Bruno Pugh
Some design trends age gracefully—others, not so much. If your home still carries relics from past decades (that are not antiques), it might be time for a refresh. Here’s what professional home stagers point out and the modern upgrades to bring your home back to life.
Phrase Art
Tired of “Live Laugh Love?” You’re not alone. Scripted phrases on wooden plaques feel more manufactured than meaningful. People moved on years ago. Go for abstract pieces and old-school photography. Even the woven wall decor looks fine. Let your walls express personality without spelling it out for everyone.
Tuscan Style
Golden granite and dark-stained kitchens defined the early 2000s. However, that Mediterranean-inspired trend now feels overdone. So, try to brighten the area using pale oak and creamy quartzite. You may also choose sage-green tiling. A fresher palette enhances the resale value and helps the kitchen breathe.
Matchy Furniture
A perfectly coordinated living room setup lacks spark. If you have a sofa, loveseat, and armchair in the same upholstery, it’s boring. Fix it up by layering designs or introducing unique finishes. Picture a boucle next to leather or modern beside mid-century. Variety keeps the layout interesting, and you control the visual tone.
Popcorn Ceilings
Nobody ever admired those ceiling bumps. Textured ceilings once hid imperfections but now pull focus for the wrong reasons. Dust clings easily, and older versions may even contain asbestos. Smooth it out by installing decorative panels. A clearer upper view can transform how everything below is perceived.
All Beige
An overload of beige mutes even the most beautiful interiors. Once praised for being neutral, it now dulls character. Introduce earth-inspired hues—burnt orange, sage, or brick red. These shades maintain warmth while adding personality. Let your surroundings tell a richer story than monochrome ever could.
Farmhouse Excess
Shiplap everywhere? That trend ran its course. After peaking post-2013, farmhouse elements turned from cozy to cliche. So, it’s time to skip the faux barn doors and printed signs. To revive your home, focus on authentic details such as reclaimed wood or rough-cut stone. Let rustic charm feel natural, not theatrical.
Heavy Drapes
Velvet curtains and elaborate rods once meant elegance. Today, they darken interiors and shrink visual width. Replace them with airy linen, gauzy cotton, or bamboo shades, and let the light in while maintaining privacy. Daylight expands perception and lifts ambiance. Real estate experts say sunlit interiors consistently appeal more to buyers and guests.
Glossy Finishes
Super-shiny cabinetry exaggerates imperfections and often feels sterile. High gloss belonged to the glam phase but not functional living. Try satin or textured alternatives for depth and comfort. Muted sheens reduce glare and anchor the look without overcomplicating your interior scheme.
Tile Counters
Quartz composites, butcher blocks, or sealed concrete provide seamless beauty and practical appeal. Wipe once, and you’re done. On the other hand, the outdated tile squares and grout lines spell cleaning chaos. These ceramic counters peaked in the ’80s and never fully returned. Crumbs settle in every gap.
Bulky Recliners
Oversized recliners claim territory like furniture invaders. Although cozy, they dominate layouts and throw off the flow. A better alternative is a sleek lounge seating with hidden reclining features. Minimalist profiles preserve comfort without crowding pathways. Why sacrifice design for size when you can quickly achieve both in one smart upgrade?