8 common design mistakes that make your home look dated — and how to avoid them

The article explores various design choices that can unintentionally make a home appear dated, moving beyond the simple aging of furniture or decor. While vintage pieces, such as a mid-century modern lamp, can add character, blindly following trends or using matching furniture sets can inadvertently create an outdated aesthetic. Two interior designers, Megan Paulson of 22 Design House and Jasmine Crockett of JoyMeetsHome, offer insights into these common pitfalls and suggest approaches for creating a more timeless and personalized living space. One significant factor contributing to a dated home is the "trend trap." Designers advise against constantly pursuing ultra-trendy home decor items that quickly become obsolete. Such trends are often short-lived, leading to frequent replacements and unnecessary expenses. Instead, the focus should be on collecting pieces that are genuinely loved and will be cherished over time, thereby fostering a more enduring style. Jasmine Crockett emphasizes the importance of balancing timeless elements with trends that can be easily updated, ensuring that functionality, comfort, and the homeowner's unique personality remain central to the design. Another element that can make a home feel dated is discontinuous decor, characterized by a lack of cohesive design throughout the space, resulting in a mismatched and disjointed appearance. To counter this, establishing a consistent color palette across the entire house is recommended to create a sense of flow and unity. The article also points out specific outdated materials and styles, such as 1980s oak and country pine furnishings. The repetition of these specific wood types or entire sets of matchy-matchy furniture, like dark espresso pieces, immediately signals an older aesthetic. Designers suggest diversifying furniture choices to avoid this uniform, bygone look. The concept of themed bedrooms, particularly those that are overly extravagant or coordinated, is also highlighted as a design choice that ages poorly. Examples include nautical wallpaper or excessive floral patterns. A more contemporary approach involves incorporating subtle, low-commitment elements of a desired theme through accent pieces, rather than overhauling an entire room. This allows for flexibility and easier updates as tastes evolve. Excessive or specific textures can also contribute to a dated feel. Popcorn ceilings, heavily textured walls, dark wood paneling, and tiled countertops are identified as elements that can make a space appear old-fashioned. For a modern aesthetic, the article suggests opting for sleek materials such as marble and concrete, which provide a chic and natural texture without the risk of dating the home. Finally, matching furniture sets, despite their convenience, can create a predictable and outdated look due to their rigid uniformity. To achieve a more current and dynamic interior, mixing different shapes and textures among furniture pieces is advised, preventing excessive similarities and promoting a more curated appearance. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #TimelessDesign #HomeStyling #OutdatedTrends #DesignersAdvice

The article addresses common interior design pitfalls that can detract from a room's aesthetic, providing advice from interior designers Erin Williamson, Christina Kim, and Jojo Barr. It highlights eleven specific decor mistakes that designers consider "tacky" and offers alternative solutions to create a more sophisticated and inviting living space. One significant mistake is using the television as the primary focal point of a living room. While unavoidable in most homes, designers recommend arranging furniture to allow for flexibility, such as using swivel chairs, so that seating can be reoriented when the TV is not in use. This approach helps prevent the "black mirror" from dominating the room's design. Another decor misstep is leaving walls blank and white, especially in dimly lit spaces. Contrary to popular belief, white paint does not inherently brighten a room; it can instead make it appear dull and highlight a lack of architectural detail. Designers suggest using mid-tone paints to create a backdrop for furnishings or, for a bolder statement, opting for dark, moody tones to foster a cozy atmosphere. The choice of drapes is also critical. The article warns against using fabrics with sheen like dupioni silk in casual settings or velvet in sunny, hot rooms, as these can appear tacky. White curtains on white walls with minimal white furnishings are also discouraged due to their sterile, hospital-like appearance. A neutral oatmeal color is recommended as a versatile and elegant alternative. Overcrowding a room with too much small furniture is another common mistake that can make a space feel cramped and lack a focal point. Designers advise decluttering and selecting one larger piece to anchor the room, then complementing it with varied-sized furnishings to create visual interest and balance. Regarding color, overly saturated light blue, particularly reminiscent of an "Easter-inspired nursery," is identified as tacky. Adding a touch of green to icy shades can soften them, preventing the room from feeling cold and uninviting. Similarly, an all-gray decor scheme is out, with designers advocating for nature-based palettes and earthy tones to achieve a timeless aesthetic. Undersized rugs are a major pet peeve for designers, as they can make a room look choppy and uncomfortable. The rule of thumb is that all furniture legs should either be entirely on or entirely off the rug, avoiding a mix. Scale is crucial; if a rug feels too small, it likely is. Gallery walls require thoughtful execution. Skimpy gallery walls that do not adequately fill the space are considered tacky. Designers recommend ensuring enough pieces are used to properly fill the wall and incorporating a unifying element, such as consistent frame colors or an all-black-and-white photography theme. Monotone metal finishes are another dated choice. Mixing metals and finishes adds layers and visual interest to a room. Lastly, short curtains that do not reach the floor are a significant design faux pas, with the exception of French café curtains. For windows where full-length curtains are impractical, Roman blinds are suggested as a more appropriate and stylish alternative. Glass coffee tables are also considered too corporate and cold; natural wood options are preferred for creating a warm and inviting ambiance. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTips #DecorMistakes #FurnitureArrangement #ColorPalette #WindowTreatments #RugPlacement #GalleryWalls

