8 Trends That Will Age Poorly and How to Create a Timeless Design
By McDaniels Kitchens and Bath|Kitchen Design
Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to McDaniels Kitchen & Bath’s website. All views expressed are those of the author.
There are two schools of thought in the world of fashions and trends: “What goes around comes around,” and “What’s in the past should stay there.” Take tiled countertops as an example. They were all the rage in the 70s, but they’re also difficult to clean, not very functional, and a bit hard on the eyes. Probably better off in the past. On the other hand, mid-century modern is cycling back into style after decades of lying dormant.
Like tiled countertops, there are tons of home design trends today that will cause us to cringe when we think about them in ten years’ time. If you’re on the verge of a big home renovation, knowing the home design trends likely to be out of style in the next few years will save you in the long run.
Timeless vs. Trendy
The battle between timeless and trendy has stretched on for ages and will continue for years to come. There’s always going to be a new trend or hot home design style to follow. But something timeless remains resilient to the constant cycles of new trends. The trick is balancing timelessness with current trends.
You’re free to design your home however you like. But it’s important to understand that not every design choice is sustainable—and that’s okay. Have fun with bold colors and unique hardware choices. Just don’t go thinking every design choice will stand the test of time.
8 Popular Home Design Trends That Will Age Poorly
This list dives into the trends that will likely fall into the “What’s in the past should stay there” category. If something on this list describes your home, there’s no need to jump on an instant renovation. But, if you are renovating, we’d recommend really reflecting on your design choices if they include installing anything on our list—especially if you’re remodeling to sell.
Too Much Gray
Often dubbed “Millennial Gray,” this design trend features a neutral gray theme throughout a home. Think gray vinyl wood floors, gray paint, and perhaps some white trim here and there. While some will argue that gray is a great neutral color that appeals to home buyers, most others see it as the obvious sign of a cheap flip or careless design. Creating a warm home with a bit more personality is almost always the better option if you’re considering going gray.
Sliding Barn Doors
A lot of people have beef with the entire modern farmhouse style. But the main trend you’ll probably see people ditching soon is the sliding barn door. While functional in practice—and much easier to install than a pocket door—sliding barn doors have become more of a flimsy eyesore than an intentional design choice. Even though they’re great for saving space, they often don’t do much to block sounds or provide privacy.
Open Kitchen Shelving
The ultimate modern kitchen design trend involves tossing standard kitchen cabinets to the curb and opting for open shelving where homeowners can store their plates, bowls, and mugs for everyone to see. While a lovely idea in theory, open shelving in a kitchen can quickly become messy and difficult to keep up with.
Painting Over Brick
There’s a new trend in home renovations where homeowners opt to paint over original fixtures, such as wood or brick, in an attempt to modernize. While we support cost-effective solutions, painting over brick can lead to long-term problems. For instance, brick needs to breathe! Painting over it can cause moisture issues. On top of that, painted brick requires tons of upkeep and regular maintenance.
Gold-Plated Hardware
Gold-plated hardware like drawer pulls, faucets, and cabinet handles is one of those trends that cycle in and out over the decades. Once a hit in the 1950s and again in the 1980s, it faded out of popularity in the following decades. Lately, it’s been making a comeback in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere. But if history repeats itself, don’t plan on this trend sticking around for long.
Distressed Rugs
Perhaps we sound like a pestering grandparent who asks why you buy jeans with holes already in them, but we admit the sentiment here is similar. Paying full price for a rug meant to appear distressed will eventually cause your space to look distressed.
Black Tiles or Countertops
Black is the latest fad in kitchen and bathroom design. People are big on matte black fixtures and hardware, black tiles, black countertops, and more. While some things, like fixtures, are easier to change, others are more costly.
Homeowners are splurging big time on black tiles and countertops in their kitchens or bathrooms. And now, many face the reality of opting into this trend. Black shows everything. Dirt and grime are visible much faster with black tiles or countertops. Many complain that their new black surface almost never looks 100% clean.
No Personality
A big trend nowadays is the neutral home that looks like anyone could live in it. But that’s just not realistic. At the end of the day, the biggest trend you should follow is your own personal style. It’s your home, after all! You should feel comfortable living there and giving it your personal touch, whether that’s some crazy wallpaper, a bold paint color, or something else.
Tips for Timeless Home Design
Your home is yours, so if you love black countertops and sliding barn doors, that’s okay. Just know that you’ll probably want to change them out in a few years. If you are interested in bringing more long-term designs into your home, here are some tips:
- Lean into your home’s architectural style. Installing shiplap walls in your Spanish-style home is akin to an introvert going to a party. While it may seem like a great idea and even work out for a while, both become tired after time passes. By leaning into your home’s identity, you’ll achieve a naturally timeless style.
- Naturals for the win. If you can afford the heftier price tag, natural materials will always win out when it comes to sustainable design trends. Think wood floors, brick, and stone. These materials bring warmth to a home and will always be in style.
- Talk to a custom home builder. You aren’t alone in your mission to blend timeless home design styles with your personal taste. That’s what a custom home builder is for! Not only can they help you think through design choices, but they can also do the work, saving you from having to find someone else to implement your designs. Consider consulting a custom home builder for more ideas and help getting started.
Want Timeless? Work With a Designer
If you want to update your home’s style in a way that is timeless and fresh at the same time, working with a designer or home design firm is the best option. It’s their job to know what trends are just passing by and which ones are here to stay. They’ll guide you through choosing finishes that fit your personal style and remain on trend for years to come.
