SPRING is the perfect time to give your living room the refresh it’s been waiting for.
But it’s important to create a timeless space that won’t look outdated as soon as new trends sweep in.
To help, interior designer Paulina Wojas fromStunning Chairshas revealed the nine trends that make your living room look old-fashioned.
From cheesy prints to trend traps, avoiding these decorating mishaps can keep your living room looking stylish for longer.
Paulina says:“When designing our homes, we want to reflect our personalities to create a special and unique space.
“When going through a checklist of trends, you’re never finding décor that resonates with you.
“It’s time to ditch the outdated looks that quickly become tiresome and dreary and opt for a more personalised and vibrant look.”;;
Here, Paula discusses the nine trends that she wants homeowners to ditch.
Slogan-heavy prints
“Framed quotes and words no longer add charm to a room”;;, the interiors pro insists.
Walls crammed with “Cosy Vibes Only”;; and “Live Laugh Love”;; fill space; they don’t inject personality or atmosphere.
She adds: “Slogan-heavy prints have been overused and now feel more like a cliche.
“Instead, opt for thoughtful artwork to add an element of luxury to your home. Consider framed prints with a more profound message rather than the obvious words of a print.”;;
Matching furniture sets
Paula says another telltale sign that “screams outdated”;; is having matching furniture sets.
She adds: “What once added coordination and symmetry to a space now appears to lack creativity and visual interest.”;;
Instead, she suggests pairing your sofa with anaccent chairof a different material and colour for a more contemporary look.
“Adding contrast to your furniture set can create a more inspiring home that reveals more about your character”;;, she insists.
Overly matching cushions and throws
“While matching cushions and throws to your sofa or chair can feel cohesive, overdoing it can look staged”;;, Paula continues.
“Sticking to obvious colours and fabrics can come across as unimaginative.”;;
The interiors expert suggests trying contrasting colours and patterns to add depth instead.
For example, pairing a bluevelvet chairwith orange patterned cushions and throws can create a characterful look.”;;
Too minimalist
Paula claims minimalism is a “trend that is slowly dying”;;.
While it offered a fresh, uncluttered look, she insists it lacked warmth and personality.
Instead, bringing in cosy colours to eliminate that ‘museum-like’ feel is preferred.
Paula adds: “This trend also restricted expression in the home, making it too difficult to add a variety of objects and materials.”;;
Trend traps
“Trends come and go, and overly leaning into one theme can make a space feel repetitive and quickly outdated”;;, Paula continues.
She claims that it can also make incorporating other furniture pieces more challenging, as furnishing with one theme in mind restricts your options.
For example, choosing a “farmhouse”;; aesthetic can limit you to rustic décor, which can feel outdated if not tastefully integrated into the home.
She says: “I recommend incorporating a mix of themes into your space to showcase your taste rather than following every trend.”;;
Short curtains
“There are several reasons why short curtains should be left in the past. Short curtains can make your room seem smaller and disrupt the room’s harmony. If your short curtains are patterned, they can also feel overpowering and disproportionate. On the other hand, floor-length curtains create a much more flattering appearance, making your room look bigger and more luxurious.”;;
The big light
“The big ceiling light has become a hot topic among Gen Z, with one viralTikTokvideo titled ‘Why Big Lights Should Be Banned’ racking up over 80 million views.Harsh overhead lights can feel too clinical for the living room, and most households are steering away from them.
There’s a growing desire for softer, layered lighting to create a more welcoming atmosphere. Warm-toned bulbs in table lamps and additions like salt lamps are an easy way to introduce a cosy, ambient glow.”;;
Rugs that don’t fit the space
“A common decorating mishap is adding a rug that doesn’t match the layout or size of the room.Whether too large or too small, a rug that poorly matches the floor can undermine the overall balance of the room. Too small a rug can make the space feel disjointed and unfinished, while one that’s too big can overwhelm the room and clash with your décor.
For a well-fitted rug, think about how it can anchor the room’s seating area. The front feet of the sofa and armchair should rest on the carpet, creating a more cosy and synchronised feel.”;;
Monochromatic colour schemes
While a monochromatic colour scheme like grey on grey can offer an elegant look, Paula insists that we are “shifting towards more vibrant designs”;;.
She says: “The problem with monochromatic palettes is not enough contrast between light and dark hues, leading to a lack of visual interest.
“Instead, try making your home feel more unique using an extensive range of colours and textures. This will bring in a bolder, less predictable look that resonates with you.”;;
