Now that we are officially in 2010, I thought it would be fun to look back at the past decade and see what was happening in the design world that might be worthy of talking about. I was reading a few articles about this subject and it really caught my eye and attention and I knew it would be something all of you would be interested in too.
This blog post, by Things That Inspire, really got me thinking about the subject of what is going to look trendy in the first decade of the 2000’s. Those things that we loved and many of us included in our homes, but looking back, are they going to stand the test of time? Things that are trendy are bound to eventually lose their luster, as we all know. That blog post has a lot of good comments and discussion too, so you might want to check it out when you have a minute. I’m not going to cover everything she did in that post, but will mention several of them, along with some of my own observations. She mentioned and linked to a discussion on Gardenweb’s Decorating board, which I also used to frequent before blogging. I am GeorgiaGal over there, for any who have been on that board for a few years.  I hardly ever get by there these days, but there have always been some lively design topics and discussions going on.
I’ve lived long enough to see so many trends come and go with decorating and design. My first memories of what was in style with home decor was probably in the late 60’s, early 70’s and we all know what the 70’s were like. Oh my gosh, shag carpet everywhere, fake leather, not to mention all those colors of burnt orange, avocado green, and harvest gold. To me, the 70’s have been the absolute worst in design. Ever!  I mean, look back at the old movies from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and see how classic and stylish many of the homes were back then. Then, we get to the 70’s and all I think of is Brady Bunch. Now, that house was definitely not the epitome of style, don’t you agree? For a really hilarious look back at the 70’s, take a look at this post from James Lileks about a Better Homes and Gardens book, 70’s style. It’s priceless and his commentary is just a hoot. Here is one pic from that BH&G book back then. Anyone ready for this again? 🙂 Nope, me neither. 
We have all evolved, myself included in the last 25 years of decorating and design styles. I like to think I’ve matured and learned a lot in that time, but truthfully, I’ve fallen for many trends over the years. I know I’ve learned a few things, when I look back at where I used to be and where I am today (I cringe at some of my old house pics. Classic, not so much).
I went through the seafoam and mauve stage, the hunter green and burgandy phase, and fell for the dark and moody colors, like the red dining room I just covered over earlier last year.   Not that there is anything wrong with red dining rooms, I loved that color for several years, I was just craving something lighter. I think I could just paint my whole house antique white now and be quite happy in it, by adding color in fabrics and accessories. Classic and traditional furniture is also tops on my list too and that has been something I’ve learned over the years.
Here’s one example of how I learned this trendy lesson the hard way. This is my old kitchen in Georgia. The house that I built (with my Dad’s help) and I HAD to have these Euro-style cabinets that were all the rage in the mid-80’s. You’ve seen these things all over, there are relics of them still out there. I did get to redo that kitchen before I left and you can see that makeover here, but this goes to show that trends definitely are a huge thing and we all have to be aware of them. If you are stuck with cabinets like this, then all I can say is “bless your heart”. 
Hanging out online with other design blogs and decorating sites has definitely honed my taste and my eye so much over the last few years and I’m really grateful for that. Thank goodness for growth!
So, getting back to the last decade. What are some things that you see from this decade that may or may not have staying power? Here are some things that I have seen mentioned and I wanted to throw them all out at you too. This will make for some lively and entertaining discussions, I’m quite sure. Many of these trends are seen in kitchens and baths, since that seems to be where more money is spent in new homes.
(from Moen)
Oil Rubbed Bronze – This trend was mentioned as being too trendy and going the way of brass. Now me, I love this look especially in lighting and hardware. I still haven’t changed out everything brass in my house and probably won’t (i.e. my brass shower surround isn’t going anywhere). But, will oil-rubbed bronze stay around as a classic? I have no idea, but I’d like to think it might.
(from Granite Indianpolis)
This is a gorgeous kitchen, but I see it has some of those trendy things mentioned: granite, glazed cabinets, different color island, stainless steel etc. I’d take this in a minute!
Granite Countertops – Now, mind you, I just got granite countertops in my kitchen this year and while other more trendy countertop choices may become even more popular than granite, I sure don’t see these being ripped out anytime soon from homes all over the country. I’m thoroughly enjoying my granite and feel quite blessed to have it. I’ve also heard that the standard dark granite with maple cabinets are like the “builder’s basic” of spec homes from the 2000’s.
