I am sure we are all aware that even though we mostly tend to idolize the past, there were truly some terrible choices we made when it comes to interior design and decor.
Some trends were impractical and pointless and some simply looked bad – I mean, what were we thinking?
Or, we might look back at our current decors and cringe and we might go back to the old ways – only time will tell.
Let us explore some of the worst interior trends of the past.
1. Carpeted Bathrooms
Combining carpets with a space that is prone to water spills was never a good idea.
These bathrooms were perfect spots for mold and mildew and required constant maintenance to stay clean – not practical at all.
2. Animal Print Everything
The over-the-top animal print decor was sometimes more overwhelming than stylish, and it made rooms look more chaotic than elegant.
A little can look really chic, but too much of it guarantees a sensory overload.
3. Toilet Rugs/Furry Toilet Seat Covers
While they might have been intended to add a cozy touch, furry toilet seat covers were unhygienic and difficult to clean, collecting dust and bacteria.
This was highly impractical in an area that demands cleanliness.
4. Taxidermy
Filling our living rooms with mounted animal heads and stuffed creatures mostly created an unsettling atmosphere, especially for those who are big animal lovers.
Also, we do not need to go into ethical concerns surrounding this practice.
5. Avocado Bathrooms
The green-on-green avocado bathroom color scheme always felt dated and gloomy.
The atmosphere was dull and it was a total opposite of the airy look that’s preferred in bathrooms today.
6. Waterbeds
We all know that they were marketed as luxurious and therapeutic, but waterbeds were not only impractical, but also heavy, prone to leaks, and uncomfortable for many who owned them.
They quickly lost their appeal and popularity and people went back to the traditional mattresses instead.
7. Funky Wallpapers
Funky wallpapers were a true staple of the ’60s and ’70s but they mostly lost their appeal during the last decades of the 20th century.
Some of the designs were truly too much especially for small spaces and they also caused a sensory overload.
8. Floral Furniture
Overly busy floral prints on beds and armchairs feel very tacky today as they can easily clash with other decor if not carefully placed.
Also, they can make spaces feel overwhelming and old-fashioned if used all over the place.
9. Tribal Themes And Masks
These decor elements were often used without understanding their cultural significance.
These meaningful artifacts were reduced to mere aesthetic trends.