40 Things That Make Your House Look Dated (+ Stylish Swaps to Consider Instead)

Do you feel like your home design could use a reboot but aren't sure where to start? Check out our list of trends that are best left in the past (for now) and creative ways to bring your current style up to speed.

By: Maria Conti

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Jupiterimages

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: Todd Goodman of LA Light Photo

Photo By: Brian McCloud Photography

Photo By: Paul Ladd/AP Images

Photo By: Dickens Mitchener, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Stephanie Diani / Getty Images ©Scripps Networks, LLC

Photo By: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Photo By: Jesse Loftis

Photo By: Grace Laird Photography

Photo By: Jessica Alexander

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: Paige Rumore Photography

Photo By: Ryan Hainey

Photo By: Debbie Perez

Photo By: Laurey Glenn

Photo By: Todd Goodman of LA Light Photo

Photo By: Sarah Baker, Architect: Chris Zemanek, Contractor: Steven Bilby

Photo By: Suzanna Scott Photography

Photo By: Hugo Landa Garcia

Photo By: Kyle J Caldwell, Design By: JNR Designs

Photo By: Bruce Bain

Photo By: Michael Hunter

Photo By: Margaret Wright

Photo By: Watson Realty Corp., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Ashley Gilbreath

Photo By: Jordan shifrin

Photo By: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: iStock/yenwen

Photo By: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Photo By: Greg Zabilski Photography

Photo By: Raquel Langworthy Photography

Photo By: iStock/Anchiy

Photo By: Jess Isaac

Photo By: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Photo By: Heather Baird

Photo By: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Photo By: Nick Glimenakis

Photo By: iStock/mihalis_a

Photo By: Kyle J. Caldwell Photography, Contractor: TJK Home Improvement

Photo By: iStock/TerryJ

Photo By: Troy Thies Photography

Photo By: iStock/ranplett

Photo By: Paige Rumore Photography

Photo By: iStock/fstop123

Photo By: Sean Litchfield

Photo By: iStock/tomap49

Photo By: iStock/Clerkenwell

Photo By: Hendricks Churchill

Photo By: iStock/lobaszo

Photo By: Todd Goodman of LA Light Photo

Photo By: Susan Teare

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Chad Davies, Davies Imaging Group

Photo By: Mike Chajecki

Photo By: The Leimkuhler Group

Photo By: Jess Isaac

Ready for a Change?

Trends come and go and chances are, if you let something sit long enough, it will cycle back in style. But if you’re ready for a change now, here are some designer-approved ways to pull your home’s look into the 2020s.

First up: Are your kitchen cabinets looking a little dark and dreary? A few coats of paint could be the reno-free fix you're looking for. At the link, below, see how one homeowner gave their dated cherry cabinets a trendy refresh, plus pick up some tips for making over your own kitchen on a budget.

See More Photos: A Family-Friendly Kitchen and Dining Nook Makeover for Under $15K

Dated: Wood Paneling

Ah, wood paneling. This all-consuming 1970’s treat is often found in ranch-style homes and can be tricky to design around to achieve a fresh look. Go ahead and rip it out and start fresh with smooth drywall or transform your home in a matter of days with a few coats of crisp white paint. The best part? Painted paneling works especially well in country cottages or farmhouse-inspired homes because it yields a similar look as shiplap walls.

Get the How-To: Painting Wood Paneling

Trending: Custom Wainscoting

Custom wainscoting is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Millwork is a stepping-stone to creating a home rich with character and charm. Wainscoting, door trim and window casings work in tandem, communicating a home's architectural style and creating a sense of continuity throughout the space. Jump in on the trend at home; use your architecture as a guide to determine the best wainscoting style, then follow our step-by-step tutorial, below, to bring your vision to life.

Get the How-To: How to Install Timeless Rail-and-Stile Wainscoting

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Dated: Builder-Grade Greige Tiles

It can be difficult to work with these oddly specific, early 2000's greige bathroom tiles. They’re not quite beige, not exactly gray and, the worst part? They feature a matte texture that looks rough around the edges even after a full day of deep cleaning. Give your tiles a refresh with our step-by-step painted tile tutorial, below, or replace them altogether with timeless, white subway tiles instead.

Get the How-To: How to Paint & Stencil Ceramic Tile

Trending: Lived-In Tile Finishes

As mentioned, white-ceramic subway tiles are a classic option for any bathroom design. Even so, the glossy-white tiles are predisposed to feel a bit stark and sterile in some settings. If you love the timeless quality of white-ceramic subway tiles but hope to create a warmer, more welcoming washroom, then the lived-in tile trend is for you. Wrap your bathroom in storied Zellige, terracotta, marble, stone or cement tiles to usher organic texture and enduring beauty that continues to grow over time.