The exterior of a home serves as its first impression, and ensuring it feels current and inviting extends beyond superficial elements like colorful containers or doormats. A comprehensive approach to outdoor spaces, encompassing both aesthetics and functionality, is crucial for maintaining curb appeal. Even small details, such as lighting, paint colors, shutters, and roofing, can inadvertently contribute to a dated appearance. For instance, updating a front door light fixture, adding a cheerful welcome mat, and incorporating potted plants can significantly alter a home's exterior perception. While individual homes vary, certain general guidelines exist to prevent an outdated look. One significant factor in a dated exterior is adhering too closely to fleeting trends. Timeless and traditional elements are recommended when building or updating a home, as overly trendy designs often have a limited lifespan. Architectural appropriateness is also key; not all homes suit every trend, such as the modern farmhouse style with a white house and black trim. Contemporary window styles that were popular a few years ago might appear outdated in the near future. Tired and overgrown plants can also detract from a home's freshness. Replacing old shrubs that obscure the house and adding new plantings with varying textures and colors can significantly refresh the exterior. Old containers and planters should be updated with fresh greenery, like simple ferns, to enhance visual appeal. Incorrectly scaled or non-functional shutters are another common sign of a dated exterior. Historically, shutters provided protection, security, and privacy, but they often became purely ornamental, applied without considering their original purpose. Shutters should be appropriately sized to cover the windows if closed and should feature proper hardware, such as shutter dogs (tiebacks), for an authentic look. The shape of the shutters should also match the window, for example, arched shutters for arched windows. Overly manicured lawns and the use of faux plants are increasingly perceived as dated. The extensive water usage required for pristine lawns is becoming out of touch with contemporary environmental concerns, leading to a preference for gardens with native plants. When live plants aren't feasible, preserved plants are a better alternative to artificial ones for doors, hanging planters, and window boxes. Mismatched paint schemes can also negatively impact curb appeal. A tonal color palette, using variations of the same color family for the house body, trim, and windows, often provides a cohesive and updated look. While bold colors on the front door can add character, paint choices should complement the home's architectural style. Specific recommendations include avoiding brown trim paint unless the home is Tudor style and exercising caution with trim colors that have yellow undertones, especially against brick. When replacing an old or damaged roof, opting for dimensional architectural shingles or luxury materials like cedar shake, slate, or copper accents can significantly upgrade the home's appearance, particularly if the roof is highly visible. Furthermore, peeling or faded paint, especially on shutters and the front door, can make a home look neglected. A fresh coat of paint, potentially in a contrasting color for the front door, can provide an immediate refresh. Updating porch furniture alongside repainting can also contribute to a more inviting exterior. Finally, outdated house numbers, despite being a small detail, can contribute to a home's dated look. Updating the placement, font type, and size of house numbers, and replacing sticker numbers with more modern wall-mounted options, can provide a rejuvenated aesthetic. #HomeExterior #CurbAppeal #HomeDesign #ExteriorTrends #PaintColors #Landscaping #Shutters #Roofing #HouseNumbers

The article discusses various elements within a kitchen that can contribute to a dated appearance, based on insights from design experts. With design trends evolving rapidly, kitchens can quickly fall behind current styles, and even minor details can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. The discussion begins with the gray color palette, which was once popular but is now considered outdated. Designers suggest refreshing gray kitchens by introducing vibrant wall colors like yellow, orange, teal, or purple, or by incorporating statement backsplashes or flooring to break up monotony. Another common issue is the placement of microwaves over the range, which creates a disproportionate and old-fashioned look. A recommended solution is to install a built-in microwave drawer or hide the appliance in a pantry. This allows for the installation of a more contemporary range hood or open shelving. Similarly, stainless steel range hoods are no longer considered stylish. Modern kitchens utilize hoods crafted from materials such as millwork, brass, plaster, or stone to achieve a more cohesive and sophisticated design. Short, 4-inch backsplashes, popular in the early 2000s, also contribute to a dated feel. Contemporary design favors open-height backsplashes that extend up to the ceiling, creating a cleaner and bolder look. Built-in diamond-shaped wine racks, once a symbol of luxury, are now considered a thing of the past. A more modern alternative is to integrate a wine fridge into base cabinets. Kitchen islands with raised bar levels are also out of style; current designs feature single, flat surfaces for better functionality and an open feel. Lighting choices are also crucial. White lighting covers tend to yellow over time, making them appear old. The article recommends timeless silhouettes with metallic accents and crystals for a fresh, long-lasting look. Additionally, harsh fluorescent lighting is identified as a dated feature, with suggestions to replace it with warmer overhead lighting and add sconces for a cozier ambiance. Countertops are another significant factor. Speckled patterns, whether terrazzo or 1990s granite, immediately indicate an older kitchen. The current trend favors marble countertops with unique, bold veining, emphasizing natural stone over man-made alternatives. Tiled countertops, prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, are also outdated due to their appearance and the hygiene concerns associated with porous grout. More modern and affordable options include butcher block or concrete countertops. Finally, external ice makers on refrigerators are identified as a dated feature. Newer appliance models offer internal water dispensers and ice makers for a sleeker, integrated appearance. For a truly seamless look, panel appliances that blend into the kitchen cabinetry are suggested as an investment that will remain current for years to come. By addressing these specific elements, homeowners can update their kitchens to reflect modern design sensibilities without necessarily undertaking a full renovation. #KitchenDesign #HomeImprovement #InteriorDecorating #KitchenRemodel #DesignTrends #DatedKitchen #ModernKitchen #HomeDecor

