The 2000s: enter Britney and Justin’s budding romance, Trading Spaces, and first-generation iPods. Let’s also not forget about some of the more popular home trends of this period, like the rise of McMansions, Tuscan kitchens, and flea market finds that should’ve been left at the flea market.
While there are a few home trends from the 2000s that we absolutely love, there are some we’d rather leave in the past.
Trend We Love: Stainless Steel Appliances
A kitchen staple of the 2000s, stainless steel appliances were used in excess with granite countertops. They were often found in stadium kitchens (kitchens that look like they could belong on a television cooking show) which were often found in McMansions.
From ovens and refrigerators to microwaves and freezers, these professional-grade stainless steel appliances were mainly just for show.
Why We Love It
Though stainless steel appliances do give off a more industrial look, their neutral tone complements most kitchen styles. Whether you have a smaller, more traditional kitchen with natural, wooden cabinets or a more modern design with marble countertops, stainless steel appliances work. They’re extremely easy to clean, are germ-resistant, and last for a long time because of their quality materials.
Trend We Want To Leave Behind: “Tuscan” Kitchens
It’s not just Tuscan-style kitchens that we want to leave in the past; it’s any faux Tuscan-style décor, really. We saw an emergence of Tuscan kitchens in way too many homes in the 2000s and now we are scarred. Instead of actually studying what makes the Tuscan style so unique (like the history and culture behind the style or the actual materials used), we reduced the look to a few elements that made the entire theme gaudy and unoriginal: Travertine tiles. Granite countertops (again). Terra cotta flooring. We’ll pass on all of it.
Why It Needs To Go
Faux Tuscan kitchens were the epitome of trying too hard. We’ll take a light, airy space over a dark, faux-Italian villa any day.
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Trend We Love: Edison Light Bulbs
Though these bulbs are less energy efficient than LED lights, there are some brands that actually have LED filaments, making them a more efficient option.
Why We Love It
We can’t get enough of the hip, vintage vibe these light bulbs give off. We also love the form and function of this trend: from soft, subtle lighting in your bedroom to balcony lights that illuminate your entire porch to a single bulb over your favorite reading chair, Edison light bulbs are here to stay.
Trend We Want To Leave Behind: Granite Countertops
As we’ve previously mentioned, granite was just about everywhere in the 2000s. From the island to the countertops to the wall backsplashes, granite was the one material that made kitchens overbearing.
Why It Needs To Go
There are may surfaces out there that provide a more minimalistic feel: marble, soapstone, Corian, quartz, recycled glass, and even concrete.
Trend We Love: Open Kitchens
Unlike the dark, closed-off kitchens of the 2000s, most modern and contemporary kitchens built in the 2000s used an open-concept style.
Why We Love It
We’re familiar with this trend from HGTV shows like Fixer Upper and pretty much every other home show (we’re looking at you, House Hunters fans), and honestly, we just love how this renovation opens up a space. While an open concept will require a professional renovation, we think it’s absolutely worth it if you don’t currently have one.
Trend We Want To Leave Behind: Ferns
I honestly don’t know why this was such a big trend in the 2000s. Or why it’s coming back now? Out of all the house plants you could choose from, ferns seem to have the least character and require the most care.
They depend on frequent watering, and when they start to grow, you’ll need to buy a watering can with a longer spout to water the center of the plant.
Why It Needs To Go
Ferns can be extremely cumbersome and maintenance-heavy. Not to mention, they drop leaves everywhere. If you’re looking to fill your space with larger, low-maintenance house plants, consider options like a spider plant or Christmas cactus.
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