What’s In And What’s Over: 10 Long-Lasting PA Decorating Trends And 3 That Miss The Mark

Home decorating in Pennsylvania blends timeless charm with modern sensibilities.

Whether you’re renovating a historic Philly brownstone or sprucing up a suburban Pittsburgh home, knowing which trends have staying power can save you time and money.

I’ve compiled a guide to help you distinguish between enduring Pennsylvania design elements and those ready for retirement.

1. Natural Wood Tones (In)

Raw, honest wood finishes bring warmth to Pennsylvania homes year-round. The rich character of oak, maple, and locally-sourced cherry connects interiors to the state’s abundant forests and woodworking heritage.

Many PA homeowners are stripping away decades of paint to reveal original hardwood floors and beams. This return to authenticity feels especially right in historic homes from Lancaster to Scranton.

I’ve noticed clients increasingly requesting unstained wood furniture that showcases natural grain patterns. The beauty lies in imperfections knots, variations, and unique markings tell a story that mass-produced pieces simply can’t match.

2. Earthy Neutral Palettes (In)

Warm beiges, soft taupes, and gentle grays dominate Pennsylvania interiors for good reason. These versatile hues complement our state’s dramatic seasonal shifts, creating adaptable backdrops that work equally well with summer’s greenery and winter’s stark beauty.

The appeal extends beyond aesthetics. Neutral walls provide flexibility, allowing homeowners to refresh their spaces with seasonal accents without major renovations. Think rust-colored pillows in autumn, deep greens in winter.

My clients frequently mention how these subdued colors create calm sanctuaries from our busy world. The trend shows no signs of fading, especially when paired with textural elements like woven baskets and hand-thrown pottery from local PA artisans.

3. Exposed Brick Walls (In)

Behind the drywall of many Pennsylvania homes lies a treasure original brick that tells stories of our industrial past. From Philadelphia row houses to Pittsburgh warehouses-turned-lofts, these architectural elements add instant character and historical connection.

Homeowners cherish these walls for practical reasons too. Brick provides natural insulation, helping combat those brutal PA winters while reducing energy costs. The varied colors from classic red to weathered rust and tan create a built-in color palette that guides other design choices.

If your home lacks authentic brick, quality veneer options have improved dramatically. They deliver similar visual impact without structural modifications, making this look accessible across different housing styles throughout the Keystone State.

4. Industrial Light Fixtures (In)

Metal pendants, Edison bulbs, and factory-inspired lighting celebrate Pennsylvania’s manufacturing legacy. These fixtures bring authentic character to homes across our state, from Philadelphia’s converted factories to newly-built suburban developments seeking historical connections.

Homeowners appreciate how these sturdy pieces serve as functional art, creating focal points that anchor rooms without overwhelming them. Black iron, aged brass, and copper finishes develop rich patinas over time, improving rather than deteriorating with age.

What makes this trend particularly Pennsylvanian is how it bridges our industrial past with contemporary living. I’ve installed salvaged lighting from closed Bethlehem Steel buildings in ultramodern kitchens, creating meaningful contrasts that honor our heritage while embracing progress.

5. Vintage-Inspired Rugs (In)

Faded Persian patterns and Turkish-inspired designs ground Pennsylvania rooms with timeless appeal. These floor coverings add instant history to both century-old homes and new constructions throughout the Commonwealth.

Beyond their visual charm, these rugs serve practical purposes in our climate. They provide crucial warmth underfoot during freezing winters while softening acoustics in homes with the hardwood floors so common across Pennsylvania.

What’s particularly appealing is how these pieces improve with age. Unlike trendy alternatives that quickly show wear, vintage-inspired rugs develop character over decades. I’ve seen families pass these investments through generations, each scuff and fade adding to their stories perfectly matching Pennsylvania’s appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship.

6. Built-In Bookcases (In)

Custom shelving transforms Pennsylvania homes into personal libraries that showcase both literary collections and family treasures. This architectural feature honors our state’s intellectual traditions while solving storage challenges in older homes with limited closet space.

Homeowners particularly value built-ins flanking fireplaces or lining hallways, turning transitional spaces into opportunities for personal expression. White painted finishes remain popular in Philadelphia’s historic districts, while natural wood dominates in more rural parts of the state.

The investment pays dividends beyond aesthetics. Real estate professionals consistently report that quality built-ins enhance property values across Pennsylvania markets. When designed thoughtfully, these permanent fixtures adapt to changing needs housing books today, displaying collections tomorrow, and perhaps storing toys for the next generation.

7. Matte Black Accents (In)

Hardware, faucets, and lighting fixtures in this sophisticated finish create dramatic contrast in Pennsylvania kitchens and bathrooms. The look pairs beautifully with both traditional elements in historic Bucks County farmhouses and sleek contemporary designs in Philadelphia high-rises.

Homeowners appreciate how these small touches deliver significant impact without major renovation costs. Switching out cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and light switches creates instant modernization while respecting architectural integrity.

