The 2010s brought a wave of home decor trends that once felt fresh but now make spaces feel outdated. From all-gray interiors to overly staged open shelving, certain design choices instantly reveal their time period. While some elements can be updated with small tweaks, others might require a full refresh. If your home still showcases these tell-tale signs, it may be time to rethink your decor and bring in a more current, timeless aesthetic.

1. All-Gray Everything

Once considered chic and modern, all-gray interiors now feel cold and uninspired. This trend dominated the 2010s, with gray walls, floors, and furniture creating a monochromatic look that lacks warmth and personality. While gray can be a great neutral, layering different colors and textures is key to keeping a space inviting. Overuse of this shade can make a home feel outdated, especially as warmer, earthier tones have taken center stage in contemporary design.

2. Chevron Patterns on Walls and Textiles

Chevron prints were everywhere in the 2010s, from accent walls to rugs and bedding. The bold zigzag pattern became a go-to for adding energy to a space, but its overuse quickly made it feel dated. While geometric designs can still be stylish, chevron’s dominance has faded, replaced by more organic shapes and subtle textures. If you still love the look, consider incorporating it in small doses rather than as the main design statement in a room.

3. Open Shelving Overloaded with Decor

Open shelving became a staple in kitchens and living spaces, intended to showcase stylishly arranged dishes and decor. However, it often led to cluttered, impractical displays that were difficult to maintain. When shelves are overcrowded with mismatched items, they lose their curated appeal and become overwhelming. The trend has now shifted toward a balance of open and closed storage, allowing for functionality while maintaining a clean, cohesive look.

4. Barn Doors in Every Room

The sliding barn door was a farmhouse-inspired trend that exploded in the 2010s, appearing in homes regardless of their architectural style. While they offer a space-saving alternative to traditional doors, they don’t provide the same level of sound privacy and often feel out of place in modern or contemporary interiors. As home design leans toward more timeless and sophisticated aesthetics, barn doors are being replaced with sleek pocket doors or statement-worthy traditional doors.

5. Industrial Pipe Shelving and Fixtures

Raw, industrial-style shelving and light fixtures featuring exposed metal pipes were a hallmark of 2010s decor, blending rustic and modern aesthetics. However, the trend quickly became overdone, making homes feel more like repurposed warehouses than cozy living spaces. While elements of industrial design are still popular, today’s interiors favor a more refined approach—mixing warm woods, soft lighting, and sophisticated materials for a balanced and inviting look.

6. Word Art and Oversized Script Signs

Inspirational quotes in oversized script fonts were everywhere in the 2010s, covering walls, shelves, and entryways with messages like “Live, Laugh, Love.” While the intention was to create a warm, welcoming feel, the trend became overused and cliché. Designers now favor more unique, personal touches—such as original artwork, vintage finds, or meaningful photography—rather than mass-produced signs that can make a space feel impersonal and generic.

7. Rose Gold and Copper Overload

Rose gold and copper accents were the metallics of choice in the 2010s, showing up in everything from kitchen hardware to light fixtures and decor accessories. While these warm metals added a trendy touch at the time, their overwhelming presence quickly made interiors feel dated. Today, more timeless and versatile finishes—such as aged brass, matte black, or brushed nickel—are preferred, offering a more sophisticated and enduring aesthetic.

8. Faux Distressed and Shabby Chic Finishes

The shabby chic trend brought an abundance of intentionally distressed furniture and whitewashed wood, aiming for a charming, rustic aesthetic. However, mass-produced “faux vintage” pieces often lacked authenticity and felt forced. Over time, this look lost its appeal in favor of more natural, high-quality materials that age gracefully. Instead of artificially distressed finishes, modern interiors embrace well-crafted, vintage finds that tell a genuine story.

9. Farmhouse Sinks in Non-Farmhouse Homes

Farmhouse sinks became a must-have in kitchens during the 2010s, thanks to the popularity of rustic, country-inspired decor. While undeniably functional, these oversized sinks often feel out of place in homes that don’t have a farmhouse aesthetic. Today’s kitchens prioritize sleek, integrated sinks and modern apron-front designs that complement a variety of styles, ensuring that function and form work together seamlessly in the space.

10. Edison Bulbs as the Only Light Source

Edison bulbs were the go-to lighting choice in the 2010s, bringing a vintage-industrial vibe to homes, restaurants, and cafes. While they add a warm glow, their exposed filament look became overused and impractical as the sole source of lighting. Now, layered lighting designs—incorporating sconces, pendants, and recessed lighting—are preferred for a more balanced and functional ambiance, while statement fixtures add personality without relying solely on Edison bulbs.

11. Overly Staged Coffee Table Vignettes

Perfectly arranged coffee tables with stacks of designer books, decorative beads, and precisely placed candles became a staple in 2010s home styling. While visually appealing, these curated setups often felt more like showroom displays than livable spaces. Today, the trend leans toward a more organic, functional approach—balancing beauty with practicality by incorporating personal items, unique accents, and a sense of effortless charm rather than forced perfection.

12. Too Many Velvet Furniture Pieces

Velvet surged in popularity during the 2010s, with jewel-toned sofas, chairs, and even headboards taking center stage. While a single velvet statement piece can add elegance and texture, overloading a space with too much of it can feel heavy and impractical. Designers now recommend mixing textures—such as linen, boucle, and natural wood—to create a more balanced and layered aesthetic that remains timeless rather than overly trendy.

13. Ultra-Modern, Glossy White Kitchens

Sleek, all-white kitchens with glossy cabinets, high-shine finishes, and waterfall countertops were a defining feature of 2010s interiors. While they looked clean and modern, they often lacked warmth and personality. Homeowners now favor more inviting kitchen designs, incorporating natural wood elements, matte finishes, and rich, earthy tones to create a space that feels both stylish and welcoming rather than stark and clinical.

14. Boho Macramé Overuse

Macramé wall hangings, plant holders, and woven decor became a signature of the boho trend, adding a handcrafted, textured element to spaces. However, when overused, these pieces made rooms feel overly themed rather than thoughtfully styled. The modern take on boho embraces a more curated approach, incorporating vintage textiles, natural materials, and meaningful handmade pieces without overwhelming a space with macramé excess.

15. Faux Marble and Granite Contact Paper

During the DIY boom of the 2010s, faux marble and granite contact paper was a popular budget-friendly hack for upgrading countertops, furniture, and even appliances. While it provided a quick aesthetic fix, the temporary nature and unrealistic appearance of these films often cheapened the overall design. Today, homeowners are opting for durable, high-quality materials or embracing the beauty of real wood and stone, even in their natural, imperfect states.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.