanity
Ditch the builder-grade vanity and bring in a custom piece full of personality. Think flush cabinet drawers, a notched base, and a beautiful soapstone countertop. Add luxe chrome pulls and a matching faucet for a polished, high-end feel. This simple swap instantly elevates your bathroom and makes it feel truly one-of-a-kind.
Final Thoughts
Updating your home doesn’t always mean a full renovation — sometimes small, thoughtful changes make the biggest impact. Swapping out dated features for modern, stylish alternatives can instantly refresh your space, add personality, and even boost your home’s value. Remember, it’s all about balance: mix timeless classics with trends you love, and don’t be afraid to inject your personal style along the way. With a few smart updates, your home can feel fresh, inviting, and perfectly you.