Get More Ideas: Our Fave Bathroom Tile Design Ideas

Dated: Tile Countertops

Tile countertops were a hot-ticket design feature during the ‘70s and ‘80s. I think that was before people realized just how difficult (read: impossible) it is to keep grout clean in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. If you have tile countertops, don't fret! Aesthetically speaking, tiled counters are charming, unique and make an ideal addition to Mediterranean, bohemian and cottage kitchens alike. The key to ensuring your tile counters look up to date is giving your grout some serious TLC. Roll up your sleeves to give your gaps a deep cleaning, add a sealant or apply a coat of paint. Get the how-to to revive your tile counter grout in the link below.

Trending: Ceiling-Height Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Once upon a time, tile kitchen backsplashes were used to bridge the 18-inch gap between the countertops and upper cabinets. Today, we’re ripping out our upper cabinets and replacing the dusty, dated cupboards with accessible open-air shelving or fresh clutter-free walls. This shift in design preferences paved the way for the trending, counter-to-ceiling tile kitchen backsplashes. Here, glazed subway tiles cover the walls, framing the windows and bringing dynamic texture to the transitional kitchen design. Recreate the same statement-making results by lining your kitchen walls with stone, cement or marble tiles.

Get the How-To: How to Install a Marble Tile Backsplash

From: Tama Bell

Dated: Carpet Everywhere

If you love it, rock it. But if your carpet has seen better days, it’s time to rip that stained and allergy-inducing surface up and make the switch to solid surface flooring. Not only is it easier to clean, but if you choose a variety like hardwood or luxury vinyl tile, you’ll increase your home’s resell value. Win-win!

Find Your Floors: The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Picks for Your Home

Trending: Wood Floors Throughout

Modern open layouts make floor material selection a tricky task. Carpeting throughout is a recipe for stained and dingy floors, while wall-to-wall tile feels cold and out-of-place in living spaces and bedrooms. Solution? Wood floors. Installing solid, engineered or luxury vinyl plank wood floors throughout open floorplans is a trend we don’t expect to slow down anytime soon. Wood floors bring warmth and durability underfoot, visually expand or lengthen any space and create a seamless flow between various rooms in the house.

Get More Ideas: Your Guide to the Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

From: Dickens Mitchener and Luxury Portfolio International®

Dated: Carpet in the Bathroom

If there is one corner of your home that deserves a refresh, it is, without a doubt, your carpet-clad bathroom. Don’t get me wrong, there's definitely something appealing about enjoying plush carpet underfoot whilst laboring away, blow-drying one's hair in the morning. But why not enjoy that comfort with a machine-washable bathmat instead of old, water-stained carpeting? Good news: You don’t have to spend a fortune to replace your carpet with tile flooring. Vinyl plank flooring looks just as lovely, is easy to install yourself and is engineered to withstand moisture.

Get the How-To: Choosing Bathroom Flooring

Trending: Waterproof Wood Floors

Solid hardwood floors aren’t practical in moisture-prone spaces like the bathroom, utility room or kitchen. But don’t let that stop you from achieving the same welcoming, charming wood floor look in your bathroom design, friend. Convincing wood-inspired tiles and luxury vinyl plank floors offer the best of both worlds with cozy, natural wood color and water resistance that holds up against your daily routine.

Dated: Lacey Drapes

Lace drapes and sheers were once all the rage, but chances are, yours have seen better days. The ultra-delicate material tends to collect dust and yellow over time, leaving your view looking dingier than you remember. The good news? You can update your space in 15 minutes flat by swapping lacey drapes for crisp-and-airy white linen alternatives. Pro tip: Hang your new curtains as close to the ceiling as possible to draw the eye up, and create the illusion of taller ceilings.

Get the How-To: How to Hang a Curtain Rod

From: Jean Stoffer

Trending: Roman Shades

Trade dust-trapping drapes for this easy-breezy, laidback alternative. Roman shades are designer favorites as they bring polish to windows and are easily customized to suit both interior styles and light filtering needs. Select lightweight linen fabric to wash your coastal or cottage kitchen in soft, diffused sunlight throughout the day; choose buttery velvet shades to block out the rays and bring drama to your primary bedroom.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Linen and Leather Roman Shade

From: James Merrell Architects

Dated: Flat Panel Doors

While this style of door definitely has its place (think mid-mod style), in many homes, it detracts from the overall look and feel of a room. Update your flat panel doors with our easy, weekend-friendly step-by-step tutorial linked below.

get the how-to: Weekend Projects: Add Molding to a Flat-Panel Door

Trending: Painted Doors

Take your overlooked doors from lackluster to lust-worthy with a few coats of paint. Painted doors elevate otherwise simple hallways and bring drama to your interior without draining the design budget along the way. Take notes from interior designer Ashley Moore and coat your doors in a rich, inky black to stop guests in their tracks. Subtlety more your style? Bring a featherlight softness to the space by lacquering your doors with a misty, neutral tone 1-2 shades lighter (or darker) than your walls.

Get the How-To: How to Paint Doors

From: Ashley Moore

Dated: Bulky Corner Tub

The only thing cooler than having a corner office in 2006 was having a corner jacuzzi tub. Fifteen years later, that cozy corner tub may be aging your otherwise updated bathroom. Replace it with a free-standing tub for a fresh look or give it a budget-friendly refresh by installing millwork to the enclosure and adding a few coats of bright white paint to polish it off.

