Telltale Signs Your Home Is Still Full of 2010s Trends

The 2010s were a decade that reshaped the way we approached home decor, largely influenced by social media platforms like Pinterest and Tumblr, and a slew of popular home makeover shows. Inspired by the likes of Chip and Joanna Gaines, homeowners flocked to trends such as shabby chic, ultra-modern decor, and soothing neutral palettes. However, as we gear up for a new decade, many elements from the past decade are beginning to feel stale and overdone. If your home is still echoing the design language of the 2010s, it might be time for a refresh. Here are the telltale signs that your home might still be nestled in glamorous but dated trends.

Millennial Colors

One of the defining features of the 2010s was the rise of millennial pink and shades of gray. Once celebrated as chic and unique, these hues have now turned tired and overly familiar. Whether you have rustic gray flooring or dusty rose furniture, these colors were the backdrop for many homes during the decade. Today’s trend leans toward earthy neutrals like khakis, mochas, and terracottas or the emerging maximalist aesthetic employing jewel tones. Embracing these new shades can instantly elevate your space.

Chesterfield Couches

Chesterfield sofas, with their vintage flair, were once all the rage but have now fallen out of favor. While they add a classic touch, their bulky silhouette often feels outdated, especially with today’s preference for cleaner, more streamlined options. Modern decor favors low-profile modular sectionals with organic textures or curvy, sculptural designs that lend a more contemporary feel to any space.

Shiplap Walls

Thanks to the modern farmhouse aesthetic that exploded during the 2010s, shiplap became the go-to option for adding texture to walls. However, after saturating every living room and bathroom, this look has lost its edge and is starting to feel cliché. Instead, consider opting for vertical wood slatting, fluted panels, or even limewash paint to inject some personality and depth into your rooms.

Mason Jars

Mason jars became synonymous with a rustic DIY aesthetic that won the hearts of many during the 2010s. Often seen repurposed as lanterns, wine glasses, or even home decor, their once-endearing novelty has now worn off. Today, switch to tinted glassware or hand-thrown ceramics for that artisanal charm but with a much more sophisticated edge.

Chevron Patterns

The zigzag chevron pattern was everywhere in the 2010s, adorning everything from nursery walls to kitchen backsplashes. Initially thought to add a whimsical element, the pattern has become a representation of mass-produced aesthetics. To bring your space into alignment with modern design, consider switching to monochrome herringbone patterns, which offer a more structural and timeless appeal.

Burlap Accents

Burlap accents were a staple in shabby chic decor, offering a rustic feel that many embraced. Yet, as the farmhouse aesthetic recedes in popularity, burlap can feel overly tired. Instead, experiment with heavier linens or natural jute fibers that maintain the organic yet polished look of burlap while feeling fresher and more relevant.

Macrame Wall Art

Macrame wall art became an emblem of the boho-chic movement in the 2010s, taking over walls alongside indoor plants. Although it initially had a handmade touch, mass-produced options quickly led to a sense of sameness. Updating your decor with framed textile art or quilts can maintain that artistic vibe while feeling much more personal and curated.

Edison Bulbs

Edison bulbs brought an industrial chic flair to homes, giving spaces that artisanal coffee shop vibe. However, their popularity has rendered them somewhat cliché, especially in kitchens where they proliferated. Consider replacing them with textile light covers or pleated fabric shades which diffuse light beautifully, making spaces warm and inviting without the stark industrial edge.

Rose Gold Accents

The millennial aesthetic championed rose gold accents, which found their way into everything from kitchenware to décor. While this metallic hue initially felt fresh and unique, it’s now seen as overused. 2020s decor is moving toward antiqued brass or even oil-rubbed bronze for a more authentic and warm metallic choice.

Ikat Patterns

Ikat patterns surged in popularity during the 2010s, appearing on everything from throw pillows to upholstered furniture. However, the market soon became flooded with low-quality imitations, leading to a visual trend that feels less handcrafted and more ubiquitous. Replace ikat with block prints or woven stripes for a more refined and artisanal look.

Mirror Furniture

Mirror Furniture, once seen as chic and glamorous, has become somewhat over-the-top and loud. Instead of using reflective surfaces that shout for attention, consider high-gloss lacquers or natural burl wood finishes to bring sophistication and warmth into your space effortlessly.

Chalkboard Walls

Chalkboard walls were a fun, trendy way to add a whimsical charm with spaces for notes and messages. However, in today’s simplified design landscape, they can appear messy and outdated. Alternatives include using linen-covered bulletin boards or opting for darker, richly toned walls that are more refined.

Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors once effortlessly paired rural charm with modern convenience. However, as tastes shift away from overtly rustic elements, these doors now read as bulky and impractical. Consider replacing them with traditional pocket doors that offer the same space-saving benefits without the visual clutter.

Typography Signs

Signs bearing inspirational phrases became a hallmark of home decor in the 2010s. While they were meant to add warmth, these can often feel impersonal and cliched. Modern design favors displaying authentic art pieces that reflect your personality, rather than literal slogans on wood.

Pineapple Themed Decor

Although pineapples have long been symbols of hospitality, their ubiquitous presence in 2010s decor made them feel generic. If you appreciate the fruity motif, consider substituting with historical botanical prints or floral designs that are more timeless and elegant.

Faux Sheepskin Rugs

Faux sheepskin dominated during the hygge craze, serving as the cozy accent everyone desired. However, now they often feel dated. Today, consider investing in vintage rugs or natural fiber options that maintain the warmth of faux sheepskin without the synthetic look.

Plastic Letterboards

Once a quirky and charming way to express thoughts, plastic letterboards feel passé in today’s decor landscape. Instead, think about evolving your message boards into a more tech-savvy realm, such as utilizing framed digital displays for a modern twist.

Marble and Gold Contact Paper

Affordable DIY hacks ruled the 2010s, and marble and gold contact paper became a popular choice for many. Yet, as style evolves, this glossy faux finish appears glaringly artificial. Modern design offers a spectrum of options, urging you to explore elevated wallpaper or paint techniques instead.

Subway Tile

Subway tiles became synonymous with clean, minimalist aesthetics in kitchens during the 2010s. Yet their clinical look can feel monotonous in today’s design world. Transitioning to more organically shaped tiles, like Zellige, provides warmth and a softer touch, aligning better with current preferences.

If your home still carries the hallmark elements of 2010s design, consider this a gentle nudge to rejuvenate your space. After all, your home should be a reflection of your evolving taste and sensibilities — it’s time to move beyond the nostalgia of a previous decade and embrace what’s next.