Trends come and go, and some home design choices that once felt stylish now make a space feel outdated. As we move into 2025, certain decor elements are better left in the past in favor of fresh, modern updates. If your home still features any of these 14 design trends, it might be time for a well-deserved upgrade. Swapping them out can breathe new life into your space and make it feel more in line with today’s aesthetic.
1. Tuscan-Inspired Kitchens
Once the height of sophistication, Tuscan-style kitchens with dark wood cabinets, ornate details, and heavy granite countertops now feel dated. According to U.S. News, this old-world look tends to make spaces feel overly warm and heavy, clashing with today’s preference for bright, airy kitchens. If your kitchen still boasts wrought iron fixtures and tumbled stone backsplashes, it’s time for a refresh.
A modern upgrade focuses on clean lines, natural textures, and lighter tones. Swapping dark cabinetry for soft wood tones or crisp white can instantly brighten the space. Quartz countertops with subtle veining provide an updated look while remaining timeless. Matte black or brushed gold hardware adds a contemporary touch without overwhelming the design.
2. All-Gray Interiors
For years, gray dominated home interiors, from walls to furniture to flooring. While neutral tones remain popular, an all-gray space now feels lifeless and lacking warmth. In 2025, the Spruce says, designers are embracing warmer hues like soft beiges, rich browns, and nature-inspired greens to create a cozier environment.
A quick way to refresh a gray-heavy home is to introduce warmer accent colors through furniture, rugs, and decor. Painting walls in soft, earthy tones can also bring new energy into a room. Layering textures like linen, velvet, and wood helps prevent a space from feeling too sterile. Small changes like swapping gray throw pillows for warm neutrals can make a big difference.
3. Fast Furniture
Budget-friendly, mass-produced furniture made a splash in the 2010s, but its short lifespan and environmental impact have turned many homeowners away. Pieces from big-box stores often lack durability, leading to frequent replacements. As sustainability becomes a priority, investing in quality over quantity is the smarter choice—even Martha Stewart agrees.
Timeless, well-crafted furniture lasts for years and often looks better with age. Shopping secondhand or choosing brands that prioritize sustainability can make a big difference. Opting for natural materials like solid wood, wool, and organic cotton helps create a more eco-conscious home. Well-made furniture not only enhances aesthetics but also reduces waste.
4. Barn Doors
Barn doors had a major moment thanks to the farmhouse trend, but their time is coming to an end. While they can be a space-saving alternative to traditional doors, their rustic style often clashes with modern interiors. They also lack soundproofing, making them a poor choice for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy is key.
A more sophisticated replacement is a pocket door or a sleek, paneled sliding door. These options maintain the space-saving benefits while offering a more polished look. If you still love the farmhouse aesthetic, consider incorporating reclaimed wood in smaller doses, such as shelving or furniture. This allows for warmth and character without overwhelming a space.
5. Shiplap Walls
Thanks to the popularity of modern farmhouse decor, shiplap became a go-to wall treatment for many homeowners. While it can add texture, it now feels overused and too closely tied to a specific design trend. In 2025, the focus is on more natural and organic wall treatments that feel less contrived.
To update your space, consider plaster or limewash walls for a subtle yet sophisticated look. Wallpaper with soft patterns or woven textures can also provide dimension without feeling trendy. If you still love the character of shiplap, using it in small doses—like on a fireplace surround—keeps it from looking outdated.
6. Industrial-Style Lighting
Edison bulbs and exposed metal fixtures were once a staple of trendy industrial design. While they worked well in loft spaces, they now feel too harsh for modern homes. Their overuse in restaurants and retail spaces has also made them feel less special.
A better alternative is lighting with softer, more sculptural shapes. Globe pendants, linen-covered shades, and brass or alabaster fixtures bring warmth to a space. Layering different light sources, like sconces and statement chandeliers, creates a more inviting atmosphere. The goal is to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
7. Open Shelving in Kitchens
While open shelving once seemed like a stylish way to display dishware and decor, it has proven to be impractical for many homeowners. Exposed shelves require constant dusting, and keeping them perfectly styled can be exhausting. Cluttered or mismatched dishware on display often makes a kitchen feel chaotic rather than curated.
A more functional and updated approach is a mix of closed cabinetry and limited open shelving. Glass-front cabinets offer a compromise, keeping dishes visible while minimizing dust. Integrated storage solutions, like pull-out organizers and hidden pantries, enhance both functionality and aesthetics. If you love the open look, consider a single decorative shelf rather than an entire wall.
8. Word Art Decor
Signs with phrases like “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Gather” once felt charming but now come across as overly staged. This type of decor has been overused in homes, making spaces feel less unique. Instead of word art, 2025’s design trends lean toward more personalized and meaningful decor choices.
Framed artwork, family photos, or handmade pieces create a more authentic atmosphere. Vintage prints, abstract paintings, and woven textiles bring character to a room without feeling generic. If you still love typography in decor, consider incorporating it subtly through books, embossed details, or discreet engraving.
9. Granite Countertops
Granite was once the go-to choice for kitchen countertops, but its dominance has faded in favor of sleeker, more modern materials. Bold, speckled patterns can make a kitchen feel busy, especially in smaller spaces. Additionally, granite requires regular sealing to prevent staining and wear.
Quartz countertops have become the top choice due to their low maintenance and versatile aesthetics. Light, subtle veining gives a high-end look without overwhelming the design. Other options like soapstone and butcher block are also gaining popularity for their warmth and durability.
10. Matching Furniture Sets
Buying a full matching furniture set might seem like an easy way to furnish a room, but it often results in a space that feels uninspired. Identical pieces lack the depth and personality of a thoughtfully curated home. In 2025, eclectic styling with mixed materials and finishes is the way forward.
Layering furniture from different eras and styles creates a more lived-in, sophisticated look. Combining wood, metal, and upholstered pieces adds contrast and character. A mix of vintage and modern finds keeps a space fresh and visually interesting.