Get the How-To: How to Easily Install Picture Frame Molding

From: Terracotta Design Build

Trending: Soaking in the Views

Make a splash in your primary ensuite design with a freestanding tub centered beneath your bathroom window. Not only does this make for show-stopping photo opportunities, but it allows you to covertly snoop on the neighborhood ongoings while soaking away your day. My advice? Just be sure to invest in some Roman shades for your privacy.

Get More Ideas: 30 Freestanding and Pedestal Bathtubs

From: Pure Salt Interiors

Dated: Frameless Doors + Windows

Frameless doors and windows work in certain spaces (think ultra-modern interiors) but sometimes they appear unfinished or outdated. Update and elevate your home with DIY door and window frames. It’s easier to do than you may think, and we have an easy, step-by-step tutorial to help you along the way.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Trending: Bold Window Frames

Take notes from interior designer Connie Vernich and highlight your views with black-framed windows. This bold feature elevates unremarkable spaces, enhances white walls and punctuates custom millwork. If this inky hue is too intimidating, don't fret. Try the same technique with a muted neutral tone for a softer but equally stylish result.

From: Vernich Interiors

Dated: Orange Oak Stair Railing

Take years off your staircase in just one weekend by refinishing your orangey oak stair rails. Stain the railing a deep espresso or Jacobean shade to contrast against white spindles, paint the railing a solid hue or sand down to the natural wood for a rustic look.

From: Lambert Home

Trending: Coffee-Stained Wood Stair Railing

Orange you glad that orange oak stairs are no longer en vogue? Yes, me too. White-washed oak railings are a top pick for modern or contemporary spaces, while classic, coffee-stained wood railing continues to be a popular choice for more traditional interiors. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and refinish the orange stair railing yourself, friend. It's worth it.

Get More Ideas: 20 Stare-Worthy Staircases We're Obsessing Over

From: Amy Carman Design

Dated: Foggy Shower Doors

Knockdown those foggy shower doors, friend. The silver frame and smoggy glass panels are nearly impossible to keep clean and, together, they add bulk to otherwise small spaces. Depending on your layout you can leave your shower without doors, install frameless glass doors or add a custom shower curtain for a fresh look.

From: Debbie Perez

Trending: Sleek Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Sleek, stripped-down frameless shower stalls are in, and we never want to go back. Unlike the boxy, chronically cloudy shower doors of the past, these barely-there stalls bring unmatched shine and luxury to even the tiniest spaces. And the best part? The frameless design brings zero visual clutter or bulk to your ensuite, resulting in a room that feels bigger and brighter than ever before.

Get More Ideas: 75 Walk-In Shower Designs for a Luxurious, Spa-Like Bathroom

From: Etch Design Group

Dated: Stock Bathroom Vanity

You know the one: brown faux-wood fiberboard with a plastic countertop, no hardware and no personality to speak of. Our fix? Add shiny, new hardware and replace the countertop with something flashy but within your budget. And, of course: Never underestimate the transformative power of fresh paint.

From: studioHEIMAT

Trending: Elevated Custom Vanity

Give your builder-grade bathroom vanity the boot and replace it with a sink cabinet full of custom charm. This dreamy design features flush cabinet drawers and doors, a notched base and a soapstone countertop. Luxe chrome pulls and a matching faucet round out the vanity with an extra dose of personal style.

From: Mel Bean Interiors

Dated: Oatmeal + Almond Bath Fixtures

Beige toilets, showers and countertops, oh my! If these fixtures plague your bathroom, but you don’t have the budget to totally overhaul your loo, then simply decorate around them. Paint the walls a bright white or pretty pale blue, update the hardware (love matte black for a modern look) and upgrade your vanity lighting to round out the makeover.

Get More Ideas: 50 (Almost!) Free Bathroom Updates

Trending: Movement-Rich Marble + Natural Stone Countertops

So long, simple quartz counterstop! Heart-stopping marble, soapstone and granite are the reigning materials of choice for bathroom (and kitchen!) countertops in 2022. The sought-after counters earn their title honestly, with luxe, one-of-a-kind veining and organic color palettes that elevate any bathroom design. Pro tip: select your counter materials with your ideal contrast in mind. Here creamy Carrara counters shine when paired against the deep sage walls. The same snowy stone would look ethereal in an all-white bathroom and result in a softer space overall

learn more: Choosing Bathroom Countertops

Dated: Overly-Ornate Light Fixtures

Over-the-top, intricate lighting looks lovely in swanky resorts or palatial homes but often looks out of place in suburbia. This is doubly true if said lighting is made from bulky bronze or inky metal like this one. It’s like a hefty weight looming overhead. Lighten up your space by simplifying and streamlining your fixtures. Keep it timeless with traditional or minimalist-style chandeliers in an enduring polished nickel or antique brass finish.