Stainless Steel – Again, I have all stainless in my kitchen now and see it as being the new “classic”, but I could be all wrong about that too. I think stainless is sleek and fits in with classic and contemporary all at the same time.
Glazed Kitchen Cabinets and Furniture Style Islands – This is another trend that really took off this last decade. I did the white glazed cabinets in my old house and loved it all then, but I can see the glazed cabinet look coming to an end in the not too distant future. I see less and less of that now in fact. White kitchens are still very popular, but I’m not seeing a lot of the glazed look in magazines right now.
What do you think about the trend for white cabinets and the darker or different colored island? Again, I think this is a great look and can be done well, but is it destined to be trendy and therefore, dated in a few years? Only time will tell.
(from Red Barn Properties)
Large Two-Story greatrooms – Called McMansions for more than 10 years, these large overbuilt and slightly impersonal homes are all over the country. During the boom years in real estate, more and more people were moving into these large and spacious homes, but now that the economy has come to a screeching halt, the McMansions are not quite in vogue anymore. I’ve seen McMansions defined as large homes on a small lot, with some trendy architectural features, with perhaps a large 2-story greatroom. A big mansion wanna-be, perhaps?? More people are loving smaller homes now and I see the trend going towards smaller, yet more architecturally appealing features added that make the home more livable and desirable. There was a big discussion in the comments about what constitutes a McMansion and I found that quite interesting too.
So, the question is: what is the perfect sized home now? And what features do you love and can’t live without?
Here’s a great post my friend, Julia from Hooked on Houses did last year on the 2-story greatroom trend.
Our house is about 3,000 s.f. Sure, we have extra guestrooms that don’t get used all the time, but when kids come home to visit or we have guests drop by, they sure come in handy. So, I don’t see our house as WAY over the top when it comes to size or appointments. I can see this topic will be a hot one for the coming years, as more people are down-sizing and deciding that they CAN live with less amenities and space.
(my own Tuscan look from my old sunroom in GA. I did enjoy it and thought I did a pretty good job with it, but no, I don’t want another faux plaster wall).
The Tuscan Look – This is one trend that I saw was hugely popular in the beginning of 2000’s and one that I can definitely see waning now. I think the authentic look of a European farmhouse is beautiful and can be done well even new, if the architectural features and amenities of a home are taken into consideration. After all, Europe is known for its crumbling buildings and lovely old patinas and real tarnished walls. But, unfortunately this trend went really crazy for a few years and there were faux stucco walls being thrown up all over the place, along with wine and grape motifs. Tuscan gone wrong! I’ll admit I did a faux stucco wall in my old house (see above) and I loved it then. Would I do it again. Nope! 🙂 That’s not to say I think all faux finishes are out now. There are still plenty of them out there, like Venetian plaster that I think are gorgeous. But, I’ve seen that trend slowing down.
I do see more of a rustic and aged look on furniture now than ever before. I painted my black kitchen chairs with a sanded down, distressed look 8 years ago and that is still going strong. Will this look dated one day? Maybe, but I hope not anytime soon. There really seems to be a love of old things more than ever before, using recycled wood and repurposing the old and that is a very good thing, not to mention living with older furniture just feels right. 
(from New England Classic)
Beadboard – I have fallen in love with beadboard and still love it, as I know many all over blogland have also. It’s been a steady and growing trend for at least 10 years now and I don’t see that stopping. I put up beadboard in my old house in Georgia back in 2001, in a couple of rooms. It’s really a throwback to when it was popular the first time around and after looking it up, beadboard first originated back in the 1800’s.  Those old bathrooms with real beadboard on the walls and the hexagon tiles were so pretty and classic then and still are today. So, do you ever see beadboard going out of vogue?? I really don’t, I think it’s here to stay.
So, what in the world do you think about all of this?? I’m opening up this discussion for all of your comments and opinions, so feel free to chime in! Add in any trends that you see from the last decade that you think is going OUT. I certainly have not been immune to trends myself, but hope that I’ve grown to be a bit more discerning about it all. Classic is what I try to keep in the forefront of my decision making at all times.
Now, I do know that we can’t all live by what is “in” and “out”, but you have to admit that the trends definitely grab our attention, like it or not.
I think this will be fun to talk about! And while we are discussing, where will we go in the next 10 years? That’s also open for speculation. I hope things don’t change drastically like they did in decades past. I see cocooning and nesting being more important than ever in our current economy and that means we, as women will find the best ways to make our homes beautiful, liveable and functional for OUR families and do it frugally.