Durability makes this trend particularly suited to Pennsylvania living. Unlike polished finishes that show every fingerprint, matte black disguises the inevitable marks from daily use. This practical consideration matters in family homes throughout the Commonwealth, where beautiful spaces must also withstand real life from kids’ sticky fingers to the dust of our changing seasons.

8. Farmhouse Sink Styles (In)

Deep, single-basin sinks honor Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage while delivering modern functionality. From genuine fireclay to more budget-friendly porcelain versions, these statement pieces anchor kitchens across the Commonwealth.

Homeowners value their practical advantages. The generous depth accommodates stock pots for canning garden harvests, a tradition still practiced in many Pennsylvania homes. The exposed front creates comfortable working positions, reducing back strain during lengthy food preparation sessions.

While often associated with country aesthetics, these sinks adapt surprisingly well to various design styles. I’ve installed them in ultramodern Philadelphia condos and historic Lancaster farmhouses with equal success. Their enduring popularity stems from this versatility they reference our state’s farming traditions without forcing homes into a single decorative category.

9. Layered Textiles (In)

Quilts, woven throws, and mixed patterns create inviting Pennsylvania spaces that feel collected rather than decorated. This approach embraces our state’s rich textile heritage from Amish quilting traditions to the output of historic mills along our rivers.

Practical considerations drive this trend as much as aesthetics. Multiple fabric layers provide adjustable warmth during unpredictable Pennsylvania weather, from surprise spring frosts to early fall chills. Homes feel prepared for anything nature delivers.

The beauty lies in personal expression. Unlike matching sets from big retailers, layered collections tell family stories perhaps incorporating a grandparent’s handmade afghan or a special blanket from a local fiber artist. These textured combinations create depth that flat-screen dominated rooms often lack, making Pennsylvania interiors feel genuinely lived-in rather than simply staged.

10. Classic Shaker Cabinets (In)

Clean lines and unfussy craftsmanship make these kitchen staples perfectly suited to Pennsylvania’s practical sensibilities. Their simple frame-and-panel construction references our state’s strong woodworking traditions without appearing overly rustic.

Homeowners repeatedly choose this style for its chameleon-like versatility. The same cabinet profile works beautifully in a historic Gettysburg home with traditional hardware or a contemporary Allentown residence with modern pulls.

Durability drives their enduring popularity across Pennsylvania. Unlike trendy alternatives that quickly reveal their age, Shaker designs transcend specific eras. I’ve renovated kitchens where original Shaker cabinets from the 1920s remained structurally sound, needing only fresh paint and updated hardware testament to their lasting construction and timeless appeal in our value-conscious state.

11. Faux-Distressed Furniture (Miss the Mark)

Factory-created “wear” fails to capture authentic Pennsylvania character. These mass-produced pieces attempt to mimic the genuine patina found in our state’s abundant antique shops and family heirlooms, but fall noticeably short.

The problem lies in their uniformity. Real distressing happens organically through generations of use perhaps a dining table worn smooth where family hands rested, or subtle color variations where sunlight touched specific areas. Pennsylvania homes tell genuine stories through their furnishings.

Instead of these unconvincing reproductions, I recommend clients either embrace clean-lined contemporary pieces or invest in actual vintage items from our region’s excellent secondhand markets. The former offers honest modernity; the latter provides authentic history. Both approaches honor Pennsylvania’s appreciation for integrity in home furnishings better than manufactured “character.”

12. Overdone Farmhouse Signs (Miss the Mark)

Mass-produced wooden plaques with generic phrases have saturated Pennsylvania homes beyond the point of meaningful expression. These factory-made decorations attempt to reference our state’s rich agricultural heritage but ultimately feel disconnected from authentic rural traditions.

The disconnect becomes particularly apparent in suburban developments and city apartments far removed from actual farm life. Words like “gather” and “blessed” lose impact through endless repetition, becoming visual noise rather than thoughtful sentiment.

For those drawn to text-based decor, I suggest exploring work from Pennsylvania’s thriving artisan community instead. Hand-lettered pieces by local calligraphers, vintage signs from regional businesses, or custom works featuring meaningful family sayings carry genuine significance. These alternatives honor our state’s craft traditions while adding truly personal touches to your space.

13. All-Gray Interiors (Miss the Mark)

Monochromatic gray schemes feel increasingly out of place in Pennsylvania homes known for warmth and character. This once-popular approach often reads as cold and impersonal against our state’s rich architectural backdrops and dramatic seasonal changes.

The issue becomes particularly problematic during our long winters. Rooms lacking color variation can amplify seasonal affective tendencies when Pennsylvania’s skies remain gray for weeks. Interior spaces should provide counterbalance to our climate challenges, not mirror them.

A more successful approach incorporates thoughtful color alongside carefully chosen neutrals. Consider pulling hues from Pennsylvania’s natural landscape the deep greens of summer foliage, rich browns of plowed fields, or the unexpected purples and oranges of our remarkable sunsets. These regional color inspirations create spaces that feel connected to place rather than following fleeting national trends.