Trends in Interior Design? (8 Fads to Avoid!)
It’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends, especially with social media constantly bombarding us with “must-have” styles.
But trust me, chasing every fad can leave your home feeling dated and your wallet significantly lighter.
That’s why I’m here to help you navigate the wild world of interior design, steering you clear of those fleeting fads and towards a timeless, functional, and beautiful space.
Let’s dive into the eight interior design fads you should avoid like the plague!
Understanding Trends vs. Fads
First, let’s get something straight: there’s a big difference between a trend and a fad.
A trend is a gradual shift in style, often rooted in social, economic, or cultural changes.
Think of hardwood floors – they’ve been popular for decades because they’re durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing.
A fad, on the other hand, is a flash in the pan – a style that explodes in popularity but quickly fades away.
Remember shag carpeting? Yeah, me too… and I’m not rushing to install it again!
Fads are often driven by marketing hype and can make your home look dated faster than you can say “avocado green.”
Following fads can have serious financial implications.
Redoing your kitchen to match the latest Instagram trend might seem like a great idea now, but what happens when that trend is so last season?
You’re stuck with a kitchen that feels outdated and potentially lowers your home’s resale value.
Emotionally, living in a space that feels “off” can impact your mood and overall well-being.
No one wants to feel like their home is a constant reminder of a design mistake.
Fad #1: All-White Everything
Okay, I get it. The allure of a pristine, all-white interior is strong.
It looks clean, minimalist, and oh-so-chic in photos.
But let’s be real, folks: all-white everything is a nightmare to maintain.
Especially if you have kids, pets, or, you know, actually live in your house.
Every speck of dirt, every smudge, every… everything is glaringly obvious.
Plus, all-white can feel incredibly sterile and cold, lacking the warmth and personality that make a house a home.
Imagine walking into a room that feels like a hospital waiting room. Not exactly cozy, right?
Instead of going full-on white, consider using it as an accent color.
Pair it with warmer tones like beige, tan, or even pops of color to create a more inviting and livable space.
Think creamy white walls with natural wood accents, or a white sofa with colorful throw pillows and a vibrant rug.
This way, you get the clean aesthetic without sacrificing comfort and personality.
Fad #2: Open Concept Living
Ah, the open concept floor plan. It was the darling of home renovation shows for years!
The idea of a seamless flow between the kitchen, living room, and dining area seemed so modern and social.
But let me tell you, as someone who’s helped countless homeowners navigate this trend, it’s not all sunshine and roses.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the noise.
With no walls to contain sound, every clatter from the kitchen, every TV show, every conversation echoes throughout the entire space.
And forget about privacy! Trying to have a quiet conversation or focus on work when the kids are playing in the living room is nearly impossible.
Plus, designing an open concept space can be a real challenge.
How do you define each area without making it feel disjointed or cluttered?
How do you create a cohesive design that flows from one space to the next?
Instead of knocking down every wall in sight, consider a more balanced approach.
Maybe open up the kitchen to the dining area, but keep the living room separate for a cozy retreat.
Or use clever design elements like rugs, furniture placement, and changes in flooring to define different zones within the open space.
The key is to create a space that’s both open and functional, offering both social connection and personal space.
Fad #3: Excessive Use of Gray
Gray was the color of the 2010s.
It was everywhere – walls, floors, furniture, you name it.
And while gray can be a sophisticated and versatile color, overdoing it can create a dull and depressing atmosphere.
Imagine a room with gray walls, a gray sofa, a gray rug, and gray… well, everything.
It’s like living inside a black and white movie!
Plus, gray can be tricky to get right.
Too cool, and it feels cold and sterile. Too warm, and it can look muddy.
Instead of drowning your home in gray, consider using it as an accent color.
Pair it with warmer tones like blues, greens, or even pops of yellow or orange to add some life and energy to your space.
Think gray walls with a colorful sofa and vibrant artwork, or a gray rug with pops of color in the pattern.
Or, if you’re really feeling adventurous, ditch the gray altogether and explore other neutral palettes like beige, greige (a mix of gray and beige), or even earthy tones like terracotta or olive green.
Trust me, your home (and your mood) will thank you.
Fad #4: Farmhouse Chic
I love a good farmhouse vibe as much as the next person.
The exposed wood, the vintage accents, the cozy, lived-in feel – it’s all so charming!
But the farmhouse chic trend has been taken to the extreme, resulting in homes that look more like a cluttered antique store than a comfortable living space.
