Millennials Should Abandon These 5 Decor Trends IMMEDIATELY, Designers Say
Nostalgia may be comforting, but it's not always aesthetically appealing. Millennials grew up during a time when decor trends like Tuscan-inspired kitchens, sponge-painted walls, and matching furniture sets from big-box stores reigned supreme. So, as this generation eventually began to move out of their childhood homes and decorate their own spaces, a stark contrast emerged between the more-is-more ethos of the '90s and '00s and the simpler, clean-line designs of the 2010s.
“In the peak era of HGTV, many millennials were also introduced to the open-concept floor plan, farmhouse decor (thank you, Chip and Joanna), and minimalism as a reaction against the cluttered, heavily decorated interiors of their parents’ generation,” says interior designer Abby Pendergrast.
The 2010s were also when social media began to inform decorating decisions, with fun, Instagram-friendly interiors from The Wing and The Museum of Ice Cream popping up on mood boards everywhere. But what felt fresh at the time quickly devolved into cliché, and many of those aesthetics are now to be used sparingly—if at all!
Pendergrast continues, “As adults, millennials are creating spaces that embrace comfort, personalization, and sustainability. Interestingly, we see millennials selectively reviving certain childhood trends—but with their own twists. Rather than going full farmhouse, they might integrate vintage-inspired decor or antiques alongside contemporary elements.”
If your home looks incredibly 2017 in the year 2025, it's time to make a few changes. We spoke with interior designers about the decor trends that are so over for millennials—and how they can update them accordingly.
Millennial Pink Overload
According to Pendergrast, entire rooms painted pink or stocked with overly saturated pink decor are a few design faux pas to stay away from. Instead, she suggests opting for “moodier tones such as warm clay, earthy terracotta, or muted jewel tones for a more sophisticated palette.”
Pampas Grass and Faux-Boho Decor
Pampas grass and boho decor have gone hand-in-hand for far too long. Wherever we see a puffy pampas frond, there's usually macramé wall art somewhere close by. Even Jeremiah Brent is ready for this trend to be over.
To easily swap out this passé look, Pendergrast suggests implementing “healthy live plants, tall indoor trees like Audrey ficus or olive, or sculptural succulents and cacti for fresh, vibrant greenery.”
Interior designer Michelle Dew is also on board for adding more greenery and live plants to your space, as fake plants “look a bit tired and dated, especially if they’re poor quality.” She recommends live plants “for the look and the air-purifying qualities.”
Faux-Midcentury Furniture Sets
Blame this trend on all the millennials who binge-watched Mad Men in their early 20s. While the beauty of true midcentury modern style will always endure, Pendergrast says “entire rooms of midcentury reproductions or matching furniture sets” is a look that has to go. Instead of this, she recommends “curated and eclectic mixes of vintage, modern, and custom pieces that reflect personal stories and styles.”
All-Brass Hardware
Millennials have long defaulted to brass and gold hardware. However, overuse of these metallics can quickly date a room. Instead, try going the opposite direction with more silver finishes. “Polished chrome is classic for a reason. It stands the test of time without being too trendy,” Pendergrast says.
Wordy Wall Art
Time to say goodbye to your motivational letterboards and "But first, coffee" prints. Instead, consider unique pieces from local artists or find an art print on Etsy that will speak volumes without saying a word. Pendergrast suggests finding “original artworks, thoughtfully framed vintage posters, or carefully selected objects that speak to personal interests and experiences.”
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