Here are some of the worst decorating trends of the last 50 years.
Colored Appliances and Bathroom Fixtures
Remember avocado and harvest gold kitchen appliances? How about pink and turquoise bathrooms? Yeah, most people do and wish they didn’t.
Macramé
Ah, what would the 1970s be without macramé? Particularly plant holders and wall hangings. In 2013 the home décor industry went into a bit of a panic when it was suggested that macramé was making a comeback, but thankfully it fizzled out before it caught too much steam.
Plastic Furniture Covers
Sure, you’ll be able to wipe up spills and pet hair but, um… (does it even require an explanation?) Needless to say, if you do find yourself somewhere that has plastic covers on the sofa make sure you’re not wearing shorts.
Silk Plants
Some are good, but most are bad. If you decide to go faux, the smaller, the better and use them sparingly. If you have the choice, always go for real. They’re not just suitable for your décor, they’re good for your health!
Matching Patterns
This is a tough one as there are a lot of people out there who still love to match the drapes with the sofa with the pillows, etc. Just remember that too much of a good thing is a bad thing, so find patterns that complement each other rather than match.
Raised Bowl Sinks (Vessel Sinks)
When vessel sinks first made their appearance 15 (or so) years ago, they quickly became associated with luxury, but their height makes them inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Taxidermy
It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. Taxidermy is not alright. That is all.
Wall-To-Wall Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpet used to be considered a good – even luxurious – thing. But these days people think of it as a place for dirt and germs to gather more than anything else. While it can still be great in bedrooms, you might want to consider area rugs for other high-traffic areas.
Leopard Print
This one causes great debate as many people love leopard print – but it’s best left to a pair of shoes rather than something in your home. Leopard print tends to look tacky when applied to home décor.
Faux Finishes
In the ’80s and 90s, faux paint finishes (such as sponge painting) saw a huge revival. But they were so overdone that now any walls with a faux finish look dated. If you’ve got them in your home, consider painting over them. It will instantly freshen your room.
Wall Words
Live. Laugh. Love. Words and phrases displayed throughout the house make it feel like you’re living in a self-help book.
Bathroom Carpet
Imagine that beautiful carpet you’ve just installed in your bathroom becomes a pilgrimage destination for all those bathroom germs. Take a closer look, and you might be able to see them make their morning commute. Eww, gross. There’s no accounting for some tastes, and we’re all bound to make some decorating mistakes. When it comes to your own home follow your instincts. After all, you’re the one who lives there, and you need to love it. Just don’t put carpet in the bathroom. Seriously.
