Not everything that glitters is gold (literally). From poor gold flake or spray furniture, to impractical and over-sized kitchen islands, these are some of the top home renovation trends to avoid. Use these tips to help improve your home’s overall look and prevent disaster from striking! These are the home renovation trends to avoid and what to do instead.
1. Gold Flake Furniture
The notorious gold flake furniture is a trend that has been around since the 70s and it’s still popping up in modern homes today. Gold flakes look great in small bursts – used as an accent color in a home furniture set – but it can quickly become overwhelming if used too much.
Instead of going for gold flakes, opt for a neutral palette like cream or light brown, with one to two accent colors that will make the space look modern and stylish. In addition, choose furniture pieces with clean lines and simple details for a timeless look that won’t go out of style. Gold flake furniture is not only cheap, but it’s also one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid.
2. Over-sized Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are the epitome of great kitchen design but go too large and you’ll be stuck with an overbearing monstrosity. Over-sized kitchen islands can consume all the space in the room and are one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid. Instead of installing a huge kitchen island during your home remodeling project, opt for something more practical.
Smaller kitchen islands will still provide the same functionality, but with a better sense of proportion and style. Consider adding storage space to your island or look for one that has built-in features like drawers and shelves, so you can take advantage of all its potential. If you don’t have a kitchen island, there are lots of creative and compact solutions that can be used to maximize the space in your kitchen. For instance, adding a kitchen cart is a great way to add additional counter space, while not taking up too much room.
3. Clashing Patterns
It might seem like a great idea to mix and patch patterns, such as vinyl plank with tile flooring, or even wallpaper with bright colors and bold prints, but these are some of the worst home renovation trends to avoid.
Instead of clashing patterns, opt for a more cohesive look by sticking to the same material for flooring throughout the entire home. This will create a cleaner, more sophisticated look that won’t be overwhelming to the eyes.
It’s also best to keep it simple when it comes to patterns and colors in other areas of your home. Choose two or three colors and use them on different areas of the home for a unified look. If you’re having trouble choosing colors for your home, there’s no shame in asking an interior designer for help!
4. Wood Pallet Beds
Wood pallets have become a popular choice for DIY projects, but it’s not the best option when it comes to furniture. Pallet beds are one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid because they can be unstable and dangerous.
Instead, look for sturdier pieces of furniture that will provide better support and longevity. Solid wood bed frames are a great alternative, as they can be decorated in any style or color and will last longer than pallet beds. In addition, some people don’t bother to inspect their pallet bed before purchasing, which can lead to splinters and other dangers.
When it comes to home renovations, it’s important to choose trends that will stand the test of time and look great in your space. Avoiding wood pallets is a great way to save yourself the future heartache of a broken bed or a mattress full of splinters.
5. Concrete Fencing
When done poorly, concrete fencing can look unattractive and tacky. Concrete is an affordable and durable material that is often used in home remodels, but it’s important to know how to use it properly.
Opt for natural materials like wood or stone, which will not only look better, but will also add value to your property. If you really want to use concrete, make sure it’s well-designed and properly installed. The right design can make a big difference in the end result. Instead of looking like a prison, your home might be the talk of the neighborhood.
6. Outdated Bathroom Carpet
Most bathroom furniture stores will tell you that one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid is outdated bathroom carpet. This type of flooring can be difficult to clean and maintain, and it’s often seen as tacky or outdated.
To avoid having an outdated look in your bathroom, opt for tile flooring instead. Tile is timeless, easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit any home! In addition to carpeted bathrooms, avoid plushy toilet seat covers as well since they can also make a bathroom look outdated. Carpet and plush can harbor bacteria, so it’s best to opt for a more hygienic option like tile or vinyl plank flooring if you want to create a stylish and modern look in your bathroom.
7. Stiff Office Furniture
While you may want your office to look stylish and trendy, one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid is using outdated office furniture. Opt for pieces that are comfortable, functional and will last longer. Look for furniture pieces with flexible edges and soft cushions. The best ergonomic chair should also have adjustable arms and back support to allow you to work in a comfortable position.
Finally, make sure to keep your office furniture up-to-date by replacing pieces that are outdated or no longer useful. There are plenty of modern and stylish options available today, so you can easily find something that will fit your budget and style. Don’t compromise your health and safety for fashion, and instead, opt for pieces that combine functionality and beauty.
