Angelita Bonetti
Thanks to affordable retailers like Myer, Big W, Kmart and IKEA, getting your hands on the latest and greatest décor item to update your space is easier than ever before, and it doesn’t cost much to do it. While some trends have endured several seasons, such as sanded timber floorboards, indoor plants and white-washed interiors, other trends haven’t quite experienced the same longevity.
The scary, and somewhat frustrating, thing about this story, is that many of these trends aren’t very old, but already seem terribly dated. Here are eight trendy décor items you need to get rid of now because they’re more passé than personality-packed.
1. Inspirational signs, quotes and words
While many people swear by the inspiring powers of daily affirmations, the powers of inspirational or cutesy quotes fall flat once in the context of interiors. It’s time to ditch the ‘live, love, laugh’ signs and move on to some unique art prints or photographic imagery for your walls.
2. Pink flamingos
While Palm Springs style has definitely enjoyed a resurgence, these leggy birds had their heyday circa 2016, started to fade in 2017, and now they’re officially dated. If you’re still sporting pink flamingos on your cushions, lamps or decorative objects, it’s time to let them go. Try a timeless botanical print instead.
3. Collections of ceramic animals
While some consider this trend kitschy and cute, we’re not sure it was ever a good idea! Try displaying collections of treasure or trinkets you’ve collected from your travels or family holidays, or even breaking out the family heirlooms and working them into your interiors. A balance of old and new is the key to any good interior.
4. Seashells
Popular in beachside homes and properties channelling Hamptons style, items made from seashells have had their time in the sun, along with artfully-placed pieces of driftwood. While shells can still form part of the mix, tone down the look by blending a mixture of indoor plants and colourful coffee table books to keep the look realistic and interesting or replace them with vases of fresh flowers or candles.
5. All-white everything
While difficult to get right, all-white interiors don’t have to be stark and minimalist – they can work beautifully with careful planning and the help of professionals. Integrating colours, textures and different materials into your home is definitely on trend and creates a timeless look, but don’t be afraid to try going bold with colours or dominant shades.
6. Faux fur
This trend piggy-backed in on the coat tails of Scandinavian interiors at the peak of their popularity. While the simple, beautiful and natural interiors of Scandinavian design will always be stylish, faux fur will not. Try replacing faux fur cushions with velvet, quilted fabrics, knits, or natural materials such as linen or leather. For your floor, jute, sisal or plush rugs are always a style statement.
7. Wavy everything
The last few years saw a surge of wavy, squiggly and curvy décor items, such as mirrors, lamps and vases, that—we hate to say it—are already looking dated. If you love the wavy look, we’d recommend exploring curved decor with some gently scalloped bed linen and cushion covers in soft shades, rather than in your hard furnishings that are more difficult (and expensive) to replace when the trend dates.
8. Items that represent one specific trend
A sure fire way to make your house look dated is by following one specific trend. Whether its modern farmhouse, Hamptons or boho, sticking to just one style makes your home feel like a tribute to that trend rather than a multi-layered reflection of your life and personality.
If you feel yourself drawn to a particular trend, try to bring the energy of the trend into your home rather than the specific visual motifs. For example, if the boho look makes you feel relaxed then you might like to opt for natural linens on your bed instead of adding macrame wall hangings to your bedroom walls. Likewise, if you’re drawn to the nostalgic functionality of the modern farmhouse aesthetic look maybe skip the barn door and lean into open shelving and kitchen islands. Bring in your family heirlooms, books and items you have collected on your travels to add personality to your home.
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