Where do we go from here and what will we cringe at looking back at 2000’s first decade?
I did read in the last couple of years that brass will be making a comeback and perhaps chintz will too.
Don’t forget the Top Projects of 2009 party tomorrow!! Come by bright and early to link up your post and let’s have some fun.
Hi Rhoda 🙂
I’ve had this subject on my mind for such a long time, because we’re trying to bring this old house back to what it was and I don’t want to put anything in it that is too trendy. Paint can be changed, so I use what I like, but other than that we really try to stay away from trends for permanent things.
As far as decor I think burlap, chalkboard paint and stenciled words/vinyl letters will all go out. I have these things in my home, because I love them now, but I didn’t buy or do too much of it, so that I could easily change it out.
Tuscan kitchens or themed kitchens in general will go out. I personally think they’re dated now, unless you live in a home that supports that look. Remember the southwestern theme that was all the rage in the 80s?
The all white look will go out for sure. Oh I love the way it looks right now, but I remember not so long ago that it was in and that we all went nuts with color after living in all that white.
Lastly, anything considered “modern” or contemporary will go out. Remember all that black lacquer and chrome from the 80s?
The things that are timeless.. white appliances, bead board, wood floors and antiques. Other than that it’s all up for grabs in my opinion.
Great post 🙂
xoxo,
rue
wow!! my thoughts exactly! When we built our house about 5 years ago, the top of the list was granite, oil rubbed bronze, stainless steel appliances, beadboard and big ceramic tile. I also have the obligatory furniture-style island. Now, I’m concerned they are too trendy. Which is why I want to paint my cabinets white and get carrera marble countertops and brushed nickel or chrome fixtures. I think stainless steel is going to still be ok. I do like my beadboard and my white hexagon tile in the bathrooms. My grandmother commented that she couldn’t wait to get rid of her beadboard- 60+ years ago. She was floored when I told her I was installing beadboard.
Great discussion, Rhoda.
Robyn
mysoutherncottage.com
Fun discussion, Rhoda!
I try to steer my boat away from trends and go with classics when possible. I don’t like trends. Clothes or otherwise. I have a friend who wears jackets she had in college from forty years ago. She bought great cashmere sweaters then, and they still look great!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
As someone who has been in the building business for quite some time, I have seen a lot of things come and go. Painted and glazed cabinets, maple cabinets, granite and stainless are all still very popular in my area. I do not have all of them in my own home, but I did do knotty alder cabinets, granite and went with black appliances once again. I am getting ready to install beadboard, but it is fitting for my house since we built a “new” bungelow. Glazed walls are still hot here, but I did just talk a homeowner out of doing her entire house with glazed walls. Yikes. It is hard to say what will be “in” tomorrow and even if something is not, can any of us really afford to change everything? Keep it classic as much as possible and no one will know what year your house was built.
Eeeh gads, that Tuscan trend drives me crazy ! And I live in the wine country where it’s everywhere ! I happen to agree with what you’ve written. Stainless steel applicances, beadboard, and antique look furniture is here to stay. I have a different color furniture style island in my white kitchen that I love, but truth be told, I’m painting it another color very soon ! Out with the butternut yellow, in with the fresh gray/green.
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s party, although I realized in hindsight, I posted a few more than ten. Ooops !
Hugs
Kate
Great post Rhoda….
I tend to go with things that catch my eye…I am not one for trends….like when I painted my kitchen 2.5 years ago..BM/Beach glass….2 years later everyone is going aqua…..it all started for me with 2 pillows I bought at Homegoods….that was my inspiration for my livingroom and kitchen make-overs…..I find it so soothing…..
Not a fan of stainless…..got rid of all my stainless and put in black appliances….my cabinets are cream colored and I love the combination…..
My island is the same color as my cabinets…but I love a diff. colored island too….I may change it out to black at some point…but i love it just the way it is right now….
Love granite…yours is very similar to mine….
Love the drum shades I just picked up 2 for the sunroom at such a steal, they’re Martha Stewart with pinch pleats too cute…..I would love to know what the original $$ was…
I painted a bathroom a really pretty shade of brown….hubbie thought it was a no no for a bathroom, if you catch his drift….I don’t care I love it !!! (love when he travels…LOL )
My other bathrooms have wallpaper…..that is the only room I paper…that’s what I mean about doing what I like…..there is just something warm and fuzzy to me about a papered bathroom…..
