9 Home Trends That Are Going Out of Style
(and What's Replacing Them)
Design trends come and go—some age gracefully, and others… not so much. If you’ve walked through your home lately and started feeling like something’s off, it might be because parts of your interior are stuck in a different decade. The good news? You don’t need to knock down walls or do a full remodel to bring things up to speed.
Let’s take a look at the home design trends that are fading fast—and what savvy homeowners and designers are doing instead.
1. Gray Everything → Warm Neutrals
Remember when everything was gray? From walls to cabinets to furniture, gray had its moment. It felt clean and neutral, but after years of saturation, it’s starting to feel cold and a little uninspired.
What’s replacing it: Warm neutrals like taupe, greige (a gray-beige hybrid with more warmth), soft browns, and even muted peach tones are making a comeback. These shades add coziness without being too bold and play well with natural materials.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering a refresh before selling your home, a licensed mortgage loan originator can help you explore options like a renovation loan to cover cosmetic updates.
2. Open Shelving in Kitchens → Closed Storage with Character
Open shelving had its Pinterest moment. It looks great in a staged kitchen but tends to turn into a clutter magnet in real life. Dust, mismatched mugs, and cereal boxes don’t exactly scream minimalist chic.
What’s replacing it: People are swinging back to closed cabinets, but with a twist—think textured cabinet fronts, bold colors like navy or forest green, and brass or matte black hardware. Glass-front cabinets or reeded glass doors strike a happy medium if you still want a display element without sacrificing practicality.
3. Shiplap Walls → Limewash & Textured Paint Finishes
Thanks, farmhouse trend! Shiplap had a solid run, especially after a certain home reno show made it a household name. But now? It’s starting to look a little overdone and too theme-specific.
What’s replacing it: Subtle texture is still in, but the look is getting an update. Limewash and plaster-inspired paint finishes add depth and character without screaming “DIY farmhouse.” These finishes have an old-world, natural feel that fits into modern, classic, and even industrial aesthetics.
4. All-White Kitchens → Warm, Layered Spaces
White kitchens were once the gold standard of modern design: clean, timeless, and neutral. But after a decade of sterile white-on-white, many homeowners are craving more personality.
What’s replacing it: Two-tone cabinetry, wood accents, textured backsplashes, and statement lighting. It’s all about creating a space that feels lived-in and layered. Bonus: darker or wood-toned lower cabinets hide wear and tear much better than stark white.
5. Fast Furniture → Vintage & Sustainable Pieces
Inexpensive, flat-packed furniture has been a go-to for young homeowners and renters for years. But more people are becoming aware of the environmental cost—and the short shelf life—of buying disposable pieces.
What’s replacing it: Thrifted or vintage furniture, investment pieces made from real wood, and sustainably sourced materials. These options might cost more upfront, but they hold their value, last longer, and bring unique character into your home.
6. Industrial Everything → Soft Minimalism
The industrial look—exposed pipes, concrete floors, Edison bulbs—had a strong moment in lofts and urban spaces. But when overdone, it can feel cold and unfinished.
What’s replacing it: Soft minimalism. Think clean lines, organic shapes, and layered textures instead of hard edges and stark contrast. Neutral palettes with touches of black or charcoal keep things grounded without going full factory mode.
7. Accent Walls → Statement Ceilings & Bold Wallpaper
The accent wall (usually in a darker paint color) was once a go-to design move for adding depth to a room. But the trend has lost steam as people look for more impactful, creative ways to express style.
What’s replacing it: Bold wallpaper (hello, moody florals and graphic prints) and even statement ceilings—painted, paneled, or wallpapered. These features draw the eye upward and add drama without dominating the whole space.
8. Massive Bathtubs → Spa-Inspired Showers
Oversized whirlpool tubs might look luxurious, but in practice, they take up a ton of space and rarely get used. Not to mention the upkeep and water usage.
What’s replacing it: Spa-inspired showers with rainfall heads, built-in benches, and sleek glass enclosures. They’re easier to maintain, more water-efficient, and fit better in modern layouts.
9. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting → Natural or Patterned Rugs Over Wood Floors
While cozy, wall-to-wall carpet is tough to clean and doesn’t age well—especially in high-traffic areas.
What’s replacing it: Hardwood (or engineered wood) flooring with large, washable area rugs in natural fibers or bold patterns. This combo offers warmth without sacrificing style or practicality.
Final Thoughts
Trends come and go — functionality lasts.
At the end of the day, it’s your home. While it’s fun to stay current with trends, what really matters is that your space feels good to you. If you’re updating with resale in mind, talk to a licensed mortgage loan originator about renovation financing options that can improve your home’s value while staying on budget.
Ready to give your space a refresh? Start small, stay intentional, and don’t be afraid to mix old with new.
Ready to buy a home of your own? Our team of Mortgage Experts can help!