8 Home Trends That the Design World Has Left for Dead

Similar to how any manifestation of fashion or artistic taste operates, interior design trends arrive and depart. At present, we find ourselves firmly within their hold. officecore , which also serves as an economic downturn signal; toward the end of this year, another trend might take its place. The issue is that certain interior styles became so widely adopted and were considered so dreadful (at least to some) that they have been essentially abandoned within the broader design community.

Each of us has secrets tucked away that serve as reminders of fashion blunders we wish hadn’t happened—and for seasoned professionals in interior design, these missteps inevitably appear in their own living spaces over time. To shed light on this topic, we reached out to half a dozen courageous designers who were willing to share which decor trends are best left in the past. These experts bravely shared what gives them pause, along with the classic designs and elements that remain perennially appealing without going out of style. never die out .

Design Trends That No Longer Appeal to Professionals

Head-to-Toe Midcentury Modern

Before you become annoyed that mid-century modern furniture appears on this list of regrets, keep in mind that both designers acknowledge such designs have their rightful spot—provided they're combined with other styles. Around ten years back, the revival of MCM design flooded the market, and for us from your generation, it evoked nostalgia since growing up, many of our grandparent’s houses were like MCM museums,” explains Mark Schubert of Phillip Harrison Interiors However, the design marketplace became overcrowded with this particular style. Vintage items proliferated everywhere, and soon enough, both luxury brands and quick-turnaround furniture firms incorporated this aesthetic into their newest releases.

Designer Allison Handler Agreed. "Since my personal style and aesthetics have changed over time, I now look back with discomfort at fully embracing this particular style or trend several years ago." Nonetheless, she mentions that she would still incorporate elements of mid-century modern design. She emphasizes that she’d do so only if she could blend these with other design approaches and add transitional items such as cozier materials and textiles to make the overall appearance more balanced.

Chevron-Patterned Upholstery

Anyone who was active and aware during the 2000s probably had an intimate connection with the Chevron pattern. Designer Amy Elbaum of AE Design Certainly recalls it. "Reflecting on past trends, I fully regret embracing this style since chevron patterns feature striking designs with vibrant contrasting hues which cause these fabrics to become rapidly fatigued over time owing to their vividness," she notes. Additionally, she mentions that chevron prints do not seamlessly integrate into various decor themes as they represent a contemporary and assertive motif.

Ikat Fabric

Mikel Welch He mentions that one trend he wholeheartedly embraced was Ikat fabric. Not a single vintage item escaped being reupholstered in this vibrant, complex material. He admits that looking at pictures from that period makes him wince nowadays—the overly assertive patterns no longer appeal to him. Now leaning towards a simpler style, he finds that the Ikat fabric seems too hectic and lacks the refinement he values in his current design sensibility.

Buddha-Inspired Furniture

Welch mentions that an additional trend he embraced during the beginning of his design career involved Buddha-themed furnishings, such as a crimson-colored Buddha chair utilized in a model home project. He admits, “At first, I saw this as a trendy and creative expression, yet I failed to grasp the true significance attached to these designs.” Looking back, Welch acknowledges the superficiality of those choices and cannot suppress a chuckle over their misguidance. Departure from that particular endeavor seems like it might have been beneficial after all. “That decision reflected a lack of substance and consideration,” he reflects, “and it taught me valuable lessons through that process.”

Cheap Chrome Pieces

Designer Ali Budd She reflects with remorse on the period when she incorporated subpar chrome components into her customers' residences. However, what distresses her the most isn’t so much their overall cost but rather that these were usually counterfeit renditions of well-known furnishings. “The issue wasn’t with following fads; it was about maintaining standards,” she states.

Over-the-Top Glam Furniture

Kristy Turner, the designer, has moved away from overly glamorous furniture pieces. Melanie Turner Interiors . "It used to be the go-to for adding instant luxury, but now it feels a bit dated and heavy-handed," she says. The over-the-top shine and ornamentation isn't in style anymore—people are generally turning to more understated elegance instead, with sleek lines, natural materials, and a timeless vibe.

Jewel-Toned Velvet Sofas

It might be somewhat contentious, but Alicia Held-Morris, a designer, Morris Lare Interior Design indicates that these formerly cherished sofas failed to endure over time. She elaborates, "Jewel tones can be fantastic for interiors when done correctly, yet not all velvets are made alike. Certain types of velvet, especially those containing cotton, tend to lose their shape quickly, display signs of use swiftly, and do not conceal spills effectively." These problems coupled with deep hues make even minor damage quite noticeable.

Button-Tufted Chesterfield Seats

Held-Morris concedes that the Chesterfield sofa is indeed elegant and timeless, but she believes that button-tufted models tend to be problematic. According to her, "These buttons often become worn out quickly, attract all sorts of debris, and do not offer much comfort." Instead of opting for tufted backs, she recommends choosing cushions or placing a button-tufted model in low-traffic spots such as an entranceway or at the base of your bed.

Enduring Trends That Will Last Eternally

Natural Materials

Mikel Welch highlights slip-covered sofas made from natural materials such as linen, praising them for their enduring appeal. According to him, these furnishings not only stand the test of time but also bring a touch of coziness and sophisticated ease to any space.

Weathered Wood

Furniture made from wood featuring a natural patina is also included in Welch’s compilation of timeless styles. Over time, this aged wood develops additional personality and appeal, making these pieces “just as pertinent now as they have ever been,” he notes.

Neutral Hues

According to Amy Elbaum’s observations from the color wheel, neutral shades and textiles maintain their popularity more steadily compared to bolder, richer colors. She notes, “Owning items like this allows you to gradually shift your design sense by updating smaller elements such as accents, carpets, cushions, and artwork.” This suggests that neutrals tend to endure fashion trends longer than vibrant components do.

Quality antiques

"Their work has a universal appeal that resonates within any setting," remarks Kristy Turner. Whether through aged timber or classic styling, these preloved items seamlessly integrate historical allure with various modern interior designs.

Hans Wegner Dining Chairs

"These mid-century chairs stand the test of time not just because of their elegance, but also due to their comfort," asserts Alicia Held-Morris. Hans Wegner Her designs feature sleek, sculptural wooden shapes that she describes as “engineering marvels.” These pieces are not only functional and fashionable but also incredibly comfortable—can you think of something more enduring?

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