Is your home old-fashioned? Interior designers reveal the tell-tale signs your property is stuck in a time-warp – including one VERY common decoration

We Brits can be a judgmental lot – not least when it comes to what passes for outdated decor. Just last month, a survey revealed that 62 per cent of us judge the style of other people’s homes.

But what makes a home old-fashioned?

‘The issue with following trends for your interior style is that they come and go, rendering some items outdated,’ says Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture.

We’ve spoken to interior designers and stylists to reveal the 24 tell-tale signs you`re living in a design time warp.

Fake plants

With their leathery leaves and unnaturally bright bursts of greenery, fake plants are a throwback to when synthetic spelt style. ‘They are easy to spot instantly, detracting from a space’s vitality and making it feel staged and outdated.’ says interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore, Molly Woodward-Moor. Not to mention fake plants offer no benefits that typical houseplants do, such as cleaning indoor air and balancing humidity. Which, of course, are concerns du jour.

If you don`t have the time or green fingers for the real thing, at least go for dried flowers which have a modern twist. ‘Add pampas grass for a rustic or bohemian vibe in your space, or herbs that offer both greenery and also a practical purpose in the kitchen,’ says Molly. And no fake flowers, ever.

Lace curtains

Once the epitome of elegant window dressing, these days they just look blowsy and overly fussy. ‘Old-fashioned curtains and netting can really date your home, especially if they’ve seen better days and look a little dirty and dingy,’ says Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds 2go. ‘Investing in new window dressings can dramatically revolutionise your space and bring your home into the present day – without compromising on your personal style.’

Overly ornate drapes

Thick drapes in garish colours or bold designs can make a room feel busy and decidedly dated. Not least brocade curtains in jewel tones or floral patterns, or with frills and tassels, which can look old-fashioned and formal. ‘Elaborate drapery setups with multiple layers, valances or swags, which were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, can make a space feel cluttered and fussy,’ says Molly Woodward-Moor. If that weren`t bad enough, adds Molly, valances can also visually shorten the height of a window, making the room feel lower, dated and less open.

Avocado bathroom suites

Coloured bathroom suites recently topped a survey of items most likely to date a home. And is it any wonder? Once considered the deluxe bathroom experience, just a glimpse of this sludgy green colour scheme is enough to signal contemporary style has been slung out with the bathwater. Today’s coloured bathrooms need to be moody, earthy tones or dazzling white.

Matchy matchy sets

There`s nothing like excessive coordination to make a room feel like it’s stuck in a time warp. So if your sofas, cushions and curtains are all in the same pattern or fabric, you’d better check the calendar. Especially since today’s interiors put more emphasis on contrast, texture and layering, rather than strict matching schemes.

Shag pile carpets

The feel of grated fabric underfoot was once considered the height of opulence thanks to the luxuriant texture. Unfortunately, shag pile isn’t just the design equivalent of the dark ages – it’s like a truculent mutt who refuses to be groomed. It’s challenging to keep clean, since these carpets trap dirt, dust and allergens easily. (All equally old fashioned concerns.) 

‘Over time, these carpets can also look worn or matted, which adds to the dated feel,’ says Molly Woodward-Moor. Time to ship out the shag pile in place of modern laminate or a hardwood floor. If you want carpet, go low-pile in neutral shades.

Carpeted bathrooms

It`s hard to believe that carpet in the bathroom was once considered an absolute must. Now they’re old-fashioned, not least because of modern concerns about their practicality in terms of hygiene (carpets can absorb moisture, leading to mould, mildew and unpleasant odours). ‘The trend today is toward hard flooring in bathrooms, such as porcelain or ceramic tiles, which are water-resistant and easy to clean,’ says Molly-Woodward Moor. Alternatively, go for heated tile floors.

Wall-to-wall carpeting

While throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s carpet was the preferred choice for every room, it is now a seriously dated look. Especially when you consider clashing patterns and designs as you go from room to room.

‘I have yet to see a 1970s-patterned carpet worth keeping,’ says Nicola Paisey, founder of Maud Interiors. ‘If the floorboards beneath are in good condition, I recommend filling, sanding and then varnishing or painting them for a fresh look.’

Frosted glass windows or doors

‘Frosted glass, with its milky texture, can make spaces feel old-fashioned, closed off and dull,’ says interior design expert Melissa Denham.

Instead, opt for fluted glass. Or, for a high-tech touch, smart glass – where you can control the opacity with a simple switch.

Word art

Remember all those shouty, word-based pieces of art that roared ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ or even ‘Beware of the dog’? That`s all they should be – a memory.

