8 Décor Trends That Are on the Way out (and 8 to Replace Them With)

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updated May 11, 2021

As with fashion, when it comes to home décor trends, one day you're in, and the next, you're out. While we don't subscribe to every trend that finds its way into our favorite home décor stores, we were curious to know which fleeting designs it might be time to retire. In order to investigate the décor trends on their way out, we tapped Homepolish interior designers Tali Roth and Crystal Sinclair for their expert opinions. Ahead, they're sharing the styles they predict are about to pass their expiration date, along with the latest décor trends you can expect to see replacing them.

If you're thinking "out with the old, in with the new," consider this your ultimate home refresh to-do list. Say goodbye to oversaturated styles, tired colors, and stale textures to welcome these eight décor trends you can experiment with instead. Think one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, rich jewel tones, and cozy Mediterranean vibes.

Below, read on for the latest in home décor trend-casting to style your space like the pros.

01 of 08

Minimalism

Elizabeth Roberts Architecture and Design

"[Minimalism] will never really be 'out'—some people are just minimalists—but I think many people were just using this aesthetic because it was trendy," explains Roth. Unless you truly enjoy a sparse living space with a focus on subtle details, it may be time to embrace cozier design styles. "I think people are taking a break from [minimalism] and instead will be adding a lot of personality and warmth into their spaces going forward."

Instead, try decorating with vintage pieces. Vintage décor is the perfect way to instantly add a unique vibe to your home. Shop online retailers like Chairish and 1stDibs to get the look, or spend your weekend perusing local flea markets and thrift stores.

02 of 08

Very Light Wood

"Wood is one of those funny cyclical trends that really comes in and out," Roth says. "For the past five to seven years, we have seen a lot of bleached wood tones, and I think we are moving away from that." From the floorboards to accent furniture, the type of wood finishes you incorporate into your home play more of a role in the overall aesthetic of the space than you may think. Just like any other décor detail, it's worth upgrading over time.

Instead, try French oak. If you're ready for a change, Roth predicts more mid-tone woods will soon be all the rage. This warmer hue will completely change up your home décor.

When decorating with wood, pair your neutral hues with décor in a few carefully-chosen accent colors: Keep it simple with white and gray, or contrast warm wood tones with cooler shades for a dynamic design.

03 of 08

Pastel Colors

Sinclair names pastel colors as one trend you should say goodbye to this year: "While people are still excited to incorporate color into their décor, they are gravitating toward more mature palettes," she says. Richer color palettes in luxurious textures like velvet are a sure way to bring an air of sophistication into your home.

Instead, try jewel tones. Think deep shades of blue, green, purple, and burnt orange. The right hues and textures will make any space look far more expensive than it might be.

04 of 08

Moroccan Rugs

Alyssa Rosenheck; Design: Jennifer Robin Interiors

Moroccan rugs are everywhere, Sinclair tells me. You've likely come across at least one ivory wool woven style with that signature zig-zag design featuring fringed edges. But while they've been trending for a few seasons, Sinclair thinks they're on their way out.

Instead, try Persian rugs. Forgo the simplistic designs of Moroccan rugs for the more intricate pattern work of a Persian-inspired floor piece. It will quickly become the statement piece in any room.

05 of 08

Millennial Pink

"I think we have exhausted the Millennial Pink trend to death," Roth says. The trendy color has quickly found its way onto accent chairs, rugs, headboards, and just about any piece of home décor you can think of. However, there are alternatives to the poppy color that you can incorporate in your home décor.

Instead, try lavender, duck egg, and rust tones. Roth suggests incorporating these up-and-coming hues in your home to add a pop of color in a way that's new, fresh, and entirely on-trend.

06 of 08

Über-Modern Design

According to Sinclair, über-modern designs are on their way out. Similar to minimalism, try something new from highly modern, sleek designs and take a turn in favor of more comfortable, inviting designs. "People are ready to incorporate more textures, patterns, and warmth in their home," she says.

Instead, try warmer Mediterranean vibes. Get the look by adding a cozy rug, a rustic table runner, or stonework to a space. Layered, textured details will make all the difference.

07 of 08

White Interiors

While everyone loves a good crisp, white room to invite a bit of light inside, this is one trend that may be on its way out. "White can be so bright and airy, but also a bit boring," Sinclair says. Based on her experience, she believes the latest décor trends will focus more on darker tones.

Instead, try greige. Sinclair predicts darker shades of paint like a greige—beige plus gray—will soon be all the rage. We've already seen the unique neutral shade of paint emerge as a trend over the past few years, so if you haven't yet experimented with the gray and beige hue, now's the time.

08 of 08

Brass

For a while, it seemed as though brass would never go out of style, but Roth predicts that the metallic material will soon be a thing of the past. "I think brass is on its way out," she says. "Too much of anything is no good, and I think we all overdid it." Although she admits she'll always love brass, she suggests using it sparingly and turning to alternative metallics as a replacement.

Instead, try nickel and distressed silver. Once trends of the past, Roth thinks a comeback for nickel and silver is in order. Get the look by sourcing accent pieces like pendant lighting and mirrors with hints of silver and nickel.

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