Each decade brings new trends to the table, whether it’s clothing fads, popular music, or interior design. Today, we’re talking about design trends from the 2000s to now. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come in the last 20 years, but the truth is, almost everything new and cool to us now has evolved out of past trends.
It’s all about adapting old methods to match new tastes. Almost everything that was once passé comes around again, though we have to admit that there are some trends we hope never to see again. That means you, fully-carpeted bathroom. And leg warmers. Hmm.
Keeping the Past in the Past
Fab Shab
One of the biggest trends from the 2000s and 2010s? Shabby chic, of course! One part rustic cottage, one part eccentric old-school glamor, shabby chic was beloved in the aughties for its vintage-yet-modern look. This trend was defined by its distressed, light-washed furniture, feminine accents, and antique-inspired decor. Unfortunately, like most trends that ran hot, shabby chic faded away like a whitewashed dresser.
Tuscan-Style Everything
Back in the day, everyone thought the look of an Italian countryside villa was suitable for their mid-American house in the suburbs. While the style was meant to evoke rustic elegance, luxury, and warmth, it came across as dark, heavy, and contrived. Tuscan-inspired design involved terracotta, limestone, travertine tiles, scrollwork, elaborate murals and frescoes, tapestries, heavy draperies, and shades of brown, bronze, and beige. Ciao, Bella.
Hello, Darkness
For some inexplicable reason, there was a trend in the 2000s that involved paint in deep, saturated tones, heavy drapes, chunky furniture pieces in dark colors, and more. While we love a bit of color, all the dark pieces do tend to clutter up a room and make it look closed and heavy. We prefer a look that’s light and airy, so we think it’s time to ditch the dark.
Now and Then
But the past isn’t all bad. There are plenty of trends from the early 2000s and 2010s that have stuck around to the present day, and we’re glad of it.
Painted Pale
White kitchens: we loved them then, and we still love them today. Clean and classic, white kitchens have proved their staying power year after year. All-white kitchens can be a smidge clinical, but they don’t have to be. To soften things up, incorporate a few colored elements here and there, a contrasting backsplash, countertops, or an accent wall.
Open-Concept
We still love open-concept kitchen design, and we can thank the early 2000s design trends for this one. Opening up the walls makes a space airier, more spacious, and overall more accessible for the rest of the household. Who says spending time in the kitchen has to be an isolating activity?
Strings of Lights
In the 2010s, people went a little overboard with the strings of Christmas and fairy lights. However, that doesn’t mean you need to throw the whole concept away. If you use your strings of lights judiciously, they are the perfect accent to lend flair 
to your bedroom, powder room, or to pretty up an outdoor space.
Repurposed Furniture
In the 2010s, we saw a lot of upcycling. Replacing regular doors with barn doors, hanging light fixtures with industrial pulleys, or using reclaimed wood from old houses to create tables and other furniture. Choose pieces that can be modified and updated without losing their authenticity. Sometimes a little sanding and a new coat of paint are all you need to create something truly spectacular.
Future Flair
And what about the future? Where do we go from here?
Going Green
Eco-friendly solutions have become extremely popular in recent times. People are becoming more environmentally conscious, and interior design continues to reflect that. Low-energy lighting, low-flush toilets, and sustainably sourced materials are the way of the future. Sustainable materials, like bamboo, cork, natural stone and fibers, will continue to grow in popularity.
Eclectic Style
Some people love minimalism, while others embrace the overstuffed look. Still others can’t decide, so they embrace both! With details that pull from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the eclectic approach continues to fascinate.
Color Comeback
While we don’t think neutrals are going anywhere, we’re seeing more homeowners dressing up subtler palettes with bright accents, pops of color, and mixed prints and patterns. From pastels to deep, rich tones, we love to see bold choices that reflect your personality as a homeowner!
If any of these up-and-coming trends inspire you, J.T. McDermott Remodeling is ready to help bring your vision to life. Connect with us today, and let’s get started.
