Outdated and Overdone: 5 Home Trends You’ll Wish You Skipped

You’ve seen it happen—a trend emerges, and suddenly, it’s everywhere. One day, you’re saying, “Wow, look at that!” The next, you’re asking, “Why did I do this to myself?” Let’s prevent you from a future HGTV-inspired intervention. Here are five trends that had their moment but should probably be sent off to design retirement.

Shiplap Overload
Ah, shiplap. The darling of farmhouse chic. It had a solid run, but now? It’s giving more “Pinterest circa 2016” than timeless elegance. You don’t want guests walking in and wondering if Chip and Joanna Gaines left a piece of their set behind. A better bet? Go for natural wood paneling or even textured plaster. It’s like trading a trendy tee for a little black dress—classic and never out of style.

All-Gray Everything
Gray walls, gray furniture, gray curtains. At some point, it felt like the world collectively decided to cosplay on a rainy day. Sure, gray is neutral, but it’s also…neutral. Toss in warmer tones, earthy palettes, or even a pop of color. You deserve a space that says, “Welcome home,” not “Welcome to the inside of a cloud.”

Open Shelving in Kitchens
Picture this: you’re in a rush, grabbing your morning coffee. Oh no, the mug you want is behind the slightly embarrassing clutter of mismatched plates and novelty shot glasses on that cute open shelf. Sure, it looks magazine-ready after hours of styling, but in real life? It’s a daily chore. Try combining closed cabinets with a few well-curated open shelves. You get style and sanity—no juggling required.

Barn Doors Everywhere
Barn doors are charmin
g…in barns. Let’s be real, though. Unless your home has a herd of cattle, they’re a bit much. Plus, they’re pretty specific. Opt for pocket or sleek sliding doors that blend with any design style. You’ll thank yourself when trends shift again—because they always do.

Industrial Lighting Fixtures
You loved them at first—those big, black metal pendants that screamed, “I just moved into a Brooklyn loft!” But now? They’re like that tattoo you got in college—cool then, not so much now. These days, sculptural lighting is where it’s at. Think bold chandeliers or custom fixtures that make a statement without trying too hard.

Here’s the thing: trends are like exes. Some are worth reminiscing over; others, not so much. A well-designed home isn’t about chasing fads but creating a good space that works for you. So, before you hop on the next big thing, ask yourself, “Will future me love this, or will future me send past me a strongly worded letter?” And hey, if you’re ready for some timeless advice, there’s always help around the corner—schedule that consultation and let the magic happen!

Last Updated: February 3rd, 20252.3 min read

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