Time To Update: 11 Outdated Decor Trends To Replace By 2026 In Washington

Your living room might be screaming 2015, and you don’t even realize it. Washington homes are moving away from tired trends that once felt fresh but now look seriously dated.

If you’re still rocking certain styles, it’s time for a friendly upgrade before 2026 rolls around!

1. Overly Matching Furniture Sets

Matching sofas, chairs, and tables used to feel safe and coordinated. Now they scream “furniture showroom” instead of “real home.” I think mixing textures and styles creates way more personality.

Try pairing a modern couch with vintage side tables. Throw in different wood tones or metal accents for contrast. Your space will feel collected over time, not bought in one shopping trip.

Washington homeowners are embracing eclectic vibes that tell a story. Break free from the matchy-matchy trap and let your rooms breathe!

2. Excessive Use Of Faux Wood Finishes

Faux wood laminate looked budget-friendly years ago, but it aged poorly. Peeling edges and that fake grain pattern give away the illusion instantly. Real wood or quality alternatives make a huge difference in how your home feels.

If solid wood isn’t in your budget, consider painted finishes instead. Matte tiles or concrete-look surfaces work beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms. Even affordable real wood beats plastic pretending to be oak.

Washington’s design scene values authenticity now more than ever. Ditch the fake stuff!

3. Heavy, Dark Drapes

Thick velvet curtains in burgundy or forest green once symbolized elegance. Today they block precious natural light and make rooms feel like caves. Washington’s beautiful scenery deserves to shine through your windows!

Swap them for sheer linen curtains or light cotton blends. These fabrics filter sunlight softly while keeping privacy intact. You can layer them with simple roller shades for nighttime coverage.

Lighter window treatments open up your space instantly. Your rooms will feel airier and more connected to the outdoors around you.

4. Granite Countertops Everywhere

Granite ruled kitchen design for decades, but now it feels predictable. Those busy speckled patterns compete with everything else in your kitchen. Cleaner surfaces let your decor and dishes take center stage instead.

Quartz offers similar durability with more color consistency. Butcher block adds warmth that granite never could. Even concrete counters bring industrial charm to Pacific Northwest kitchens.

Washington designers are moving toward simpler, more refined materials. Give your kitchen a fresh face by retiring that granite slab!

5. Outdated Color Schemes (Beige And Tan Dominance)

Beige walls, tan sofas, and cream carpets created a sea of blandness. This “safe” palette feels lifeless compared to what’s trending now. Color brings energy and mood to your home in ways neutrals never could.

Try warm terracotta, soft sage green, or even moody navy blue. These shades add depth without overwhelming your senses. You can always balance bold walls with neutral furniture if you’re nervous.

Washington homes are embracing richer, more interesting palettes. Say goodbye to boring beige and hello to rooms with character!

6. Wall-To-Wall Carpeting

Carpeting every inch of your floor seemed cozy once upon a time. Now it traps dust, stains easily, and looks seriously outdated. Hardwood or luxury vinyl plank gives you cleaner lines and easier maintenance.

Area rugs let you define spaces without permanent commitment. They’re easier to clean and swap out when styles change. Plus, showing off beautiful flooring underneath makes rooms feel larger.

Washington’s modern homes favor exposed floors with strategic rug placement. Your feet and your vacuum cleaner will thank you for the upgrade!

7. Too Many Themed Rooms

Nautical bathrooms, Tuscan kitchens, and safari bedrooms felt fun in the 2000s. But themed rooms age quickly and limit your decorating options. They also scream “trying too hard” to anyone who visits.

Instead, pick a few meaningful accents that reflect your interests subtly. A single vintage map beats an entire travel-themed explosion. Let your personality show through carefully chosen pieces, not overwhelming themes.

Washington homeowners prefer sophisticated restraint over kitschy themes now. Keep it classy and let your style speak softly!

8. Mismatched Lighting Fixtures

Random light fixtures from different eras create visual chaos overhead. A brass chandelier next to chrome sconces confuses the eye and dates your home. Cohesive lighting ties everything together beautifully.

Choose one finish family and stick with it throughout connected spaces. Matte black, brushed nickel, or warm brass all work wonderfully. You don’t need identical fixtures, just complementary styles that share common elements.

Washington interiors shine when lighting feels intentional and harmonious. Give your ceiling fixtures a coordinated makeover soon!

9. Excessive Use Of Shiny Or Glossy Finishes

High-gloss cabinets and super shiny tiles reflected every fingerprint and flaw. They felt futuristic once but now look cheap and dated. Matte and satin finishes hide imperfections while appearing more sophisticated.

Flat paint on walls creates a velvety, upscale look. Honed stone counters feel luxurious without the glare. Even your hardware benefits from brushed or matte metal instead of polished chrome.

Washington’s current aesthetic leans toward understated elegance over flashy shine. Tone down that gloss for a more refined appearance!

10. Heavy, Overly Ornate Furniture

Carved wooden pieces with elaborate details dominated traditional homes for years. But chunky ornate furniture eats up space and feels stuffy in modern layouts. Streamlined designs let your rooms breathe and function better.

Clean lines don’t mean boring, they mean intentional and elegant. Mid-century modern or Scandinavian styles offer beauty without bulk. Your space will feel larger and more inviting immediately.

Washington homeowners appreciate furniture that’s beautiful yet practical. Lighten up your load by choosing simpler, more versatile pieces!

11. Tacky Or Overly Loud Wall Art

Giant motivational quotes or neon-bright canvases once seemed fun and bold. Now they overwhelm your walls and distract from everything else. Thoughtful art should enhance your space, not dominate it completely.

Choose pieces with personal meaning or subtle color palettes instead. Local Washington artists offer beautiful landscapes and abstract works. Even a simple gallery wall of family photos beats generic mass-produced posters.

Your walls deserve artwork that grows with you over time. Replace those loud pieces with something more timeless and meaningful!