A little bit a floral is fun. A lot of floral is a 70's time warp.
When it comes to decorating, there are times when taking inspiration from decades past makes a stylish vintage statement. Then, there are times like these — when a blast from the past would be better off staying there. From word art to floral furniture, these are the worst old interior design trends that you should toss immediately. Be honest: How many of these outdated trends have are in your home?
WOOD PANELING
It might have been fabulous in the '70s, but today, avoid wood paneling at all costs. It typically makes a room look dreary and dated — and nobody should settle for this type of environment.
WORD ART
Do you really need a giant wooden plaque hanging on the wall? From "Family" to "Love" to "Home," there are plenty of generic phrases and pieces of word art available — but that doesn't mean it's the best choice. Instead, it's worth it to take the time to choose something more meaningful that speaks to your aesthetic.
EDISON BULBS
Every coffee shop in Alabama has these antique-style lights hanging from the ceiling, and I'm over it. If you want to be more than just a hipster with harsh lighting, opt for statement lighting like a chandelier instead. Even Thomas Edison himself would agree.
TUSCAN KITCHENS
This style was everywhere in the early 2000s, and we can certainly see its appeal. Today's kitchens, however, focus on creating a light, airy place to cook, rather than emulating a dark Italian villa.
MATCHING WINDOW VALANCES
When the window valances match the curtains and those match the furniture, you know you've time traveled to an earlier decade. Swap boxy for elegant with updated, modern curtains.
AVOCADO FRIDGE
Refrigerators in the 1970s seemingly reflected what was inside them — avocados. It's a fun concept, but its charm is preserved in that decade.
PLAID
Oh, the '70s. We certainly don't miss this look, which made you feel like you were in a plaid kaleidoscope. As with many other items on this list, sticking to moderation is key.
PINE FURNITURE
Don't get us wrong, an occasional pine accent is fine. But in the '80s and '90s, it was just about everywhere, from bookshelves to dressers to chests. Just don't do it.
SPONGE or FEATHERDUSTER WALLS
Mom's in the '90s started getting crafty, but unfortunately, that often meant swapping paint rollers for her cleaning supplies. Though it created "texture," we can't help but appreciate today's chic, bold and sponge-free look instead.
POPCORN CEILING
Oh, popcorn ceilings. I don't even think this is a thing now - Thank goodness! Shall we agree that the only place popcorn belongs is buttered and in the movie theatre? If you want to go bold, consider painting your ceiling in a striking color.
FLORAL EVERYTHING
The '80s loved florals and that meant putting the pattern on just about everything. Ugh. In modern design, florals are more thoughtfully used as accent patterns.
LACE DOILIES
While we're on the subject of 80's love, just ditch the lace doilies, too. Especially when paired with a floral tablecloth, they simply read "too much."
CURIO CABINETS
Curio cabinets were used to display anything from one's prized trinkets, a menagerie of blown glass, to their fine china — all of which seem passé in 2022.
CEILING MIRRORS
There was a time when ceiling mirrors were considered chic — even Gloria Vanderbilt had one! But today this look often considered, well, cheesy.
PLATFORM BEDS
Platform beds were a major hit in the '70s and then again in the modern age - minimalist '90s. While there's a certain appeal to the low-slung look, you will undoubtedly hit your shin on that bed frame daily.
***Leave a comment with any other outdated trends you see out there (but, hopefully not in your home).
Much Love,
Mary B
