10 Overdone Home Trends Buyers Don’t Want To See Anymore

November 11, 2020 Reading Time: 5 minutes
Home » Everything Storage

Fashions come and go, and interior design is no exception to that rule. Certain styles of decorating a living room and ways of laying out a bathroom may have been popular a decade ago, but they start to look stale after a while. Anyone thinking of selling their home should therefore consider what will appeal now and in the near future, as potential buyers may not want anything that will look out-of-date any time soon. For example, anyone looking for a smart Arlington home using realtors Northern Virginia Home Pro, would not want to see anything stale!

We describe ten fashions that might be seen in homes today but are probably overdone now. Some looked great once upon a time, others are recent but have already been seen a little too often, and then there are those which are just strange and surely never should have happened! We also suggest some alternative design ideas to replace these trends for any home that is being put on the market.

1: Sliding barn doors

Having one of these in the bedroom or partitioning off the pantry in the kitchen was a very distinctive fashion. It’s a space-saving idea as it doesn’t open out like a regular door, but its very rustic look has always meant it is a feature that can easily begin to look out of place. Regular sliding doors can be used instead.

Sign on a kitchen wall2: The writing’s on the wall!

There’s been a trend for signs in the kitchen, and other places too, with phrases that express some sentiment, perhaps a word or two in French, or maybe something really funny. As a decoration idea, such statements are sure to go out of fashion — jokes certainly do — and may say far too much about the home’s current owner! Remove them before any potential buyers arrive.

3: Farmhouse chic

This is a recent design trend made popular by the Fixer Upper TV series, and featuring light, airy colors and plenty of wood. However, some say it’s already had its day, with darker and burnished metallic shades coming in instead, so these would be preferable to give the most up-to-date look possible.

White sink with subway tile backsplash4: Subway tiles

These are rectangular and usually pale, like the ones used on the New York underground transit system. Some say they are timeless, but this may have been their downfall as an interior design idea — any fashion becomes tired if too many people follow it! Decorating using smaller tiles could be preferable.

5: Moroccan patterned tiles

Bathroom surfaces go through fashions and these tiles were recently a ‘thing.’ But they seem to have been supplanted by a more organic look these days, so that might be a better redecorating idea if selling the property is on the cards. In addition, marble is always a classic look that is appreciated.

Macrame wall-hanging6: Macramé

This textile is made by knotting cords together, and it has had its fans over the years when used for wall-hangings. Bedroom curtains are sometimes made from it but can look tatty and irregular — not to mention dated — and therefore not so appealing to prospective homebuyers. Instead, hang lace curtains and don’t make wall decor too ‘busy.’

7: Color pops on white

White has long been favored by minimalists for living room and bedroom walls, and designers added color pops up there — or perhaps included them as part of a carpet design. But putting small blobs all over the place has been tried in so many ways and larger expanses of color might now please buyers more.

Rose gold taps8: Rose gold taps

These are a fashion that arrived a few years ago with the launch of a popular model of mobile phone in that color. But many designers feel they look like items from a rather low-class gift shop! Therefore, they probably shouldn’t be considered timeless enough to appeal to homebuyers. Revert back to stainless steel.

9: Accent walls

Spending a lot of time deciding what to put up in a small space on a wall to catch the eye has definitely been popular for a while. But this effect can appear too personal, which is not a great look for a house that will be put on the market. Instead, it can be better to decorate the whole wall space uniformly.

10: Chandeliers in the bathroom

The bathroom is a place to get refreshed, perhaps by relaxing in a tub, and not so long ago this might have included gazing up at a chandelier on the ceiling. But this idea lost popularity. So, if someone selling a house hasn’t already replaced theirs with a regular lamp or neutral neon lighting, now might be the time!

Bathroom with a chandelier

There are many interior design trends that have probably had their day. Some were undeniably good in their time, but people get bored of things they have seen too often and want to move on. Some home trends take their inspiration from the culture that surrounds them, and when this changes they also fall out of favor. Then there are those design ideas that most people simply find very puzzling in hindsight!

When a homeowner wants to sell their property, all the factors concerning home design must be taken into consideration in order to wow potential buyers as much as possible. Swapping out some features for the latest designs or carrying out a little renovation to reflect the newest fashions will always be a good idea before putting a property on the market. Self storage can be used to house furniture while renovation projects are under way, and it is also very useful when a seller gets to move to a new home. Finally, during the process of swapping old fashions for new, homeowners might get to learn a little about interior design!

Related posts

Best U.S. Cities to Live Uncluttered: Plano, TX, Offers the Most Room to Breathe

By Andrei Popa | September 9, 2026

Clutter is in our homes as much as in our heads. Both are shaped by where we live. 

How to Use Silica Gel Packets for Storage

By Andrei Popa | September 4, 2026

Moisture can cause significant damage to items in storage, leading to rust on tools, mold on clothing and warping in documents. Silica gel uses science to fix that. Often found in small packets inside product packaging, silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the air, keeping your stored items dry and protected. This guide explains what silica gel is, how it works and how you can use it to preserve your belongings in self storage.

Where to Find Moving Boxes in Los Angeles

By Anca Lenta | September 4, 2026

Moving in Los Angeles is its own thing, and figuring out where to get moving boxes sorted is just the start of everything you’ll need to organize before moving day.

10 Best Places to Donate Books in Philadelphia

By Andrei Popa | September 3, 2026

Did you know Philadelphia’s book-sharing roots go back to 1731? Benjamin Franklin and The Junto Club gathered their personal collections into a shared library, thus sparking a tradition of pooling knowledge for the common good. Today, you can carry on that spirit by donating books to local organizations and free libraries.

How to Sell Furniture (For Quick Deals and Side-Hustles)

By Andrei Popa | September 3, 2026

Selling used furniture can be quick, profitable and even rewarding if you know where to list, how to present your pieces and what buyers are looking for. Just a tiny bit of patience and some good planning will take you a long way. This guide covers everything you need to sell your furniture efficiently and safely, for the best possible price.

1 in 4 Americans Rent Self Storage — and the Next Wave Is Already Coming

By Anca Lenta | September 2, 2026

About one in four Americans is already using self storage and just as many are actively searching for a unit online right now. Across the 150 largest U.S. cities, self storage searches rose 23% year-over-year in 2025 — nearly triple the growth recorded the previous year, up from around 8% in 2024.

Where to Donate Furniture in Philadelphia

By Andrei Popa | September 1, 2026

Philadelphia has a strong tradition of giving back, and donating furniture is a practical way to support local charities while freeing up space in your home. Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or just decluttering, there are plenty of organizations ready to take your gently used furniture. And if you’re not ready to part with certain pieces just yet, self-storage can buy you time to decide.

Jet Ski Storage: How to Winterize & Where to Keep Your Watercraft

By Andrei Popa | August 26, 2026

If you want your jet ski to deliver the fun times for years on end, then proper storage is in order. Leaving it exposed to weather, UV rays, or theft can lead to costly damage, mold, or vandalism. Here’s everything you need to know to store your jet ski safely.

How to Organize a Guest Room: From Decluttering to Storage

By Andrei Popa | August 26, 2026

A guest room often becomes a holding zone for spare furniture, seasonal bins and unfinished decisions. To reclaim it, start with three basics: a comfortable place to sleep, room for a guest to unpack and the everyday essentials that make the space easy to use.