These are already dated! Outdated Interior Trends to Avoid in 2025
I finally have the courage to write about Outdated Interior Trends to Avoid in 2025!
It is just another day, looking for inspiration. I’ve also been doing some inspections of new builds lately, but honestly, nothing very interesting. I have a feeling there isn’t a lot of innovation happening in Melbourne. Some trends seem stuck, and many of us just can’t seem to let them go.
And that got me thinking—maybe it’s time we have this conversation. Not to shame these trends (they had their moment!), but to rethink how we’re using them.
This isn’t a list of things that should never be used. Instead, these are trends that have been overdone and need to be used with more thought. Think of them like an outdated jacket—you don’t have to throw it in the bin, but maybe you can alter it or pair it differently to make it look more on-trend and less likely to date quickly.
Outdated Interior Trends 1
All White Everything!
I’ve probably said this more times than I can count—but please, let’s stop with the white-on-white everything. It’s flat, it’s cold, and frankly, it’s lost its charm. While some still argue it’s “timeless,” the reality is… it’s starting to feel very dated.
I get it—many homeowners reach for white because it feels like the safest option. But here’s the twist: bright, vivid white is actually one of the trickiest colours to get right. And yes, even an all-white space can go horribly wrong if there’s no depth, texture, or contrast to back it up.
That’s not to say white is off-limits. There are so many beautiful whites out there, and the key is choosing the right one to suit your home’s overall style. Rather than defaulting to a bright, generic white, think about whether your space calls for something warmer or cooler.
I’ve had clients ask for all-white interiors before—and with a bit of tweaking, I’ve kept their vision intact while elevating the result. Take a project I did in an older home in Kew, for example. Instead of stark white, I used Dulux Antique White on the walls and paired it with a grey-beige joinery colour. They’re quite close in tone, but Antique White has a gentle warmth that gave the space much-needed depth and softness.
Because it was a older home, I steered clear of cooler whites, which would’ve felt too sharp and contemporary. For the benchtops, I chose a stone just a touch lighter than the joinery, with subtle brown undertones. At first glance, it still reads as white—but with so much more richness and warmth underneath.
When I presented the concept to my clients, they absolutely loved it—even though, funnily enough, almost nothing I used was truly pure white.
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Outdated Interior Trends 2
Light Grey
Remember around 2015–2017 when light grey was everywhere? Every Pinterest post seemed to feature light grey paired with soft pink. I loved it at the time too—I even changed my linen to match! But it’s 2025 now, and it’s time to move on.
That doesn’t mean you need to throw out all your light grey décor, furniture, or wall paint. Instead, think about how you can refresh it. Light grey makes a great neutral backdrop, but pairing it with pink now feels a little tired. Try combining it with darker greens, deep blues, or even off-white to highlight the vibrant tones and make it feel fresh again. If you have light grey furniture, bring in colourful accessories to balance it out. And if you have light grey accessories, try pairing them with bold furniture choices. It’s all about how you mix and match to keep things interesting!
An example of how light grey pairs comfortably with stronger colours.
Outdated Interior Trends 3
Black Hardware
I used to specify black hardware too—it had a real moment. But pretty quickly, it started feeling a bit flat… even cheap. Black and white interiors, in general, can lack depth and personality, and black hardware doesn’t always age gracefully.
These days, I find gunmetal to be a far more luxurious alternative. From a distance, it still reads as dark, but up close, the subtle metallic texture adds a richness that black just can’t match. If your home leans warm, you can also find warmer-toned gunmetals that blend beautifully without feeling cold or harsh. Definitely request samples from different suppliers—it’s worth comparing in person.
Another favourite of mine? Brushed nickel. It’s a classic, timeless choice that works across a range of styles—whether your space is modern, transitional, or somewhere in between.
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Outdated Interior Trends 4
Brass Hardware
I’ve never been a huge fan of brass. It’s often used to add a sense of luxury, but when it’s paired with pink, white, and grey, I actually think it can cheapen the look rather than elevate it.
Instead, I tend to favour finishes like antique brass, bronze, or warm brushed nickel. They feel more refined and timeless, and they work beautifully with a range of colours:
- Antique brass with white, green, or blue
- Bronze with pink
- Warm brushed nickel with grey
That said, brass isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—but it does need to be used more thoughtfully. If you’re going to use it, go bold. I love pairing brass with much richer, moodier tones—it feels far more intentional and high-end that way.
Outdated Interior Trends 5
Thick Countertops
Many people still believe that a 40mm, 80mm—or even 100mm—benchtop is the ultimate sign of luxury. But honestly? I don’t think that’s necessarily true anymore. It really depends on your overall vibe, your style, and how your joinery is designed to work with it.
