Every year has its share of the worst home design trends of the season, and 2024 is no exception. These design trends are simply that: fleeting ideas that may appear to be a good idea at the time, but quickly become out of date once implemented. From one-dimensional color schemes to impractical furnishings, these bad interior design trends will not last long into the future. These design fads frequently prioritize novelty over classic design and functionality, producing a style that evokes more confusion than admiration. In this exploration, we will identify some of the worst home design trends of 2024 in order to assist you in avoiding starting the year with a design that will not last.
In the past several years, a few trends have emerged that have come to feel dated and tired for 2024. If you already have these styles in your home and still enjoy them, that is the most important thing, but if you want to branch out, there are some other options to consider.
1. Barn Doors
Barn doors have long been popular in the farmhouse style, as well as among home flippers looking for a simple way to cover an awkward door.
They are so popular because they are not built into a frame, which makes them easier to fit and install on doors. Despite its popularity, this door has been overused and has become a cliché. They are impractical because they do not effectively seal off a space in areas that require privacy, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Barn doors are used in a variety of homes, but they do not suit all architectural styles. A better alternative is either a framed door, French doors, or a pocket door if you need a space-saving option.
2. Cork Surfaces
Cork surfaces, such as wall and floor coverings, have gained popularity in recent years due to their organic quality and sustainable production. However, cork is not a timeless interior design element for several reasons. Cork’s distinct texture and appearance make it unsuitable for minimalist or modern design styles. Its delicate surface makes it susceptible to stains, scratches, and punctures, all of which can detract from its attractiveness and make it look old.
Bamboo or hardwood are good alternatives to cork, as these offer the organic warmth of cork without the susceptibility to damage and a more clean aesthetic. Of the two, bamboo is the more sustainable option.
3. Flat Colored Cabinets
Flat cabinets have been a design trend for several years, and the trend for flat cabinets made of wood is still going strong, but the trend for flat colored cabinets has begun to fade. Flat colored cabinets have a one-dimensional look, especially in a kitchen with large expanses of flat cabinets. Without contrasting details, these kitchens can look monotonous and uninspired.
A textured wooden panel with visible grain can enhance the appearance of flat cabinets. This results in a cabinet with interesting texture and dimensions. Another option is to use a simply trimmed cabinet style, such as a modern Shaker, for colored cabinets.
4. Shapeless Decor Elements
Shapeless elements in decor and furniture have emerged as a popular design trend as people become more interested in organic and biophilic design styles. These styles emphasize natural curves and elements in interior design to pique interest. These shapeless forms are impractical on multiple levels, both stylistically and practically. Most are difficult to incorporate into standard room designs without disrupting the rest of your décor. These oddly shaped pieces are also less comfortable and practical than traditional designs.
Biophilic design is a design trend that is not going anywhere soon, so if you want to lean into this, find pieces with gentle curves and those that use organic materials. These will seamlessly integrate with your existing pieces, allowing you to create a more layered design.
5. All Neutral Color Palettes
Let’s be clear, neutral color palettes will always look classic and timeless, but because they have been popular for so long, designers and homeowners are craving a new look. Also, neutral color palettes are often hard to do well; they often look boring, sterile, and one-dimensional.
For this year and beyond, everyone is taking more risks and embracing color in their home designs. These give your home design a distinct personality and atmosphere. Colors like blue, green, terracotta, and brown are some of the most popular hues. These create stunning contrast with warm neutrals like off-white, beige, and warm grays.
6. Polished Surfaces
Polished surfaces, whether floors, countertops, or furniture, have long been valued for their ability to evoke luxury and sophistication. Despite their continued popularity, many people have begun to consider alternative finishes that are more practical and family friendly. While polished surfaces are always beautiful, they require a high level of maintenance and upkeep to keep their glossy finish. They are prone to showing signs of wear and tear, which can be problematic in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and restrooms.
Matte, honed, and leathered finishes are growing in popularity. These finishes naturally conceal surface imperfections. They also create a more relaxed and organic aesthetic that is trending in today’s homes.
7. Low Microwave
Hiding a microwave in a low cabinet is a popular interior design trend that has limitations in terms of ergonomics and safety. Bending to reach the microwave can strain the back and knees, particularly for people with mobility issues. Microwaves in low cabinets can cause inadvertent spills and burns when you remove food from them, as well as provide access to children who may put inappropriate substances in the microwave.
Hiding the microwave is an understandable design goal, but it is preferable to place it at an appropriate height inside a cabinet or pantry, out of public view.
8. TV Above the Fireplace
The question of whether or not to place a television above a fireplace is sure to spark a heated debate. Many people like this idea because it provides a convenient and easy location that is already the focal point of many rooms. Others are opposed to the idea for reasons of style, longevity, and comfort. The latter group claims that TVs above fireplaces can overwhelm the room’s style and create a large, black hole over the most important focal point. TVs placed above fireplaces do not provide comfortable viewing because they can strain the neck and cause problems over time. The heat from the fireplace is not good for the TV’s delicate electronics.
Instead of displaying the TV over the fireplace, disguise it with a cabinet, a gallery wall, shelving, or move it to a more dedicated viewing area. If you have no other choice but to place the TV above the fireplace, at least give your neck a break by mounting the TV on an adjustable arm that lowers the screen for a better viewing angle.
9. No Window Coverings
Allowing bright sunlight into interior spaces is a modern trend that adds vitality and freshness to new designs, but styling a room without window coverings can limit the room’s functionality.
Rooms without curtains may make the inhabitants feel exposed and limit what they can do in the space. Without window coverings, you cannot control the amount of sunlight that enters a room throughout the day, exposing the furniture and decor to sun damage. Curtains also add an extra style element by introducing a new color, texture, or pattern, which contributes to the overall visual interest of the room.
10. Bathrooms of One Material
Single surface bathrooms have been around for the past several years, and they have become most popular in modern and minimalist design styles. These are bathrooms that feature just a single element, such as marble on the walls, ceilings, and floors. While these bathrooms do have style cohesion, the single material does not generate visual interest in the way that layering multiple surfaces does. This also inhibits design flexibility over time, as it is difficult to alter portions of the room without changing the entire design.
A better approach would be to create a bathroom design that incorporates a variety of materials with different textures and colors. This provides a more visually engaging and dynamic environment and gives you the option of changing elements as your tastes change.
