THE PITFALLS OF FOLLOWING TRENDS: A LOOK AT WHAT'S ALREADY OUTDATED
WHERE WEST MICHIGAN TURNS TO MAKE THEIR HOUSE A HOME SINCE 2018
Interior design is all about creating a space that reflects your personal style and tastes. It’s about choosing colors, materials, and finishes that make you feel at home and create a sense of comfort and functionality. However, even the most popular design trends can eventually start to look dated and go out of style. This can be frustrating for homeowners who have invested time and money into their home’s design, only to see it start to look outdated. These trends may seem appealing at first but can quickly become dated and detract from the overall look and feel of a space. Let’s take a look at what’s already outdated so we can all make informed decisions about our home’s design.
All gray interiors
Gray is a popular neutral color choice for interiors, but an entire room or home filled with various shades of gray can start to feel monotonous and uninviting. All gray interiors can lack warmth and personality. While gray is a neutral color, it can be on the cooler side of the spectrum and can make a space feel uninviting and sterile. This is especially true if the gray tones are not properly balanced with other colors and textures. If you love the look of gray in your home, consider incorporating pops of color through artwork, pillows, and other accessories. This can help to break up the monotony of an all gray interior and add warmth to the space. A better option would be using a lighter, warmer shade of gray rather than a dark, cool tone to add a sense of coziness to the space.
Painting everything white
Going along with what we said about gray, white is a similar outdated trend. A fresh coat of white paint can brighten up a space and give it a clean, modern look. However, an entire home painted entirely in white can start to feel cold and clinical. A problem with painting everything white is that it can lack warmth and personality. While white is a neutral color, it can be on the cooler side of the spectrum and can make a space feel uninviting and sterile. This is especially true if the white tones are not properly balanced with other colors and textures. Another issue with painting everything white is that it can be difficult to update or refresh. Since white is a neutral color, it can be challenging to add pops of color or make a statement with bold design choices. This can make it difficult to change the overall look and feel of the space over time. Try using a light neutral color or a softer shade of white rather than a bright, stark white to add a sense of coziness to the space.
Subway Tile
This is a classic choice for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes and walls. These tiles are typically rectangular in shape and have a glossy finish, giving a space a clean and modern look. Again, this is a trend that is overused in most, especially all white kitchens. Subway tile can be difficult to mix and match with other materials and patterns. Since these tiles are a uniform size and shape, they can be limiting when it comes to creating a more eclectic or personalized look. One more issue with subway tile is that it can be prone to scratching and chipping. While it is a durable choice for a backsplash or wall, the glossy finish of these tiles can be easily damaged over time. Give thought to mixing up your tile choice with a patterned or textured option. You could also consider using subway tile sparingly as an accent rather than covering an entire wall or backsplash with it.
Microwave hood combos
These appliances can be convenient, as they allow you to cook and ventilate your kitchen at the same time. However, they can also be an eyesore in a kitchen, especially if they are not integrated seamlessly into the design of the space. One issue with microwave hood combos is that they can be visually disruptive. Since these appliances are typically larger than traditional microwaves, they can dominate the space and make it difficult to have a cohesive design and create a cluttered, busy look. Additionally, they can be less efficient than separate appliances. While these are designed to perform both functions, they may not be as effective at ventilating the kitchen as a traditional range hood or as efficient at cooking as a standalone microwave. If you’re looking to update your kitchen and are considering a microwave hood combo, consider opting for a more traditional range hood or a microwave that can be tucked away in a cabinet. This can help to create a more cohesive and efficient design in your kitchen.
Brown granite
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its durability and natural beauty. However, the color brown can start to look dated, especially if it is used extensively throughout a home. One issue with brown granite is that it can be difficult to match with other materials and finishes. Since brown is a warm, earthy tone, it can be challenging to find paint colors, cabinets, and other finishes that complement it without clashing. This can make it difficult to update the look of a space with brown granite. Brown granite can be prone to staining and scratching. While granite is a durable choice for a countertop, it is not completely resistant to damage and can show wear and tear over time. There are other, more timeless color options for granite like white or black. These neutral tones can be easier to match with a variety of materials and finishes and can give a space a more modern and updated look. Or, attempt using a different material like quartz or marble for your countertops.
Sliding barn doors
This popular home trend adds a rustic, farmhouse-inspired touch to a space. These doors typically feature a sliding mechanism that allows them to be opened and closed without taking up valuable floor space. However, they can also make a room feel cramped and cluttered if overused. They can block valuable wall space when they are open. Since these doors slide along the wall rather than swinging out into the room, they can take up valuable wall space that could be used for decor or storage. They can also be difficult to open and close. If the sliding mechanism is not smooth, it can be frustrating to use the door and can create a noise disturbance in the room. Instead, consider using traditional doors or adding a pocket door instead. These options can save valuable wall space and provide a more seamless and efficient way to open and close a door.
Word signs
Also known as word art or word wall decor, were a popular trend in home decor. These signs typically feature inspirational quotes, sayings, or personal messages written in an eye-catching font and displayed in a prominent location in a room. While they can add a personalized touch to a space and be a fun way to express your personality, they can also quickly become cluttered and overwhelming if overused. If a room is filled with multiple word signs, it can be difficult for the eye to focus on any one element and the space can start to feel cluttered and overwhelming. If word signs are important to you consider using them sparingly as statement pieces rather than covering every wall with them. Choose meaningful messages or quotes that have a timeless appeal and display them in a prominent location where they can be seen and appreciated without overwhelming the space.
Farmhouse everything
This trend features distressed wood, galvanized metal, and burlap accents. This look can be cozy and charming, evoking a sense of nostalgia and rustic charm. However, an entire home filled with farmhouse decor can start to feel forced, especially when you don’t live on a farm. This trend can be difficult to mix and match with other styles and design aesthetics. Since the farmhouse aesthetic is so specific, it can be challenging to incorporate other design elements without it feeling cluttered or mismatched. When everything is farmhouse it can be difficult to update. Since the farmhouse aesthetic is so closely tied to a specific time period and location, it can be challenging to update the look of a space without starting from scratch. If you really love the style of farmhouse, take it back a bit and just use a few elements into a more neutral design scheme. This way you can add favorite pieces to a space without overwhelming it. Alternatively, consider using more timeless farmhouse elements like wood beams or shiplap rather than more trend-based items like mason jar decor or distressed furniture.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all design trends are created equal. While some trends are timeless and have staying power, others can quickly start to look dated and go out of style. By understanding which trends are likely to age poorly and go out of style, homeowners can make more informed decisions about their home’s design and choose elements that have a more timeless appeal.
Our designers are very skilled in styles and aesthetics and making sure the design you get is beautiful and timeless. Give us and call and we can chat about current, outdated, and classic design trends.
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