The internet offers a vast array of interior design aesthetics, from Scandinavian and Boho to Country House and Maximalist, each accompanied by experts and influencers providing guidance on essential items to achieve these trends. This has led Americans to spend an average of $1,599 annually on home decor, according to a 2024 Opendoor survey. However, LA-based content creators Robert Gigliotti and Ethan Gaskill have gained significant attention on TikTok by sharing their most disliked interior design and home decor trends, accumulating over 8 million views with their series called "home decor icks." Gigliotti and Gaskill, who are not professional designers but have developed a keen eye for design through personal and family experiences, advocate for working with a space's inherent features rather than against them. Gigliotti's interest in design stemmed from helping his mother flip houses, where he grew tired of the repetitive "builder gray" aesthetic and began influencing tile and finish choices. Gaskill was inspired by his father, a custom home builder, and his mother, a real estate agent, who instilled in him the importance of maintaining a tidy space that reflects one's identity and positively impacts their mindset. Their approach resonates with audiences because they openly admit to having made similar mistakes themselves. They emphasize that their critiques are lighthearted and not meant to be taken too seriously, encouraging individuals to have fun with their decor choices as long as they love the outcome. In the living room, Gigliotti suggests moving away from trendy, statement couches like the "funky bubble couches" or expensive Togo sofas, which he believes are impractical and difficult to integrate into different spaces or over time. He shares his own experience of quickly selling an orange bubble sofa after realizing it was a social media-driven purchase rather than a truly desired item. Instead, he recommends opting for more classic pieces or using versatile linen slipcovers, and also highlights thrifting as a viable option. The collaborators also caution against letting personal interests overwhelm home decor. Gaskill recounts an instance where his love for horror films led him to display a melting skull art print, which he later realized was too dominant. Gigliotti adds that while one can love fashion, there's no need to display luxury brand boxes as decor. Additionally, grommet curtains are described as an outdated and unappealing choice, likened to hanging a shower curtain in the living room. Moving to the kitchen, Gaskill advises against cluttering countertops with too many appliances, suggesting that only the most frequently used items, such as a coffee maker or toaster, should be left out, with others stored away. Gigliotti further emphasizes that appliances don't need to be a "design moment"; instead, they should blend into the space. He advocates for classic choices like stainless steel over "fake vintage or retro appliances." The article also addresses the trend of over-decorating bar carts and open shelving, which Gigliotti believes can make a space look overly curated and less lived-in. He suggests prioritizing functionality, as authentic and useful items contribute more to a home's appeal. For bathrooms, the duo strongly advises against peel-and-stick tiles, explaining that the adhesive often fails in steamy environments, leading to bubbling and an undesirable appearance. They suggest that poorly executed DIY projects can draw more attention to an area one is trying to mask, and that homes should not be treated like "craft projects." Furthermore, toiletries should not be treated as decorative items, and shelving should not be installed solely for displaying items like nail polish. The article also touches on "cringey" art prints, expanding beyond the well-known "Live, Laugh, Love" to include quirky food-themed or odd phrase art that is losing its appeal. In the bedroom, Gaskill advises against placing beds perpendicularly in a corner, as it creates unusable space and suggests a lack of thoughtful room layout. Lastly, the collaborators recommend against color-coding bookshelves, arguing that a mix-matched approach adds character and charm to a home. They conclude by stressing the importance of accepting a home's existing characteristics rather than forcing unnecessary design elements like fake beams or brick walls through DIY projects. For those seeking change, a new coat of paint and good artwork are recommended as the best starting points. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignMistakes #HomeImprovement #DecorTrends #TikTokTrends #SpacePlanning #DIYDecor #FunctionalDesign