Say Goodbye To These 11 Farmhouse Fads And Please Ditch These 6, Too
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page for more information.
Farmhouse style had its moment but not every detail deserves to stick around.
While some elements still offer timeless charm, others have crossed into overdone territory, leaving homes feeling more like themed showrooms than personal sanctuaries.
I’m breaking down the farmhouse fads it’s officially time to retire, plus a few that never quite worked in the first place. If you’re craving a fresher, more authentic look, here’s what to let go and why you probably won’t miss it.
1. Shiplap Walls
If there’s one style that’s overstayed its welcome, it’s shiplap walls. Joanna Gaines made it famous, but now it just screams, “2017 Pinterest board.”
How many times have you seen shiplap in a home tour and thought, ‘Didn’t I see this exact look last week?’ While shiplap adds texture, too much of it creates a cold, repetitive vibe. It’s time to use new wall treatments that feel fresher.
Some people experiment with board-and-batten or colorful wallpaper as alternatives. Let your walls express something unique to you instead of blending into the farmhouse crowd.
2. Barn Doors in Every Room
Did your neighbor add a barn door to her laundry room? Suddenly, everyone followed. Though barn doors are charming, they rarely provide real privacy or sound control.
Barn doors became a quick solution for tight spaces, but their oversized look often overwhelms smaller rooms. Barn doors can work when used sparingly, but not on every door.
Now, I’m seeing more sleek pocket doors or creative drapery choices. Save barn doors for actual barns—or perhaps one thoughtfully chosen spot in your home.
3. Galvanized Metal Decor
How did galvanized metal become the king of farmhouse accessories? From trays to buckets, it’s everywhere—and that’s exactly the issue.
Too many metal pieces start to feel cold and industrial instead of warm and homey. I remember when a simple galvanized vase felt creative, but now it’s just overkill.
Where a pop of metal can add charm, an entire collection can quickly look like the home section of a hardware store. Mix in wood, glass, and ceramic for a look that feels collected, not copied.
4. Open Shelving with Clutter
This kitchen trend looked so airy—until the mess settled in. Open shelving quickly turns into a catch-all for mismatched mugs and dusty dishes.
If you’re constantly rearranging to keep things pretty, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. I’ve tried it and ended up frustrated with the daily upkeep.
Cabinets hide the chaos and keep kitchens feeling tidier. When shelves are full, it’s harder to showcase anything special. Maybe it’s time to close those doors and enjoy a clutter-free look.
5. Overuse of Distressed Wood
When every surface is chipped and sanded, the charm fades fast. Distressed wood is supposed to tell a story, not scream, “I bought this already damaged.”
How did we get from a hint of vintage to full-on worn-out? I see it everywhere—tables, frames, mirrors. Sometimes less is truly more.
Sprinkle in real antiques or a single statement piece. Too much distressing starts to feel staged, not storied. A touch of polish works wonders for any room.
6. All-White Everything
When did white become the only acceptable color in farmhouse spaces? While crisp and clean, all-white interiors can feel sterile and uninviting.
How often do you worry about coffee spills or muddy paws on those bright surfaces? Living in a bleach commercial isn’t practical or comfortable.
Adding warm tones, moody hues, or even playful patterns makes a space lively. Color brings personality, and there’s plenty of room for it beyond the farmhouse trend.
7. Word Art Signs (“Gather,” “Blessed”)
“Gather,” “Blessed,” “Home”—these word art signs have become as common as coffee mugs. While the messages are sweet, repeating them everywhere makes the home feel like a gift shop.
If every wall tells you how to feel, it stops feeling authentic. I kept one sign for nostalgia, but the rest had to go.
Now, I choose art that sparks conversation or brings a smile, not a lecture. Let your walls speak for you in more creative ways than just painted words.
8. Faux Farmhouse Sinks
How many “farmhouse” sinks are really just shallow basins with a fancy front? True farmhouse sinks are deep and practical—these knock-offs just mimic the look.