See More Photos: 20 Living Room Lighting Design Ideas

Trending: Streamlined Chandeliers + Pendants

Switch up your home’s lighting with pared-down contemporary fixtures like these beauties. The streamlined silhouette and gleaming brass finish bring just enough sparkle to the design without overpowering the space. Incorporate a similar lantern or chandelier profile in your foyer, kitchen or bedroom design to create an enduring and balanced space you’ll love for years to come.

See More Photos: Buy or DIY: Light Fixtures

From: Carissa Miller

Dated: Wallpaper Borders

Nostalgic? Yes. Stylish by today’s standards? Not exactly. If you don’t wish to live in a 1990s museum house (which, actually doesn’t sound that bad), here’s our solution: paint over them to create faux crown molding.

Get the How-To: Weekend Project: How to Create Faux Crown Molding

Trending: Statement Wallpaper

Trends come and go, but one thing remains the same: When it comes to wallpaper, more is more. Leave the peeling borders to your parents' generation and take a page from their parents' generation when designing your home. Lean into your wallpaper affliction and wrap your walls in show-stopping prints and colors. Here, emerald grasscloth wallpaper features hand-painted flowering vines winding around the parameters. The result is equal parts refined and romantic. If this example reads too traditional for your taste, go ahead and put a modern spin on the trend. Dress your walls in punchy graphic patterns or unexpected neon hues suited to match your contemporary flair.

Shop Our Favorites: The Best Places to Buy Wallpaper Online

From: Jonathan Rachman

Dated: Wall Decals

Wall decals were a hit for kids’ rooms a few years back, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to refresh your space, go ahead and peel those decals off your wall. Replace your decals with a fresh coat of paint, some DIY millwork or a peel-and-stick mural that covers an entire wall.

Get the How-To: DIY Accent Wall Mural

Trending: Whimsical Wallpaper

Expecting parents, this one is for you. Skip the wall decals and invest in a wallpaper pattern fitting for both your newborn nursery now and the inevitable big kid room a few years down the road. Make this airy, neutral nursery your muse and find a wallpaper with staying power. The misty, oyster-and-white color palette serves the contemporary nursery well and will continue to appear fresh and fitting when the little one transitions from crib to bed. Plus, choosing a neutral backdrop will serve you well as your kiddo changes their favorite color every three to six months. Just trust us on that.

See More Photos: Beautiful Baby Rooms

From: Stephanie DeBrincat

Dated: Boob Lights

Sorry guys, but I'm not sure how these, ahem, voluptuous statement pieces ever came to be. If you can afford to upgrade, here are my top suggestions: semi-flush linen drum lights, glass shade pendant lights or lantern-style flush mounts.

See More Photos: 50 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Weekend

Trending: Flush-Mounts With Flair

Save the ta-tas (of the lighting variety) for 2005 and give your ceiling design the lift it needs with some jaw-dropping flush-mount fixtures. There are two ways to approach your lighting decision: Select lights that stylistically work with your home’s architectural bones for a traditional look, or embrace the unexpected with fixtures that juxtapose the space. The Sputnik fixture seen here joins forces with a kicky neon entry table, denim grasscloth walls and a smart, spotted antelope staircase runner to enliven the otherwise classic Colonial bones in this family home.

See More Photos: 20 Living Room Lighting Design Ideas

Dated: 50 Shades of Gray

I’m pretty sure no one escaped the gray-on-gray design epidemic of 2015, right? Gray walls, gray sofa, gray curtains, gray lamps — the grayer, the better. And while gray continues to serve as a fresh neutral for colorful and muted interiors alike, having too much gray in one place tends to feel cold. Balance out your smoky accents with other white, beige, brown or black accessories to bring fresh dimension and interest to your space — without straying from your beloved neutral color palette.

See More Photos: 7 Tips for Using Neutrals in Home Design

From: Beatriz Pascuali

Trending: Peaceful Blue Hues

Monochromatic gray doesn’t stand a chance against this spa-worthy color palette. Follow Laura U Design Collective’s lead when planning your boudoir makeover. French blue bedding, plus tailored ivory upholstery and barely-there beige walls lay down the groundwork for restful sleep. Iron-framed windows, mahogany wood furnishings and a flashy midcentury chandelier invite contrast into the design, resulting in a thoughtfully curated and decidedly contemporary primary suite.

See More Photos: Bedroom Color Ideas: Which Paint to Pick

From: Laura U Design Collective

Dated: Fuzzy Toilet Seat Cover

Comfy seating is always in style, but fuzzy toilet seat covers may not be the way to go about it. If you’re committed to your toilet seat cover, keep it, but if you’re looking to update your bathroom in one minute flat, toss that fuzzy accessory in the wastebasket. Pro tip: Add a petite, upholstered stool or a thrifted wood chair to create a spot to disrobe before taking a shower.

