10 Curb Appeal Trends That Are Already Out of Style

Curb appeal matters, but some trends that were everywhere a few years ago are starting to look outdated. What might’ve been seen as “fresh” or “stylish” back then now gives off the opposite vibe—like you’re chasing something that’s already passed.

If your goal is to make your home look cared for and current, it’s worth ditching these trends before they start dragging down your whole front yard. These are the looks that no longer work.

All-Gray Exteriors

Gray was the go-to for a while—paint, siding, trim, you name it. But now, too much gray can make a house feel flat and lifeless. It doesn’t stand out and tends to blend in with cloudy skies or concrete driveways.

People are leaning toward warmer tones, natural wood accents, and soft neutrals instead. If your house is still all gray, even a few updates—like a fresh front door or some warmer trim—can make a big difference.

Overdone Symmetry

Perfectly balanced planters, twin topiaries, and matching lights used to be the go-to formula. But when everything is mirrored, it can feel stiff and uninviting—more like a showroom than a real home.

A little asymmetry adds character. One large pot next to a bench or a mix of plant heights feels more relaxed and natural. It helps the space look lived in, not staged.

Chevron Front Doors

Chevron patterns were everywhere for a while—especially on front doors and shutters. Now they’re feeling more dated than trendy. The look can be loud and doesn’t always age well with the rest of the home’s design.

Solid doors with subtle paneling or natural finishes are taking over. They feel cleaner and more timeless, especially when paired with updated hardware or a statement house number.

White Rock Landscaping

White gravel beds were all over Pinterest, but in real life, they’re tough to maintain. They show every leaf, stain, and bit of dirt—and before long, they go from modern to messy.

They also reflect a lot of sunlight, which can make your front yard feel harsh and washed out. Natural stone or darker mulch tends to be more forgiving and still looks tidy without being high-maintenance.

Tiny Porch Columns

Skinny columns were added to a lot of builder-grade homes, but they don’t give much visual support—and they definitely don’t add charm. They can make an entryway feel awkward and cheap.

Replacing them with chunkier, square columns or wrapping existing ones in wood can instantly make the front of your house feel more solid and intentional. It’s one of those upgrades that adds weight without a full rebuild.

Shiplap Everywhere

Shiplap had its moment, thanks to TV shows and farmhouse fever, but using it on the exterior—especially in entryways—has started to feel forced. It doesn’t always hold up well outside, either.

People are shifting toward cleaner lines and materials that feel more natural to the region. Board-and-batten siding or vertical slats in warm tones offer texture without looking stuck in a trend.

Too Many Solar Path Lights

Solar lights lining every inch of the walkway used to be a popular way to add curb appeal on a budget. But too many, especially when they’re different styles or poorly spaced, can end up looking cluttered and cheap.

Fewer, higher-quality fixtures with proper placement do more for safety and style. It’s better to invest in a few good ones than crowd the yard with a dozen mismatched lights.

Fake Window Shutters

Non-functional shutters that are too skinny or screwed directly into the siding have fallen out of favor. They look off when they don’t actually cover the window, and people are starting to notice.

If shutters don’t serve a purpose or fit the scale of the windows, it’s better to skip them altogether. Real-looking ones (or none at all) create a cleaner, more intentional look.

Bright Mulch Colors

Red and dyed-black mulch used to be all the rage, but they’re fading—literally and figuratively. The colors don’t always age well, and they can feel artificial compared to more natural options.

Shredded bark or hardwood mulch in natural brown tones is a better choice. It holds color longer, looks good against most house colors, and won’t overpower your landscaping.

House Numbers You Can’t Read

Fancy fonts and small address numbers mounted in odd places might look cute, but they’re a hassle. Delivery drivers, guests, and emergency services need to be able to see your house number from the road.

Clean, easy-to-read numbers—ideally with good contrast—are both functional and stylish. Mounting them on the mailbox, front wall, or porch post makes your home more welcoming and way easier to find.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.