10 “Trendy” Details That’ll Age Your House Fast

Trends come and go, but some design choices age harder than others. What feels fresh right now might look dated in just a few years—and not in a charming, retro kind of way.

If you’re aiming for a home that still looks good ten years from now, it helps to skip the features that scream “this was remodeled in 2023.” These are the trendy details that tend to age homes quickly, leaving you with a space that needs another update sooner than you’d like.

Overly Themed Accent Walls

Accent walls can add personality, but when they’re too trendy—like slatted wood panels or painted arches—they lock your space into a very specific look. As styles shift, they can make a room feel stuck in the past.

Instead of building an entire room around one Pinterest moment, go for finishes that are easier to update. Paint can be changed quickly, but permanent paneling or tile features aren’t always worth the trouble.

Matte Black Everything

Matte black hardware had its moment, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s already starting to feel overused. When every fixture is black, it can come off as trendy rather than timeless.

It also shows fingerprints, soap scum, and water spots more than you’d expect. Mixing in warmer metals or sticking to classic finishes like brushed nickel or aged brass can help your space age better.

Barn Doors in Every Room

Sliding barn doors were huge for a while, especially in open floor plans. But unless you live in an actual farmhouse, they can feel forced—and they’re not always practical.

They don’t seal sound or light as well as standard doors, and the bulky hardware takes up visual space. A classic door with a modern design can be a better long-term choice if you’re going for something that won’t date the room.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelves look great when they’re styled perfectly, but in real life, they’re hard to keep clean—and harder to keep looking curated. Dust, grease, and everyday dishes don’t mix well with constant display.

They also make it obvious when your set isn’t matching or when you’re short on space. If you’re not ready to commit to keeping everything display-ready, closed cabinets are more forgiving and won’t fall out of style.

Gray Everything

Gray walls, gray floors, gray cabinets—it was everywhere for a while. But all that cool-toned gray can now make a house feel cold and dated. It lacks contrast and doesn’t hold up well as tastes shift toward warmer, earthier tones.

If your space feels a little too gray, soft whites or greige tones can freshen things up without making it feel like you’re chasing the next trend.

Statement Tile Patterns

Busy tile patterns—especially in bathrooms or entryways—tend to look great when they’re brand new but wear out their welcome fast. They can be hard to match with future updates and dominate small spaces.

Subtle texture or tone-on-tone patterns tend to have more staying power. You can always bring in color or pattern with textiles or art instead of committing to a tile that’s glued down for the next decade.

Floating Vanities Without Storage

Floating vanities give off a sleek, spa-like feel, but they’re not always functional—especially in busy bathrooms. They often lack the drawer space people need, and cleaning underneath them adds another chore.

They can also feel out of place in older homes where the design doesn’t match the architecture. A more classic vanity with closed storage keeps things grounded and avoids looking like a trend piece later on.

Overuse of Shiplap

Shiplap walls exploded in popularity thanks to farmhouse-style renovations, but now they’re starting to feel like a time stamp. Especially when used floor-to-ceiling, it can make a room look dated fast.

If you love texture on your walls, there are other options—like vertical paneling or beadboard—that can feel more timeless. Using shiplap sparingly (or skipping it altogether) will age better in the long run.

Ultra-Minimal Lighting

Pendant lights that look like bare bulbs or super stripped-down fixtures often don’t give off enough light or warmth, and they can look cold once the novelty wears off. They also lack character, which makes them feel forgettable or cheap.

Lighting should add function and atmosphere. Choosing fixtures that blend form and purpose will keep your rooms feeling fresh without chasing a fleeting look.

Wall-Mounted Faux Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces mounted on drywall with no surround or mantel can feel like a placeholder, especially when they’re floating without context. They’re meant to look sleek, but they rarely feel grounded.

If you’re adding a fireplace, building out a more intentional surround—even a simple one—makes a big difference. It feels more finished and less like something that’ll be ripped out in the next update.

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