See More Photos: 50 (Almost!) Free Bathroom Updates

Trending: High-Tech Toilets

You know you’re an adult when a high-tech toilet reaches the tippy top of your home wish list. Seriously though, shaggy carpet seat covers are out, and high-tech toilets are in, friend. The Kohler Eir Comfort Height smart toilet is sure to impress with a streamlined silhouette and a sleek, golden accent stripe along the rim. Oh, and did I mention the ultra-intelligent commode includes a heated seat, hands-free open and closing, a touchscreen remote, custom cleansing and the ever-illustrious nightlight? Yeah, you may never leave the water closet with this one.

See More Photos: Main Bathroom + Closet Pictures From HGTV Smart Home 2021

From: Tiffany Brooks

Dated: Sleigh Beds

Sleigh beds slayed the design game 10 years ago but, these days, sleigh beds can look out of place surrounded by the latest contemporary decor. Leave the sleighs to Santa and give your bedroom a fresh look with an updated bedframe. If you’re not in the market to replace your sleigh bed, you can always minimize its recognizable silhouette by draping your duvet over the footboard.

learn more: How to Choose a Bed Frame

From: Paisley McDonald

Trending: Contemporary Canopy Beds

Sleep like the queen (or king!) you are in a statement-making contemporary canopy bed. Canopy and four-poster beds are interior designers’ go-to for creating a sense of grandeur and luxury in primary suites. Pro tip: Be choosy when selecting your canopy bed and opt for a clean-lined silhouette rather than an overly ornate design. This approach will ensure your space looks fresh and of the moment rather than dated and drab.

See More Photos: 24 Dreamy Canopy Beds

From: JLV Creative

Dated: Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows are cumbersome to design around. Replace your blocky view with a timeless glass-paned window or budget-friendly option: Install Roman shades that minimize (read: hide) the glass blocks from sight.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Trending: Dreamy Bathroom Privacy Drapes

Create privacy without a single, bulky glass block on site. Linen bathroom drapes are a timeless trend that works overtime to shield your space from nosy neighbors and bring a much-need airiness to an otherwise tile-heavy room. Take notes from interior designer Ashley Gilbreath and create a polished focal point with two floor-length panels framing your bathtub window.

See More Photos: Fresh Window Treatment Ideas

From: Ashley Gilbreath

Dated: Closet Chandeliers

Once upon a time, in 2005, everyone started adding miniature crystal chandeliers in their walk-in closets. Fast-forward to today and those mini fixtures likely need a good dusting and may seem out-of-fashion in your otherwise evolved wardrobe. Replace your dangling fixture with a semi or flush-mount fixture to visually open up the otherwise close quarters and give your closet a streamlined appeal.

See More Photos: Lighting Ideas for Your Closet

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Trending: Custom Closet Dresser

Skip the mini crystal dangler and put your money towards creating the custom closet of your dreams. Everyone has unique needs and requirements for their closet space, so be sure to select features that are tailored to yours. My top recommendation is a built-in closet dresser because, honestly, everyone needs out-of-sight storage for folded tops, bottoms and accessories. Follow pro stylist Kayla Dane's lead and install custom drawer pulls to give your dresser a luxe, polished touch.

See More Photos: 25 Ways to Maximize Storage in Your Walk-In Closet

From: Kayla Dane

Dated: Last Decade's Faucets

Again, if you love your lacquered brass or rustic bronze faucets, keep them! But replacing your old faucets with a timeless alternative is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to update your bathroom. Plus, installing the replacement takes 30 minutes, tops, and who doesn't love instant gratification? Treat yourself to polished nickel, unlacquered brass or classic chrome sink faucets to achieve an enduring design you'll look forward to seeing each day.

Shop Our Favorite Faucets: The Best Kitchen Faucets for Every Style and Budget

From: Katheryn Cowles

Trending: Timeless Polished Nickel

Polished nickel faucets are a trend you won't regret buying in five years. Yes, you can quote me on that. Gleaming and gorgeous, polished nickel is the ultimate timeless finish as it works well with brass, bronze or any other metal you can imagine. Even better: polished nickel straddles the line between cool and warm, making it a seamless selection for color palettes across the board. Traditionalists should invest in a faucet like the envy-inducing bridge number pictured here; modern and contemporary design lovers, shop for a clean, angular silhouette to suit your existing furnishings.

Shop Our Favorites: The Best Kitchen Faucets for Every Style and Budget

From: Jordan Shifrin

Dated: DIY Pallet Furniture

While the appeal of pallet projects is easy enough to understand, there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing." A single, upcycled pallet piece is fine, but when your entire home is comprised of wooden weekend projects, it’s time to reassess. Update your space by repurposing excess project pieces for outdoor use or completely reimagine the wood with high-gloss paint and simple, modern hardware.

Trending: DIY Reeded Furniture

Just because DIY pallet furniture is out of style doesn’t mean you can’t put your crafting skills to use, friend. Try your hand at the latest DIY design craze: reeded and fluted furniture. The sculptural detail leans into the glamorous Art Deco trend and adds interest to even the most lackluster, mass-produced cabinet. Oh, and because we’re pals, I’ve linked our easy-to-follow tutorial below so you can get started ASAP.