I am a nut for night lights….. I just thought I’d throw that in there…..lol
Fun post….
Kathy 🙂
ps good luck with your on-line discussion !!!
I hope with everything in me that oil rubbed bronze plumbing and faux Tuscan will both go away soon. Here in So California, we’ll likely always have some version of Tuscan/Wine Country/Provence going on because of our weather and landscapes, but the faux paint jobs and giant iron everything and dark, oplulent fabrics and fake grapes are killing me! That whole look needs to lighten up (a lot). I’m with you in thinking that stainless appliances are now a standard classic. And yes, there may currently be a beadboard backlash because of the glut of DIY projects on blogs, tv and magazines (let’s face it, it’s easy to install and usually looks great) but I think it’s also classic and, used in the right way, adds great character to the kind of house that’s suited for it. Like mine! I have two projects on deck… one with real wood and one using your favorite beadboard wallpaper! I’ll be sure to post pics of the second one because it’s thanks to you I found that stuff in the first place.
Rhoda,
Wow does this post bring back lots of my past growing up and early decor as an adult!
I am with Tracy…cannot stand faux anything and there’s so MUCH of it here in ATL, and cannot stand the heavy drapes and over the top goop!
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!
xo
Great post! I was thinking about this same topic recently because we’ve started to update our kitchen. We plan on moving within the next 5 years so I wanted to make sure that whatever we choose for our kitchen now will still be in style when we sell. We went with granite countertops which will definitely still be more stylish than our previous laminate ones! I think high-end finishes like granite, marble, wood floors, moldings, quality wood furniture stay popular because they are classics and have already been around for years (even centuries!). Plus for most people, they are too expensive to replace because of new trends!
But a trend that I think will pass is monochromatic color schemes for rooms. Done well, these rooms can look beautiful, but I predict people will grow bored of all-white or all-grey rooms.
Your post was timely and most interesting. I’ve been decorating for fifty years – since I was a teenager in my bedroom and can mark each decade with decorating trends. You can’t sell people what they already have or have been looking at for years so the trends generally shift about every ten years. It’s called Marketing!
I am with you–beadboard and white kitchens stay—although this month’s House Beautiful has lots of patchwork and they say it is a new trend–yuck!
Yikes Rhoda! I think I’m in trouble…I have almost everything you mentioned as being on it’s way “out” in our home and it’s only al little over three years old. I guess I’ll have to keep all of this in mind when we move which will happen eventually since we are a military family.
~Blessings, ~Melissa
Thanks for the post! I agree and disagree! As a faux finisher, I have had many calls lately to glaze cabinets or even do some cooler finishes on cabinets. I think people are wanting to keep their cabinets, update them, rather than replace them. I glaze tons of cabinets! Yes, Tuscan is on the out, however, I can see areas where it will remain in. The wine countries for one, and in Texas, Tuscan Texan is still very hot. Stencilled words and letters are on the way out, but there are still some awesome things going on with plasters and stencils! Teals and browns are very hot… for now… In ten years, who knows! Granite is not “green”, but many exciting countertop options are coming on the horizon. I say go with what you really love, and in 10 years if you are tired of it, it is OK to change!
Rhoda, this was so interesting to read! Thanks! I, FINALLY, as I got older decided to do what I loved and NOT what was “popular” or “in”. I removed every inch of wallpaper in my home and painted: and in all the colors I love, browns, golds, greens, rusts. I LOVE IT and don’t think I will tire of it soon. I have very neutral furniture so I can change out pillows etc. The things I LOVE are all the things I have from around the world, Japan, Africa, etc. thanks to the fact that my FIL was a pilot and a SHOPPER! I WISH so much I could redo my kitchen, it is 25 years old and I want ALL NEW STUFF!!!!:):):) XO, Pinky
Granite and stainless are far too expensive to be “going out” any time soon. Brass…there’s still a lot of brass around..it is classic and will never really go out of style. It is one of those items that is personal preference, I think. Chintz…another classic that won’t ever go out of style….same with beadboard. Beadboard has been around a long long time and will always be a good choice.
Oil rubbed bronze most likely will fade with time but not overnight…White kitchen cabinets will NEVER, EVER go out of style but, like you, I think the glazing is already out. Faux plaster…gone!
This was fun, Rhoda…thanks for the great post.
When does your link go up for tomorrow??
