10 Design tricks from Fixer Upper that feel tired now

When Fixer Upper first took over HGTV, the Gaines style felt new and exciting. Viewers loved how approachable it seemed, and for a while, everyone wanted their home to look like the show. But not every idea has stood the test of time.

Some of the tricks that looked perfect on camera now feel overplayed, impractical, or out of sync with where design is heading. If you’re thinking of updating, these are the ones worth letting go.

Blackboard Walls

The chalkboard wall was a Fixer Upper favorite for kitchens, mudrooms, and play areas. While it looked fun and family-friendly, in real life it’s messy. Chalk dust isn’t ideal in food prep spaces, and the walls often look smudged more than stylish.

Magnetic boards, cork, or simple pinboards are proving more practical. They still let you organize or display without turning your walls into a constant cleanup project.

Giant Clocks as Wall Art

At one point, no farmhouse living room was complete without an oversized clock hanging above the mantel. They made a big statement, but now they read more as staged décor than something functional.

People are moving toward art, photography, or layered frames that bring more personality. A clock is useful, but when it takes up half the wall, it starts to look like a cliché.

Faux Industrial Pipes

Pipe shelving and pipe-inspired tables became a hallmark of the industrial farmhouse mix. While they added an edge at the time, they’re not aging gracefully. They collect dust, can look unfinished, and don’t always support much weight.

More refined shelving with natural wood and hidden brackets is replacing the trend. It keeps the utility feel without making your house look like a workshop.

Mason Jar Light Fixtures

Lighting made from mason jars was a DIY favorite that quickly hit mainstream. The problem is, they don’t cast the best light, and they’re harder to clean than you’d think.

Instead of mason jars, people are leaning into more classic pendants or lantern-style lights. They feel farmhouse-inspired without looking like a craft project.

Overstuffed Throw Pillows

Joanna often styled sofas and beds with piles of matching throw pillows. While it made rooms look cozy on TV, it’s not practical. In real homes, you spend more time moving them than enjoying them.

Fewer, higher-quality pillows in mixed fabrics and shapes look fresher today. They still give texture and comfort without overwhelming the furniture.

Shiplap Walls Everywhere

No one can deny that Joanna made shiplap a household name. But once every wall in America got covered in white planks, it stopped feeling special. Now, entire rooms lined with it come across more dated than fresh.

If you still love shiplap, keep it in smaller doses—an accent wall, a mudroom, or a fireplace detail. Using it sparingly lets it shine without overwhelming the space.

“Stage-Ready” Table Settings

Joanna often set dining tables as if a party were about to start—full plates, glasses, and centerpieces styled year-round. While it looked great for TV reveals, it doesn’t make sense in real life.

Homes today are trending toward functional styling. A single centerpiece or seasonal detail feels natural, while a fully staged table ends up collecting dust.

Window Frame Mirrors

Repurposed window frames turned into mirrors were a common farmhouse trick. While they were charming at first, they’ve become one of the most overdone DIY projects out there.

Now, homeowners are choosing cleaner, larger mirrors that brighten a room without looking like a Pinterest craft. Window frames can still work as wall décor, but the mirror trend feels dated.

Faux “Antique” Accessories

Joanna often styled rooms with new pieces made to look like antiques—factory-distressed crates, fake vintage signs, or brand-new “salvage.” At first, it gave spaces character, but mass-market faux antiques don’t age well.

Real vintage finds or high-quality reproductions hold up better. Mixing authentic pieces with modern ones makes a room feel collected over time, not staged for a reveal.

Cotton Stems Everywhere

No farmhouse centerpiece was complete without a vase of cotton stems. While they looked fresh on camera, they’ve become more of a punchline in design circles now. They don’t add much texture, and they can look lifeless compared to greenery or flowers.

Swapping in branches, dried florals, or real greenery gives more movement and life to a space. Cotton stems had their moment, but they don’t carry the same weight today.

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