We’ve all been there—excitedly planning a home renovation, convinced that our choice will stand the test of time. But sometimes, what feels trendy and fresh today can quickly turn into yesterday’s news. If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered what the heck you were thinking a few years back, you’re not alone. Let’s chat about seven home improvements that didn’t age well, so you can avoid these pitfalls—or at least have a good laugh at them!
1. Over-the-Top Wallpaper
Ah, wallpaper. It can be a total game-changer, transforming a space from drab to fab in no time. But let’s be real—some patterns and colors can feel like a time capsule from the ’80s. That bold floral print or oversized geometric design might have seemed like a fun idea at the time, but now it’s more likely to give guests a headache than a warm welcome. If your home is adorned with wallpaper that looks like it belongs in a vintage diner, it might be time to peel it off and opt for some fresh paint instead.
2. Faux Finishes Gone Wrong
We love a good DIY project, but sometimes, trying to recreate that stunning marble or wood finish can go horribly wrong. Those faux finishes that were all the rage can end up looking more like a bad art project than a chic design choice. Whether it’s a poorly executed faux marble countertop or a “rustic” faux wood finish that just feels… off, these trends can quickly feel dated. If you’ve got a faux finish that makes you cringe, consider investing in the real deal or a modern alternative that’ll give your space a fresh vibe.
3. Open Shelving in the Kitchen
Open shelving can look gorgeous in home magazines, but in reality, it can be a recipe for chaos. Sure, it’s nice to show off your cute dishware and cookbooks, but it also means dust, grease, and who knows what else is just a few inches away from your prized plates. Over time, those lovely open shelves can become a cluttered nightmare. If your kitchen looks more like a post-apocalyptic scene than a chef’s paradise, it might be worth considering some closed cabinets to keep things tidy and dust-free.
4. Overly Trendy Fixtures
Nothing says “I’m a homeowner who’s trying too hard” like fixtures that scream a specific trend. Remember when everyone was obsessed with barn doors? Or those gigantic industrial light fixtures that hung over every dining table? While they might have been super popular at one point, trends come and go faster than you can say “home improvement show.” If your home is littered with fixtures that are less “timeless” and more “what was I thinking?”, it might be time to swap in some classic, understated pieces that’ll stand the test of time.
5. Carpet in the Bathroom
Okay, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: carpet in the bathroom. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea? While it might feel cozy underfoot, it’s also a breeding ground for mildew and odors. And let’s not even talk about the cleaning nightmare. If you’ve got shaggy carpet in your bathroom, you might want to consider a stylish tile or luxurious vinyl that can handle all the splashes and spills without turning into a science experiment.
6. Too Much Open Space
Open floor plans became the darling of the housing market for a while, but too much open space can leave your home feeling cold and uninviting. If you’ve got a vast expanse of nothingness between your living and dining areas, it can be hard to create that cozy, intimate feeling we all crave. Instead of embracing the vastness, think about adding some area rugs, furniture arrangements, or even a few strategically placed partitions to create defined spaces that feel lived-in and welcoming.
7. High-Maintenance Landscaping
Last but not least, let’s chat about landscaping that’s more trouble than it’s worth. Those exotic plants that looked so appealing at the garden center can quickly turn into a full-time job if they require constant attention and specialized care. If your yard is filled with high-maintenance flowers and shrubs that demand more time than you have, consider swapping them out for some native plants or low-maintenance options that will still look great without turning you into a gardening slave.
So there you have it—seven home improvements that didn’t age well, each with its own quirks and pitfalls.
More from Willow and Hearth:
Leave a Reply