Home design hacks that millennials once used to create budget-friendly high-end aesthetics have fallen out of favor, according to experts.
“Many millennial design hacks that were at one point in time considered ‘luxurious’ have begun to feel overused and outdated,” Luke Siegel, the founder and CEO of Raydoor Sliding Walls & Doors, told Newsweek.
Below, experts highlight once-popular home design hacks that no longer make a space look expensive.
Amber Soap and Shampoo Bottles
According to Katie Gutierrez, the principal interior designer at Errez Design, amber-hued glass bottles for toiletries are a relic of the millennial minimalist movement.
“Amber glass soap and shampoo bottles were definitely a trend during the age of peak millennial minimalism,” Gutierrez told Newsweek. “Back in 2008, most people were stretching every dollar—including on soap. So tacking a minimalist label on an amber glass bottle was a way to make even off-brand soap look like it belonged in a $600-a-night hotel. But today, more people are opting for sculptural glass, textured ceramics, or anything that looks collected rather than ordered in bulk.”
Siegel added that while refillable amber soap bottles can still help a space feel upscale, they have become “overly staged.”
“With that said, they are a cheap option for those on a budget,” he continued. “I have noticed people are leaning toward more personalized or artisanal soap dispensers that complement their space rather than conform to a set trend.”
Matte Black Fixtures
Once a hallmark of modern millennial design, matte black fixtures have lost their appeal because of their high-maintenance nature and lack of warmth.
“Matte black fixtures were also widely used by millennial homeowners. Now, they’re just overdone and are magnets for fingerprints and water spots that make even a clean sink look dirty,” Gutierrez said.
For a more timeless look, she recommended brushed brass, aged bronze or polished nickel as alternatives that add depth and warmth to a space.
Faux Marble and Glossy Finishes
Forrest Webber, the owner of Fireplace Distributor, emphasized that glossy finishes and fake marble were a thing of the past.
“What’s outdated? Faux marble and glossy finishes,” Webber told Newsweek. “Fake marble not only looks cheap, but it gets worse over time. It’s time to leave this trend in the past.”
Gray and Millennial Pink Window Blinds
The gray and millennial pink color scheme, once a go-to for window treatments, has also fallen out of style.
“Gray and millennial pink had their time, but now window coverings are all about warm, textured fabrics that add depth and character,” Taylor Denney, the design lead at Bloomin’ Blinds, told Newsweek.
Instead of basic blinds or stiff drapes, homeowners are gravitating toward flowing linen, woven shades and layered treatments that create an effortless sense of luxury, Denney said.
“The look is effortless luxury—think airy sheers paired with rich, textured curtains or sleek, motorized shades in earthy tones for a modern, polished finish,” she said. “It’s all about combining style and function, creating a space that feels elevated yet comfortable.”
Overdone Wood Elements
Wood accents remain a staple in interior design, but mass-produced, high-gloss wood elements are no longer seen as sophisticated.
“Some trends, like wood accents, remain timeless, but the shift is toward organic, natural finishes rather than overdone, high-gloss or mass-produced wood elements,” Siegel said.
Instead of the generic wood trays and cutting boards that once dominated millennial decor, homeowners are investing in custom-built cabinetry, natural stone pairings and mixed textures that add warmth without feeling like a formulaic trend, he added.
The New Approach to Luxury
Siegel had tips for homeowners looking to achieve a modern, expensive-looking space: “For an updated take on making a home feel expensive, layering textures, using high-quality lighting, and incorporating statement doors or partitions can elevate a space without relying on trends that may quickly fade.”
He added that soft, neutral palettes with contrast through natural materials—such as marble, linen and brushed metals—also have more longevity than trend-driven design hacks.
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