Get the How-To: DIY This Trendy Fluted Table

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Dated: Heavy Iron Accents

Statement-making staircases are wonderful if they are making a statement that feels true to the architectural style of your home. This intricate and heavy iron-and-pine number sends quite the message of "early 2000s contemporary" and may appear dated in today's contemporary interiors. Explore different ways to refinish your iron-clad staircase to suit your interiors, or pull it out and start fresh with a simple, timeless design instead.

See More Photos: 20 Stare-Worthy Staircases We're Obsessing Over

Trending: Minimalist Metal Balusters

If you find iron alluring, you’re in luck. Bring the same stately quality to your staircase design without dating your space by swapping out the overly ornate ironwork for whisper-thin balusters. Here, the designers at Maestri Studio pair minimalist iron balusters with crisp white-oak railing and white risers to yield an airy, of-the-moment staircase in this modern foyer.

Get More Ideas: 60 Simply Stunning Staircase Designs

From: Maestri Studio

Dated: Rose Gold Overload

It’s sad, but true, friends. The once-popular all-things-rose-gold trend has come and gone, and now it appears a bit dated. Our advice? Stick to authentic copper cookware in the kitchen, but play with various metallic (and matte!) finishes elsewhere. Think brass candlesticks, silver knobs and matte black picture frames.

See More Photos: 20 Mixed Metal Designs That Shine

Trending: Mixed Metal Kitchen

One thing that interior design and cooking have in common? Envy-inducing results are a result of layering, as in layering flavors and layering finishes. Achieve a decadent kitchen design by mixing two or three metals in your space. Here, designer Michelle Workman creates a focal point with dangling patinated copper pots above the La Cornue range and outfits the surrounding Shaker cabinets with unlacquered brass hardware. Mixing the two metals yields a dimensional space that draws the eye and demands attention. If brass and copper aren’t your favorite finishes, try out these mixed metal combinations instead: antique brass and polished nickel, matte black and copper, stainless steel and satin brass or polished chrome and brass.

See More Photos: 20 Mixed Metal Designs That Shine

From: Michelle Workman

Dated: White Appliances

Gone are the days of white fridges and dishwashers. In their place? Stainless steel, sleek slate and matte black finishes. These industrial-style appliances appear much more streamlined and up-to-date while adding a touch of luxe to your space. Plus, they’re much easier to keep clean. Not ready to invest in all-new appliances? Give your white fridge a fresh look with fun washi tape or art prints.

See More Photos: 12 Hot Trends in Kitchen Appliances

Trending: Integrated Appliances

Few things spell luxury kitchen quite like an integrated French door refrigerator. Hidden appliances are sought-after kitchen features because they create continuity in the space and minimize distraction from the overall design. Here, designer Naomi Stein uses white oak on the lower cabinets and refrigerator panels to create a seamless perimeter and draw eyes to the brilliant emerald island located in the room.

See More Photos: 20 Kitchens With Hidden Appliances

From: Naomi Stein

Dated: The Mass-Produced Rug

It’s time to toss the trend you’ve seen on every blogger's Instagram account for the last six to eight months. Rather than buying into a trend (literally!), ask yourself what it is you like about a product before pulling the trigger. Will the piece work long-term in your space? Do you still like the other "had-to-have" trendy items you bought two years ago, or did your passion burn out after a month or two? Our advice: Skip the "it" product of the season and search for time-withstanding pieces, and you’ll learn to never regret a decorating decision again.

Trending: One-of-a-Kind Vintage Area Rugs

Leave the Ikea area rug in your rearview and start your search for the perfect, one-of-a-kind vintage area rug. I'm obsessed with this trend because not only are vintage rugs in style, but they are sustainable, meaning you (and the environment) can feel good about this investment. Plus, there are endless vintage and antique carpets to choose from online, at local thrift stores and estate sales in your area. Pro tip: Pinch your pennies for a vintage wool area rug because wool rugs retain their value and are known as the most durable, long-lasting material on the market.

learn more: How to Pick the Perfect Area Rug for Your Living Space

From: Barbie Palomino

Dated: Chalkboard Walls

We love these giant, blank canvases for kids’ rooms — but that's where they should stay. Having a chalkboard wall in your kitchen or living space will inevitably add more chalk clouds and chaos to everyday life — neither of which are fun. Ditch the dust and replace it with a small-scale message board on the kitchen counter, instead.

Trending: Custom Message Boards

Put down the chalk paint and step away from the foam roller, friend! Leave the whimsical chalkboard wall to your kiddo’s playroom and create an understated message board for your kitchen counter instead. This lively magnetic board packs personality into any corner of your design and is easily customized to fit your existing decor. Plus, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to make than you think. Start with an old baking pan or cookie sheet, then add a coat of gold spray paint. From there, line the inside with an eye-catching fabric using spray adhesive and style with magnets of your choice.

