12 outdated home decor trends in 2024

In this post I want to talk about 12 outdated home decor trends that might surprise you. Home decor trends come and go and it’s easy to get caught up in them however the most important aspect of your home decor and style is choosing a style that is authentically you, trend or not. However some people get stuck in these fads and it is helpful to have a bit of guidance on what is hot and what is not.

If you enjoy reading about this topic the this post might interest you as well: 2024 Home interior trends

What is a trend?

You might wonder what even is a trend? How do you identify one? Some things tend to stick around longer and some trends go just as fast as they came and it’s its hard to know what is what. To answer your question : A trend is a style or design that is currently in or trending. This can be a timeless/ classic design or a fad.

What is a fad?

Now that we established what a trend is, what is fad? A fad is a trend that will or has phased out quickly! A trend that usually isn’t seen in the past or history and therefore probably won’t come back that quick.

What is timeless design?

A timeless design is a design element that has been seen in the past/ history repeatedly. It isn’t necessarily always trending, but it can phase in and out of popularity. However it will never be a fad or outdated.

I hope this helps you understand better what these terms mean and therefore have a better understanding or the trends that are coming and going.

Ok lets get into it! These design elements are currently no longer popular or are slowly heading out the door. That being said, don’t shoot the messenger! I still love some of these trends, and will so going forward however some of them can go!

(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and LTK that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)

Outdated home decor trends

1. Feature walls

It seems for a time there was an unwritten rule that every room needed a feature wall, wether it was painted a different colour or some kind of wall treatment. This no longer seems to be the case and a uniform look is now favoured. A feature wall now screams outdated. Wall treatments are still very much trendy however not just one wall but on each four walls. Think wallpaper on each wall or moulding on each wall!

2. Matching furniture

What we are talking about here are furniture sets. Literal sets you can purchase at your big box stores where the living room furniture looks like the dining room furniture. This is now one of the outdated home decor trends and no longer in style. You still want your furniture to match somewhat colour wise but it is totally ok for your pieces to be individually unique and have character!

3. Too many throw pillows

With the rise of minimalism, clean lines and less clutter became hugely popular. Tons and tons of throw pillows have been replaced with only a couple. The home design gurus are saying this year no throw pillows on the bed will be seen more and more in the design world, you heard that right! NO throw pillows. Just your sleeping pillows topped with lumbar pillows for a clean less cluttered look. I am honestly a bit excited about this one!

Side note: If you want to make your throw pillows look expensive and luxurious always opt for down inserts. Those cheap inserts that they usually come with don’t hold their shape and make your pillows look low quality and cheap. These are my favourite inserts at the best price!

4. Open kitchen shelving

Listen, I know this one might be upsetting. I get it, we have open shelving in our kitchen too. The typical wooden stacked open shelving that were having their moment last year seam to be slowly heading out the door. However I do believe this is a timeless design and even if it isn’t trending it still won’t be outdated. Open shelving that is currently trending is not the typical stacked wooden shelving but instead a single shelf made from stone or marble. Something to consider!

5. Fast furniture

This is going, going and hopefully soon gone. The new generation prefers more sustainable and quality pieces that will stand the test of time, instead of cheaply fast made furniture. Antique furniture has gained a lot of love in the design world, and mixing old with new is all the rage right now. This trend is also good for the pocket book if you are able to snag some deals thrifting! Check out this blog post if you need a few tips on what to look for when going thrifting!

6. Boho

The boho style was big for a few years, and plenty of us got caught up in the current. This style now seems to be outdated. Gone are days with macrame, hanging plants in every corner, tons of plants in general, pampas grass and suns painted on everything. If you love this style, don’t worry! Keep on loving it, my guess is it will back sooner or later.

7. Open floor plan living

This one might be a surprise to you, however 2020 proved that privacy is not alway a bad thing. Closed kitchens and living rooms seem to gain more interest and more and more new builds seem to have less of an open floor plan but more closed off spaces that allow for more privacy and intimate atmosphere. I would love to hear your thoughts on this one! I feel like it is a bit controversial!

8. Rose gold and gold hardware

Rose gold is far gone and gold slowly heading out is what the experts are saying. This trend seems to go as fast as came. I understand rose gold going because even though it is so pretty, it is difficult to match with its some what complicated undertones. Gold however I think is a classic and even though it might not be trending you can absolutely still love it. It will look fabulous in some spaces! Also try black or brass to switch things up!

9. Barn doors

Like I said in the beginning don’t shoot the messenger if you have and love a good old barn door. They were all the rage a couple years ago and sadly with how fast things move in this world they are just not hugely poplar anymore. However don’t fret, they still have rustic charm and make a statement even if not trending.

10. Macrame

Macrame comes and goes. Even tho this could fit into the boho category it still deserves its own because of how big it was a couple years ago. I had plenty of these hanging in my house, on driftwood, as planters you name it. I even made them myself for a while. It was fun while it lasted and now it is time to say good bye because it is no longer the vibe of todays home design.

11. Fiddle leaf figs

The good old fiddle leaf figs that were seen in every designer house and so so popular. This gorgeous plant had a shining moment and for good reason, it is a beautiful plant! I am still a proud owner of one of these beauties. Sadly this plants moment is ending and it is no longer as trendy and popular as it once was.

12. Edison bulbs

These bulbs are to be seen in every coffee shop and cafe and can we all agree that its just too much? Bring back pretty chandeliers and unique lighting! This trend has exited the popular room and must now take a back seat for a while.

13. Subway tile with dark grout

White kitchen with subway tile was widely popular, we have some of that to thank the show fixer upper for. Even tho I wouldn’t say subway tile is totally out it is an over saturated trend and seems to be in every new build. A lighter grout is currently favoured by designers and the dark seems to be outdated.

(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and LTK that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)

Final thoughts

Phew, how does that make you feel? Do some of these outdated home decor trends surprise you? It is important to mention if you absolutely love one of these trends that there is no shame there. It is important to decorate and design your house with what feel authentic and true to you. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed focus on an intentional and timeless design that makes you feel happy and safe! Remember what goes around usually comes around and it wouldn’t surprise me if these trends circle back around.