Although they photograph well, faux versions often lack the charm or functionality of the originals. I once attempted to fill a pot, only to realize the shallow depth was a hassle.
If you want a statement sink, consider vintage pieces or updated classics. Not every kitchen needs a farmhouse label to feel special.
9. Mason Jars as Light Fixtures
Where did we get the idea to turn mason jars into everything, especially light fixtures? The first time I saw it, it felt clever—now it just feels forced.
Mason jars are great for canning or drinks, but as lighting, they don’t give off enough glow. It’s more about the gimmick than actual function.
Opt for fixtures that reflect your style and light up a space properly. Trends fade, but good lighting is always in fashion.
10. Rustic Ladders as Decor
Did you ever wonder how ladders became blanket racks? The first one I saw was charming, but now they’re everywhere—sometimes holding so much, it’s a balancing act.
Rustic ladders have become a symbol of farmhouse overload. I even tripped over one too close to the entryway—form should meet function, not create hazards.
Consider storing blankets in a chest or basket. Your toes (and guests) will thank you, and your space will feel less like a prop shop.
11. Buffalo Check Everything
If you’ve seen one buffalo check pillow, you’ve seen them all. The pattern is bold, classic, and instantly recognizable—but when it takes over the room, it loses its charm.
I remember adding a checkered throw for a bit of flair. Suddenly, it multiplied. Walls, bedding, and even lampshades wore the print.
Mixing in solids or subtle prints makes buffalo check pop without overwhelming. Let the pattern be an accent, not the star in every scene.
12. Faux Greenery in Tin Buckets
How did fake plants in tin buckets become the go-to centerpiece? Real plants bring life, but plastic leaves in metal containers just collect dust.
It’s tempting to fill a shelf with easy greenery, but it rarely fools the eye. I once tried to water one out of habit—yikes!
Try a real potted plant or a handmade ceramic vase instead. Nature deserves better than being imitated in metallic containers.
13. Oversized Clock Wall Art
When did giant wall clocks become the must-have statement piece? They rarely tell the right time and usually just crowd the wall.
I’ve seen oversized clocks at every home store, but few people actually use them. They become less functional and more about filling an awkward space.
Swap out a giant clock for meaningful art or a gallery wall. Personal touches make a room memorable, not just trendy.
14. Chicken Wire Cabinet Doors
Did you grow up on a farm with chicken wire on the cabinets? Most of us didn’t, but somehow these doors became a quirky staple.
Chicken wire doesn’t keep things tidy—it just exposes the clutter inside. I once tried to arrange everything just so, only to have it unravel after one dinner party.
Solid cabinet doors keep things neat and timeless. Let’s leave the wire to the actual chickens, where it belongs.
15. Reclaimed Wood Overload
Where do you draw the line between eco-chic and overdone? Reclaimed wood works best in moderation, but some spaces turn it into a competition.
I like the idea of upcycling, but too many wood tones become visually noisy. It’s hard to relax when every inch fights for attention.
Balance reclaimed wood with painted surfaces or metal touches. Your eyes—and your guests—will appreciate the break.
16. Sliding Barn Door Bathroom Entries
Though sliding barn doors look cool, they rarely offer the privacy a bathroom needs. I remember visiting a friend’s house and hearing every sound from the bathroom awkward!
Barn door entries might work for laundry rooms but not where you crave solitude. Sometimes style shouldn’t override basic needs.
A swing door or pocket door keeps things private without sacrificing design. Give your guests (and yourself) some peace and quiet.
17. Faux Vintage Kitchen Scales
Did anyone actually use these scales, or were they always just for show? Faux vintage kitchen scales have become a dust magnet on many counters.
The real antiques had a purpose these replicas just clutter your workspace. I once tried to weigh fruit on one and got nothing but disappointment.
Opt for functional decor that earns its spot. Leave the fake scales behind and make room for something useful or genuinely nostalgic.