See More Photos: 20 Easy Upcycles for Old Kitchen Gear

From: Heather Baird

Dated: Small-Space Furniture

Apartment-sized sofas, end tables, poufs and pillows are alluring, we know. That said, unless you're a dorm-dwelling coed or an apartment-dweller, these cost-efficient items are costing you more than you think. Many small-scale furnishings are aimed for apartment living or dorm rooms and are outfitted in current colors and on-trend designs. This makes them oh-so-swoon-worthy in the store, but leaves you with killer buyers’ remorse five to six months down the road. Rather than snag a "deal" with pint-sized pieces, pinch your pennies for investment items instead. Pro tip: you can find some amazing deals through online buy-sell-trade pages on high-end, classic furnishings for a fraction of the cost.

Trending: Space-Saving Banquette Seating

Banquettes are having a moment in the design world, and I'm living for it. The intimate, upholstered benches maximize the seating around a table, making them an unmatched addition to any pint-sized breakfast nook or dining room. Use a single settee and a slew of dining chairs to test the waters, or take a cue from designer Crystal Sinclair and wrap the perimeter of your dining space with a custom banquette unit.

From: Crystal Sinclair

Dated: Chevron, Chevron, Chevron

RIP Chevron. It was fun while it lasted, but it's time to consciously uncouple from this trendy pattern and move on with a perky new print. In fact, you should RIP the chevron wallpaper off your walls, bed, and/or sofa ASAP. Replace 2011's tried-and-true pattern with an understated herringbone alternative or a fresh coat of paint.

Trending: Herringbone

Achieve the same sleek, geometric angles of your chevron era with a pattern that will never (that’s right, never!) go out of style. Herringbone dates to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire yet continues to feel fresh and of the moment even today. Incorporate the ageless pattern through natural materials woven into the bones of your home like hardwood floors, stone patio pavers or a glossy marble backsplash à la Curated Nest.

Get More Ideas: Herringbone: A Versatile Pattern That Works With Any Style

From: Curated Nest

Dated: Brown + Bronze Kitchens

Oh-so bronze, brown and once-beautiful, this kitchen has seen its day. The dark hues that were popular 15 years ago now feel a bit shadowy. If you love your wood-clad kitchen, keep it! But if you're craving a fresh space, here's our advice: Air out your kitchen with light-colored cabinets, countertops and updated fixtures and appliances to match. For warmth, incorporate bronze and copper cookware, a fiery runner or a pretty, potted plant.

See More Photos: 58 White Kitchens That Are Anything But Vanilla

Trending: Kitchen Cooked in Color

Cherry cabinets and bronze-clad kitchens are taking a backseat to saturated and shining kitchen designs today. Interior designer Martha O’Hara sets the bar for all of us in this jaw-dropping design. Deep navy-teal cabinets extend floor-to-ceiling on one wall, while creamy white cabinets do the same on the wall opposite. Unlacquered brass hardware outfits the doors and drawers throughout, while twin gilt lanterns illuminate the space, dangling above the expansive island at the center of the room.

: Top 36 Kitchen Paint Colors

From: Martha O'Hara Interiors

Dated: Burnt Out Fireplace Design

I know, I know — you’re in disbelief about this one. Hear me out! While this simple fireplace appears somewhat stylish, it’s yet another case of "overkill contemporary" that’s made the list. Invest some blood, sweat and tears into upgrading the face of your fireplace with a new mantel or custom tile surround. Want to make a dramatic difference in 24 hours or less? Paint your fireplace surround a bold, unexpected hue. This will give it a fresh, custom look instead of the "mantel of the masses" look seen here.

Trending: Moody Fireplace Finishes

See what I mean? Look at this emerald fireplace from Vernich Interiors and tell me you aren’t green with envy, friend. The built-ins, the custom mantel — the whole design is utterly lust-worthy and on-trend. Make this moody space your muse and revamp your fireplace with an unexpected hue and one-of-a-kind millwork that speaks to your style or the home's architecture.

See More Photos: 40+ Fabulous Fireplace Design Ideas for Any Budget or Style

From: Vernich Interiors

Dated: Ceiling Fan Eyesore

This cozy living room has potential aplenty, but first we need to address the true eyesore in the room: the ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are controversial in the design world and many pro designers avoid them at all costs to achieve a space with zero distractions looming overhead. Our advice? Prioritize airflow in your home by discussing ways to maximize the effects of the cooling system in place. And, if you can’t live without it, opt for a simpler, sleeker ceiling fan design sans the brown/bronze finishes.

Trending: Subtle Ceiling Fan

There’s a reason why eyesore ceiling fans run rampant in bedrooms: People sleep better with proper airflow in place. The good news? You do not have to settle for unsightly, outdated fans any longer. Barely-there ceiling fans offer the best of both worlds, with breezy sleek and unobstructed design. Solid white ceiling fans with contemporary silhouettes are on-trend and disappear against standard white ceilings when in use.