Too much shiplap, too many mason jars, too many signs with cutesy sayings… it’s sensory overload!
And let’s be honest, most of us don’t actually live on a farm.
So, trying to replicate that aesthetic in a suburban home can feel forced and inauthentic.
Instead of going overboard with the farmhouse look, consider incorporating elements sparingly and authentically.
Maybe add a reclaimed wood coffee table to your living room, or hang a vintage-inspired sign in your kitchen.
But don’t feel like you need to cover every surface in shiplap or fill your home with mason jars to achieve the farmhouse vibe.
Focus on creating a space that feels comfortable, personal, and true to your own style.
Fad #5: Neon and Bold Colors
Okay, I admit, a pop of neon or a bold, vibrant color can be exciting!
It can add a touch of personality and energy to a space.
But using these colors excessively can quickly date your home and limit your design flexibility.
Remember the bright orange and lime green kitchens of the early 2000s? Yeah, not exactly timeless.
Bold colors can also be overwhelming and visually tiring, especially in large doses.
Imagine trying to relax in a room with bright pink walls and a neon yellow sofa. Yikes!
Instead of going all-out with bold colors, consider using them as accents.
A bright throw pillow, a colorful piece of artwork, or a vibrant rug can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the space.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, paint one wall a bold color to create a focal point.
But stick to neutral colors for the rest of the room to balance it out.
And remember, paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Fad #6: Overly Thematic Rooms
We’ve all seen them – the nautical-themed bathroom with seashell-covered everything, the retro diner-themed kitchen with checkered floors and chrome accents, the safari-themed bedroom with animal print bedding and jungle murals.
While these themed rooms might seem fun and whimsical at first, they can quickly feel gimmicky and restrict personal expression.
Imagine trying to relax in a nautical-themed bathroom when you’re not even a fan of the ocean.
Or trying to cook in a retro diner-themed kitchen when you prefer modern appliances.
Plus, overly thematic rooms can be difficult to update or change as your tastes evolve.
Instead of creating rooms with overwhelming themes, consider a more balanced approach.
Incorporate thematic elements subtly and tastefully, rather than hitting the theme over the head.
Maybe add a few nautical-inspired accessories to your bathroom, or hang a retro-inspired poster in your kitchen.
But don’t feel like you need to completely transform the space to fit the theme.
Focus on creating a space that reflects your personal style and interests, without feeling like you’re living in a movie set.
Fad #7: Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Once upon a time, wall-to-wall carpeting was the height of luxury.
It was soft, warm, and cozy – the perfect way to add comfort to your home.
But times have changed, and wall-to-wall carpeting has fallen out of favor in recent years.
One of the biggest reasons is maintenance.
Carpeting is a magnet for dirt, dust, and allergens, and it can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
Plus, it stains easily and can trap odors, making it a less-than-ideal choice for households with kids or pets.
Another drawback is the limited design flexibility.
Carpeting comes in a limited range of colors and patterns, and it can be difficult to coordinate with other design elements.
Instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, consider opting for hard surfaces like hardwood, tile, or laminate.
These materials are durable, easy to clean, and offer a wide range of design options.
You can always add area rugs to create warmth and comfort in specific areas, without committing to carpeting the entire room.
Fad #8: Over-Accessorizing
I’m all for adding personal touches to your home.
Accessories are a great way to showcase your personality and interests.
But filling your space with excessive décor and accessories can lead to visual clutter and distract from the intended design.
Imagine a room filled with knick-knacks, figurines, and decorative items.
It’s like a visual assault! Your eye doesn’t know where to focus, and the space feels overwhelming and chaotic.
Plus, over-accessorizing can make your home feel smaller and more cramped.
Instead of filling every surface with stuff, consider a minimalist approach.
Focus on highlighting key pieces that you truly love and that reflect your personal style.
Choose a few well-chosen accessories that complement the overall design of the room, rather than overwhelming it.
And don’t be afraid to edit! If you have too many accessories, pack some away and rotate them out periodically to keep your space feeling fresh and uncluttered.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – eight interior design fads to avoid at all costs!
Remember, the goal is to create a space that reflects your personal style and that you’ll love for years to come.
Don’t get caught up in fleeting trends that will quickly become outdated.
Instead, invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Choose colors and materials that you love and that make you feel comfortable and happy.
And most importantly, create a space that is functional and livable for you and your family.
By following these tips, you can create a home that is both beautiful and timeless, a place that you’ll be proud to call your own for many years to come.
Now, go forth and design with confidence! You’ve got this!