I think white kitchen cabinets may fall out of favour when people come to realise that some stains ( I tried turmeric on a white sample and it still shows a faint yellow colour after much scrubbing) will stay on it and it is difficult to keep it white. Also, personally, I prefer a light timber look as I find it warmer.
Hi Rhoda,
I really enjoyed this post today! It’s true – in everything (even sports and food!) there are trends that come and go (remember the 70’s and quiche and tennis?!!). I think the best thing to do is to really follow your heart when it comes to decorating your own home. I’ve always believed that if I loved something it would be okay, and that I would want it around in my home for a long time. And since I never shop in conventional furniture or accessory stores I don’t really worry about trends too much! I have such an eclectic style it all works out in the end.
I was really aware of my style when I saw all my stuff being hauled out to the moving truck, and sitting together in big piles when we remodeled. Everything was so differernt, yet still worked together to create a cohesive look somehow. That made me very happy!
As for stainless in the kitchen, well they’ve been using it forever in professional kitchens all over the world, I don’t think it will ever truly be “out of style” just not used as often in every builder home etc as a sort of “stand-by” to represent quality. Which doesn’t always match the actual quality of some of the new homes I’ve been through lately!! If you ask me – and that’s MY two cents on that subject!
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s post, it should be lots of fun!
Thanks for playing hostess!
Oh, and by the way, Happy New Year! Whew, so glad 2009 is behind us, finally!!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Totally agree with you that if you love something, it will be OK. Yes, following your heart is a great way to go. Having said that, just feel that white kitchen cabinets will be too much work to keep white. Tried turmeric on a white sample and after much scrubbing, a faint yellow tinge remained. Light timber for me, so warm.
I truly appreciate Rhoda’s analysis of decor styles and what’s “in” and what’s “out”……I just think that in a materialistic society like ours that is consumer driven, ALL styles, colors, etc, will come and go over time. Just consider how colors cycle in and out only with different names! For instance celery green is now celedon! Let’s face, it, the designers and builders have to figure out a way to keep us wanting and buying. It is just the reality we live with. But that is what is fun, figuring out new ways to make what we are used to (or tired of) look fresh and different……to me that is REAL STYLE. I’d much prefer to live in a home that looks like real people live in it as opposed to the perfectly appointed home that is void of life, personality and imperfections that come with a FAMILY sharing the same space. The world is too diverse, and there are LOTS and LOTS of “correct” styles, colors, etc. I think its wrong to think that because what we like isn’t featured in the latest decor magazine, doesn’t mean it is “out”. If you think about it, those magazines often feature a very limited range of styles (either all modern, or cottage, traditional or country….etc). True decorating, to me, is finding your own way, pulling from new trends, but incorporating your interests, hobbies, favorite colors, etc and creating a space that reflects ones life. To me that is a STYLE that never goes out and that is uniquely ones own. Toni
Rhoda, what a great post and reading your insites wee fun for me to read. I have never been a trendy gal,either. In fact I usually am never in. Lets face it, by time we pick up on the trends in the marketplace the design world has already moved on to something else, that is what keeps the consumer buying. I spend a great deal of time figuring out what I truly love and pretty much stick with that. I might add a disposable trend to freshen the look up but never anything that is a costly. You gave some really good information to your readers. Wonderful job,Kathysue
Trends that should be over: Faux French, to include burlap, lettering and numbering, crowns, blackboards, birdcages, fleur de lis, clock faces, etc . Ikea, et al. Ditto Ballard Designs. Shabby Chic, Pottery Barn-esque rooms with white slipcovers, seagrass rugs, and espresso/black wood. And, I know I’ll be scorned here (cringe). . . beadboard. Yes, dear; beadboard.
I’m sorry. ; )
Rhoda, great post and food for thought. We have downsized..maybe a tad too much..We thought that 2600 square feet was too big, and it was for us, especially the power bills and cleaning, but now we are at 1400 square feet and I think a happy medium would have been about 1800-2000. I don’t have enough wall space or storage space, but then whats to say I would have enough with 500 square feet more..Probably not!
I have had stainless appliances and yes I like the look of them, but they are a witch to keep clean. I prefer white appliances myself and that’s what I have here. Black is fine too, but shows dust, lol. I have white tile on my counters here and yes, I would like a light color granite and that might come in the future. Our home was such a steal we grabbed it last spring and doing some fix up as we can, although it’s perfectly liveable as is..