Shop Our Favorites: The Best Ceiling Fans for Every Style and Budget

From: Crystal Sinclair

Dated: Print-It-Yourself Gallery Wall

I’ll admit it, I indulged in this trend just as much as the next, Pinterest-obsessed girl. I get it, I really do. Even so, I must tell you that our beloved, instant-gratification, printable gallery walls are a trend that ended a few years ago. Today, it’s time to pare down your printed art collection and take your time curating commissioned artwork and other interesting articles for your walls. Remember, design is a marathon, not a sprint.

Trending: Scuptual Art

A well-curated wall art collection never fails to impress, but if you want in on the latest art trend, I’ll let you in on a little secret: It’s all about the busts, baby. Neoclassical busts and other sculptural art are the “it” accessory of the moment, popping up on bookshelves and entry consoles alike. These handsome heads are available at every price point and come in various materials, including plaster, marble and resin. Shop one for your space from online retailers, or keep your eyes peeled around the thrift spot in town.

From: Joe Human

Dated: Sterile, Snowy + Silver

White on white on white (with a smidge of silver) became the "it" look for kitchens everywhere over the last couple of years. The ultra-modern look is lovely for some, but living in these snowy spaces feels impractical for others. Especially others with sticky-fingered tots and muddy paws in their household. Defrost your digs and embrace a more "homey," lived-in look by incorporating warm grays, greige, terracotta tile and even deep, navy blue cabinetry.

See More Photos: Trendspotting: TerraCottage

Trending: Saturated Spaces

Light and bright spaces are lovely, but they don’t feel quite as homey and nostalgic as their saturated counterparts. Wrap your daily routine in soul-soothing color; coat your walls a deep jewel tone or paint your cabinets and trim with a muted, moody mid-tone hue à la Hendricks Churchill LLC. Trending colors include teal, oxblood, emerald, aubergine, sage and dusty rose.

See More Photos: Dark + Dramatic Colors for Any Room

From: Hendricks Churchill LLC

Dated: Textured Ceiling

The dreaded popcorn ceilings will never come back, that I can guarantee you. Still, there are other unsightly, textured ceilings that are lurking in homes across the world like the one pictured here. Rid your space of this eyesore with our step-by-step instructions and draw the eye to your texture-free ceiling instead with unique beams or coffered ceilings.

Get the How-To: How to Install a Planked Wood Ceiling

Trending: Statement Ceiling Panels

As a homeowner with more than one room donning the dreaded 1980’s popcorn ceiling, this trending design feature is at the top of my home project wish list. Statement-making ceiling shiplap is the current designer go-to for visually expanding or lengthening a space. The wood panels look lovely when finished with a crisp white or punchy paint color and look equally alluring when left in their natural state. Best part? Rumor has that you can install wood panels directly on top of your old popcorn ceiling without a single scraper or spray bottle on site.

Get the How-To: How to Install Shiplap

Dated: Worn Out Phrases

We live, we laugh and we love. But we don't need to broadcast that on our home furnishings friend. Rather than go down the well-traveled "live, laugh, love" path, select phrases that are more personal, sincere or applicable. Artfully displayed wedding vows are an ultra-romantic example of loving text that will never feel worn out. Other ideas: framed family photos and shadow boxes with special tokens from various stages in your life.

Trending: Chic + Sentimental Family Photos

Worn-out phrases and store-bought signage have nothing on this timeless black-and-white family photo display. A collection of inky, editorial gallery frames in varied sizes expand the built-in, showcasing decades of family life rich with love and ripe with laughter. Replace your quirky wall signs with a wall full of black-and-white snapshots of your people and pets through the years.

Get the How-To: Displaying Family Photos

Dated: Pine Cabinets

Consider this a double-dose of dated. The flat-panel pine plus a square, tile backsplash leave the kitchen feeling dark and cramped. Smooth things out with a fresh coat of paint and clean, smooth countertops throughout for a more polished and put-together design.

Get the How-To: Painting Kitchen Cabinets

From: Katrina Stumbos

Trending: White Oak Cabinets

If you’re committed to installing wooden kitchen cabinets, white oak is the only way to go. The soft, diffused finish and warm golden tone make white oak a seamless complement for neutral and vibrant kitchen color palettes. Take cues from Mike Chajecki and pair white oak with a secondary cabinet color to ensure the space feels dimensional and fresh.

Get More Ideas: Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Dated: Heavy Floral Drapes

Ditch those dark burgundy, floral-print curtains of the '90s. Heavy drapes are a fad of the past and it’s easy to see how they instantly age a space, distracting from all of the natural light that streams into this great room. Take off years with floor-length, light-hued varieties hung high and wide to allow sunlight to stream into your space with ease.

From: 27 Diamonds Interior Design

Trending: Flower Power Wallpaper

Why settle for a few heavy floral drapes when you can paper entire walls with flashy floral print instead? Find your flower power; install a kicky contemporary or classic floral mural to your dining room walls or sitting room ceiling. Bonus points if you do both. Pro tip: Keep your design feeling current by anchoring the space with solid velvet drapes and one-note upholstered furnishings.

Get the How-To: How to Hang Wallpaper

From: Barbie Palomino