I still use thicker countertops in some projects, but I often tweak the profile to make it more interesting or better suited to the space. And thinner benchtops? They’re definitely not a downgrade. In fact, they come with plenty of perks:
- More budget-friendly
- Allow for a shadow line for that sleek, architectural detail
- Free up more storage space below
- Create a cleaner, more modern silhouette
Choosing a 20mm benchtop doesn’t mean your kitchen will feel any less elevated. In many cases, it’s actually a smarter design decision. And if you want to showcase the stone more boldly, consider adding a stone shelf or a feature edge—it can still make a strong statement, just with a bit more finesse.
Outdated Interior Trends 6
Finger Tiles
I absolutely love finger tiles. They come in so many beautiful colours and proportions, and they have a way of instantly bringing a space to life. That said… I do think they’ve been a bit overdone lately.
That’s not to say I won’t use them again—because I definitely will. They’re a classic, and they’re not going out of style anytime soon. But I don’t believe they need to feature in every project. I’ve noticed a lot of people using them simply because they’re trendy, rather than thinking about how they actually suit the overall vibe of the space.
Finger tiles shine in modern, Scandi, mid-century, or Asian-inspired interiors. They’re not the best fit for Hampton, French provincial, or more traditional styles—though never say never! It all comes down to how you use them and how intentional the pairing is.
There are so many beautiful tile shapes out there that might work better depending on the style of your home. Keep your options open! I once walked through a newly built French provincial home where white finger tiles had been used as a feature—and it just felt completely out of place. Wrong style, wrong colour, wrong context.
Example below:
unique finger tiles options
Autumn Terracotta
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Grey Smoke
Shop here-The Blue Space
Outdated Interior Trends 7
Waterfall Countertops
I’ve heard so many people say they’re unsure about whether to include a waterfall edge—mostly because everyone seems to be doing it. It’s always an expensive upgrade, but does it really add value or make the kitchen feel more luxurious?
A waterfall edge is often seen as a high-end feature, but in my opinion, it’s not always worth the extra cost.
I don’t include it in every project—even if the client specifically asks for it and is happy to pay. It only makes sense when:
- It’s clearly visible from the main entry into the space
- There’s enough distance to fully appreciate the detail
- There’s nothing blocking the view (like a bin cabinet or bulky joinery)
If the edge isn’t going to be a true statement piece, I’ll often recommend something else—like open shelving. Done right, it’s both functional and beautiful. It gives you a chance to style the space with bowls, fruit, fresh veggies, or ceramic pieces. And don’t think of it as a downgrade—if designed well, it can become one of the standout features (and even a selling point) of your kitchen.
Outdated Interior Trends 8
White Marble is the Best Stone
Do you still believe that the whiter the marble, the better the marble? That’s probably why it’s still so sought after. And yes—white marble is stunning. But honestly? It’s been overdone for far too long.
I think part of the problem is how often it’s paired with white cabinetry—especially Calacatta marble. That combo has been repeated so many times, it’s starting to feel bland, dated, and a bit uninspired.
And here’s the thing: there are so many beautiful alternatives out there. Why limit yourself?
Concrete, limestone, terrazzo, stainless steel, laminate, tile—the list goes on. And let’s not forget, white marble isn’t the easiest material to maintain either.
I’ve also noticed that, in many cases, white marble doesn’t even suit the overall design. When I do use it, I like to make it feel fresh—pairing it with bold joinery colours or moody wall paint to create contrast. It works beautifully in traditional, rustic, or Hampton-style homes. But in more contemporary or modern spaces, I tend to be a lot more selective.
For modern homes, I often lean towards limestone. In mid-century homes, terrazzo is a fantastic choice that adds both charm and character. It’s all about choosing the right stone for the right space. Understanding your personal style—and the story of your home—will always lead to better, longer-lasting design decisions.
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These trends might not be disappearing completely—but they do need to be used with more thought and intention. Good design isn’t about chasing what’s popular. It’s about creating a home that feels like you—a space that tells your story, reflects your personality, and stands the test of time, no matter what’s trending.
When you design with that in mind, your home becomes more than just a curated mix of furniture and finishes. It becomes a reflection of your lifestyle, your memories, your everyday moments. That’s what gives a space true longevity. If you look at older interiors that still captivate us today, they all share one thing: they weren’t made to fit a fleeting moment. They were designed with meaning, care, and individuality—and that’s exactly why they continue to feel relevant.
So, if you’re building or renovating, forget what everyone else is doing. Don’t design for Instagram. Design for you. Go beyond the so-called “safe” choices. Mix your materials. Play with colour. Combine styles. Most importantly, create something that’s uniquely yours.
Because that’s the kind of design that never goes out of style.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might also like:
How to Find Your Interior Design Style – so you’re not constantly swayed by every new trend
The Pros and Cons of Marble in the Home – before you commit to that stone benchtop
How to Pick the Perfect White Paint – because not all whites are created equal
Keep exploring, keep experimenting—and most importantly, design for you.