‘Today they seem cliche and corny compared to a more sophisticated piece of art that would elevate your walls or mantlepiece,’ says Kate Conrad, lead designer at luxury homeware retailer Madison & Mayfair.

Fake fireplace

The whole point of a fireplace is that it’s dynamic, visceral – and real. Illuminated orange logs – once incredibly popular – are a relic of the past.

‘Gas fires were popular from the 1950s as the Government clamped down on the burning of coal which led to deadly smog in that decade,’ says Ryan McDonough, interior design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk. ‘As a result, many houses from that era have fake fireplaces to accommodate the gas fires.’ Except this is now 2024. Switch it off!

Pine furniture

There is simply no need for cramming every room with pine furniture, since it will just make your home feel like it’s stuck in a time warp. ‘A lot of pine is heavy, outdated and clunky. You can now find wooden furniture that has a sleek finish, in more contemporary tones and designs – and it can also balance traditional and modern preferences perfectly,’ says Kate Conrad.

Textured ceilings

A swift upward glance will tell you whether your home is up to date. Popcorn or textured ceilings are a classic sign of an older home, says interiors expert Liv Conlon, who runs ThePropertyStagers.co.uk. ‘A smooth ceiling finish with a fresh coat of white paint (or even a pop of colour) can instantly modernise a room,’ she adds.

The ‘big’ light

Illuminating a home by putting the `big light on` is something which belongs in the history books. A modern home will have a mix of light sources – maybe some with mounts for general lighting, and table lamps or under-cabinet lighting to illuminate specific areas. 

‘Ambient lighting, such as floor lamps or wall sconces, creates a lovely cosy and inviting atmosphere,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘Ideally, you will have one of each in every room so you can utilise them for the environment you’re trying to create, rather than simply having the “big light” on all the time.’

Short bedroom curtains

These bring in a touch of the bygone boarding house. If you want to sleep in a room that doesn`t scream memories of wet weekends in Blackpool, ensure your curtains hit the floor.

Overusing grey

While grey was once the go-to neutral for creating a calm, minimalist space, it has since become overused and outdated. ‘Not only is your colour scheme old-fashioned, it’s making your rooms feel cold and impersonal too,’ says Whinnie Williams, interiors expert at Dreams. Pass the paintbrush.

Leatherette furniture

Not only does the scent of faux fabric induce the kind of queasiness brought on by bad driving, leatherette furniture is cold, squeaky and a relic of the past. If the style of the piece is interesting, such as a 1970s swivel armchair, consider reupholstering it to give it a new life, says Nicola Paisey, founder of Maud Interiors. If it doesn`t, head to the tip.

Fitted furniture and kitchen units

Outdated fitted furniture, bedroom suites, and 1980s MDF kitchen units with Shaker-style doors covered in plastic coating will completely date your home. Harsh but true. Though all is not lost. ‘If the internal fittings are intact, consider having new doors made and adding modern hardware for an updated look,’ says Nicola Paisey.

Woodchip wallpaper

This was very popular in the 1980s thanks to the fact it was inexpensive, covered a multitude of sins on your walls and could be painted any colour. Now, it looks like the money ran out during home renovations. If you want to update then the paper has to come down. But Ryan McDonough cautions: ‘It can be tricky to remove and often the wall behind it is in a bad condition, so it may be more cost-effective to hire a professional to rectify this dated decorative feature.’

Pebbledash exterior

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So pebbledash immediately screams time warp before your visitors have even made it past the front door. Used to cover poor-quality brickwork in the 1920s, the revival of this technique in the 1960s and 1970s along with stone cladding resulted in homes that today look dated.

Seasonal displays

Nothing screams so last year (and more) than an over-the-top seasonal display. Relying on traditional and repetitive decorations – how many pumpkins or snowflakes do you need? – hardly squares with contemporary updates of festive themes. Nothing to celebrate here.

Bamboo place mats

There was a time when bamboo was considered natural and exotic, its texture and tone the symbol of a smart or solvent interior design. These days these place mats are the tinned fruit and cream of the modern-day table setting. Harmless but not especially appetising. However, the charity shop will thank you.

Chintz

Blowsy floral patterns in a combination of muted pastels and deep reds, greens and yellows may have been popular decades ago, but through today’s modern, minimalist lens, they are an eyesore. Especially because of chintz’s association with Victorian, or cottage-style, interiors as well as ruffles and heavy drapery. Don`t say it with flowers.

Welcome mat

Not welcome. Sorry.