While interior design trends often change quickly, some styles seem to linger longer than expected. Whether they were once fresh ideas or just polarizing choices, certain home decor trends are being questioned. Designers are beginning to wonder why these styles have persisted, and more importantly, are eager for them to finally be phased out.
1. Time to Say Goodbye to Excessive Throw Pillows
Throw pillows have long been a staple of home decor, but according to designer Stephanie Mahaney, it’s time to simplify. “A pillow or two can be inviting, but piling on a dozen can clutter the space,” she explains. Excessive pillows not only distract from the overall beauty of a room, but they also make the space feel cramped. Instead of overdoing it, Mahaney recommends moderation, allowing more light and air to flow through the room.
2. Ditch the Matchy-Matchy Hardware
For years, perfectly matching hardware—think identical finishes for plumbing, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures—was considered a must. However, San Francisco-based designer Anand Sheth suggests breaking away from this uniformity. Mixing different finishes, such as nickel, white bronze, and stainless steel, adds personality and intrigue to a space. Sheth encourages clients to have fun with hardware choices, experimenting until they find a combination they love.
3. Move Beyond Quartz Countertops
Quartz has been a go-to material for countertops, thanks to its affordability and durability. However, designer Emma Beryl, author of House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home, believes it’s time for a change. “Quartz makes every house look too similar,” she says. For a more unique and character-filled look, Beryl suggests exploring natural stones like limestone or travertine, which develop stains and imperfections over time, adding warmth and charm to your kitchen or bathroom.
4. Say Goodbye to All-White Rooms
While white rooms can be clean and minimalist, Kristyn Gerth of Ash+ Oak Interiors believes they often appear too stark. “The future of design is all about vibrant, saturated colors and patterns,” she predicts. By 2025, we can expect a shift towards warmer tones and lively patterns that inject personality into living spaces. If you’re tired of the cold minimalism, this is the perfect opportunity to add some color—perhaps a rich butter yellow or deep forest green to your walls.
5. Don’t Buy Everything New
Designer Grey Joyner advocates for a mix of old and new when decorating. “Antiques and heirlooms have a unique charm and history that can’t be replaced by new items,” she explains. Rather than filling your home with only brand-new pieces, Joyner encourages finding a balance by incorporating vintage finds. This approach not only adds character to your home but also ensures each piece tells a story.
6. The End of Bouclé Fabric
Bouclé fabric, once a popular texture, is now being seen as overused, especially when applied in low-quality forms. Nashville designer Haley Beckham-Shetty suggests it’s time to move on. “Bouclé adds texture, but its mass use in cheap materials diminishes its value,” she says. Instead, Beckham-Shetty recommends opting for a more timeless and luxurious alternative like high-quality sheepskin. For those still drawn to bouclé, investing in a premium version of the fabric ensures a richer, more lasting appeal.
While some trends have overstayed their welcome, the future of home decor is shifting toward more personal, dynamic, and timeless designs. By embracing a mix of color, vintage items, and unique textures, homeowners can create spaces that are both functional and full of character. As we bid farewell to overused trends like excessive pillows, matchy hardware, and bouclé, new opportunities for creativity and individuality in home design are emerging.