8. Copper Pennies as Flooring Material
One of the top home renovation trends to avoid is copper penny flooring. There are many other types of flooring material that are more economical and easier to install, such as hardwood, tile or laminate.
Copper pennies are not only difficult to work with and costly, but they can also be easily damaged. Not to mention, the color of copper will fade over time, making it an impractical solution for your home renovation project.
Instead of copper pennies, opt for a more durable and cost-efficient flooring material. This will ensure that your new floors look great and last longer. Tile, ceramic, and mosaic flooring materials are all great options for homeowners that want unique flooring.
9. Tile Countertops
Tile countertops are one of the top home renovation trends to avoid. Tile countertops can be difficult to clean and maintain, as well as easily scratched or cracked.
To create a modern look for your kitchen, opt for countertop materials like quartz, granite or concrete. These materials will not only look great but they are also much easier to maintain and durable. Furthermore, if you want an even more modern look for your kitchen, opt for stainless steel countertops or even a glass countertop. These materials are not only stylish but also very resistant to damage and easy to clean.
10. Outdated Window Treatments
Your window treatments can make or break the look of your home. Outdated window treatments, such as heavy drapes and valances are some of the worst home renovation trends to avoid.
Instead of investing in outdated window treatments, opt for a contemporary style that will enhance the look of your space. Roman shades and blind installation are both popular options that can easily be adjusted to provide privacy when needed.
You can also opt for curtains or shades that are made of lightweight fabrics, such as linen or cotton. This will give your windows an elegant and modern look that won’t overpower the rest of the decor in the room.
11. Rustic Window Shutters
We all love a good rustic home, but there comes a time where you need to replace your window shutters instead of just painting them. Rustic window shutters are one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid.
While they look good when they are first installed, rustic shutters easily wear down and can become an eyesore after a few years. Investing in more modern window treatments will not only improve the look of your home but also increase its value.
Consider replacing your shutters with more durable materials such as aluminum, vinyl, or composite materials. This will ensure that your windows stay looking great for years to come.
12. Brightly Painted Front Doors
The windows and doors are the soul of the home, which is why you should never go wrong with a classic color when selecting a paint for your front door. Brightly painted front doors are one of the worst home renovation trends to avoid.
A brightly colored door can be distracting and will make it difficult to coordinate the rest of your house’s exterior design. Choose neutral colors such as black, tan, or gray that complements the style of your home instead. This will help create a cohesive look and also add value to your property. In addition, if your home is part of an HOA, they may have rules regarding the paint colors of your front door. Be sure to check with them before you start painting.
13. Dark Wall Paint
Dark wall paint is one of the top home renovation trends to avoid. While dark walls may look stylish and modern, they can be overpowering and make a room seem much smaller than it actually is.
When selecting wall colors for your home, opt for light or neutral shades that will make the room appear brighter and more inviting. This will also help open up the space and make it feel more airy. If you want to add a bit of drama to your space, consider incorporating an accent wall instead of painting all four walls with a darker color.
14. Smaller Spaces
When it comes to home renovations, bigger isn’t always better. Overstuffing a small room with too much furniture, artwork, or other items will make the space look cramped and uncomfortable.
Instead of trying to fit everything into a smaller space, opt for minimalistic design elements that won’t overcrowd the room. Incorporate storage solutions such as built-in shelves or cabinets so you can keep your belongings organized without taking up too much visual space in the room. You can also try using mirrors to open up the room and create an illusion of more space.
Ultimately, when it comes to home renovation trends, there are plenty of options available that not only look great but also increase your property value.
15. Water Features
Water features are one of the home renovation trends to avoid for busy homeowners. While they can be visually appealing at first glance, they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep to keep them in working order.
Not to mention, water features can also lead to higher energy costs due to increased water usage. Instead of investing in a costly water feature for your home, try incorporating other visual elements that will take up less space and cost you less money in the long run. Plants or outdoor sculptures are both great alternatives that won’t break the bank while still giving your home a unique look. If you’re set on a water feature, know that they are costly and require maintenance.
By avoiding these common home renovation trends, you can make sure that your next project will be a success! Investing in quality materials and timeless designs will not only enhance the look of your home but also add value to it as well. When planning out your next renovation project, take some time to research which trends are best for you and avoid those that won’t benefit your property in any way.