Popular interior trends are often well-liked by most people, but even styles that captivate the majority can provoke disdain among others. Despite their popularity, these trends may not age well or be the most functional.
Even though some people dislike these design trends, they have grown in popularity among the general public and, more importantly, among builders who design homes with current trends in mind. Whether due to practicality, overexposure, or simply a clash with personal design preferences, certain design choices can be polarizing, transforming what is chic and trendy into what others perceive to be over-hyped and impractical.
The following are popular interior design trends that have sparked mixed reactions. While they are a common feature in many homes, some people find them impractical or simply unappealing, while others may enjoy the look or style of their home. Whichever position you take, remember to base the design of your home on your own tastes rather than the fads of today that will be outdated in a matter of months.
Bathrooms Without Bathtubs
Bathrooms with showers and no bathtubs are a popular interior design trend today due to their sleek minimalist aesthetic and space-saving layout. This is an especially popular trend in small homes or urban apartments where space is limited.
This trend is not universally welcomed, as many people consider bathtubs to be essential for a well-functioning home. The lack of a bathtub can make a bathroom appear overly utilitarian, as some people view a bathtub as an ideal way to unwind from the stresses of daily life. The lack of a bathtub is also problematic for families with small children who are unable or unwilling to stand in the shower.
All Gray Interiors
All gray interiors were a popular design trend several years ago because of their neutral and modern aesthetic. While this trend has been waning with homeowners, it is still popular with builders and home flippers because it is an easy and convenient design choice. The overuse of gray now appears lifeless, uninteresting, and uninviting.
Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are praised for providing a sense of spaciousness and encouraging more interaction among household members. These became popular in the mid-twentieth century and remain popular today.
Despite these advantages, open floor plans are frequently criticized for a lack of privacy and difficulty controlling noise. In homes with large, open floor plans, it can be difficult to find a private area that is not a bedroom. This can make the house feel more chaotic and less inviting.
Shiplap
Shiplap, the farmhouse-inspired horizontal molding style, is known for giving walls and ceilings a rustic yet chic appearance. While shiplap molding is a historical style, its widespread use has resulted in style fatigue.
Many critics argue that people use it in spaces and in home styles where it does not belong. It is certainly true that shiplap can be found in homes of various architectural styles. Builders use this molding style indiscriminately because they think it will appeal to homebuyers, which makes it feel even more ubiquitous and unoriginal.
Bright White Kitchens
Bright white kitchens are a contentious topic to include because many people appreciate their clean and timeless appearance. Others find them too sterile and lacking in a distinct style.
Whatever your point of view, it is difficult to argue that white kitchens are easy to maintain. Compared to darker colors, they show stains, scratches, and dirt more easily. There is also a growing belief that warmer whites and more vibrant colors make kitchens more livable and inviting.
Logo/Word Wall Art
Logos and word art, which were once a way to add quirky character and charm to your home, are quickly becoming a design trend of the past. As with many of the trends on this list, this was a trend that spread rapidly and was widely adopted, resulting in style fatigue. Pictures with phrases like “Live, Laugh, Love” and prominently displayed brand logos now appear inauthentic and kitschy.
Low-Impact Lighting
Low-impact lighting, which provides soft, subtle illumination, has become a popular design feature due to its ability to create a calm and inviting environment. This trend has not been universally adopted or praised because of its impracticality. Critics contend that low lighting can make rooms appear dim and dingy. This is especially problematic in areas where good lighting is required, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.
Too Much Focus on Trends
In today’s world of ever-connected social media, aligning your home design with current trends is more popular than ever. But a heavy focus on the most up-to-date interior design trends can lead to spaces that lack personal character and authenticity.
When done thoughtfully, following current trends can result in a stylish space, but the pace of current design trends is too fast for the majority of people to keep up with. Aside from feeling possibly inauthentic and overdone, this interior design trend is neither cost-effective nor environmentally friendly.
Large Windows Without Curtains
Minimizing window coverings has become increasingly popular, with many windows left uncovered. Allowing in more sunlight is a worthy design goal, but unless you live in the woods where privacy is not an issue, some window coverings are beneficial. This is also problematic because this trend allows in too much sunlight, which can damage soft furnishings and heat up your home, requiring more energy to keep it cool.
Gray Wood Floors
Gray wood floors are popular because they are neutral and blend well with gray interior color schemes. Despite their popularity, many people believe gray wood floors are too trendy and lack warmth. Cool tones can make interiors feel sterile and one-dimensional. There is also concern that, because they are such a popular trend, they will fall out of favor more quickly.
Bowl Sinks
Bowl sinks, also known as vessel sinks, are a popular feature in contemporary and spa-style bathrooms. These sinks have significant practical drawbacks, making them a design trend that many people dislike. Bowl sinks are criticized for being difficult and uncomfortable to use because they are elevated above the counter. This increases the frequency of splashes and spills, creating maintenance challenges.
Overly Minimalist Decor
The minimalist trend became popular with decluttering gurus like Marie Kondo because she encouraged people to clean out their homes and keep only items that sparked joy. This came at a time when many people were feeling overwhelmed by consumerism and the accumulation of so much stuff.
Going deep into minimalism can also be problematic and not sustainable for most people. Overly minimalist decor, with its focus on simplicity and an absence of excess, can result in homes that are uninviting and sterile. While minimalism is praised for the “less-is-more” approach, this can strip the interior of any personality and warmth. The challenge is to strike a balance between minimalism and comfort.
Faux Distressed Furniture
Faux distressed furniture, designed to mimic the look of aged or weathered pieces, is a popular choice for people who want a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. This trend has many detractors who believe that this artificially aged furniture can feel inauthentic, lacking the character of truly aged pieces. Critics also point out that these pieces often feel overdone, with too many distressed items making a home feel like a set design rather than a lived-in home.
TVs Above the Fireplace
Mounting TVs above the fireplace is a common design choice because the fireplace is a common focal point in the living room. However, this trend is frequently criticized because it does not allow for comfortable TV viewing and may lead to future neck problems. In addition to possible heat-related damage, this placement raises aesthetic concerns due to the large black box positioned in the middle of the living room.
Low-Profile Furniture
Low-profile furniture, characterized by its close-to-the-ground design, is popular in both contemporary and minimalist interior designs. It is prized for its sleek look and the way that it maintains the look of openness in interior spaces. This trend is impractical for many people, especially for those who find it difficult to sit or rise from low furniture.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a material that features chips of marble, quartz, and glass set into concrete. It is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in both kitchen and bathroom design because of its unique and colorful appearance. While many appreciate its bold, retro look, others find it overwhelming or chaotic. It can also clash with many styles, so terrazzo should only be used in specific home types that fit with the look.
Barn Doors
Sliding barn doors are a popular alternative to traditional panel or slab doors. Their popularity stems from their distinctive design and ease of installation. Builders prefer these types of doors because they are easier to install than frame doors.
Barn doors are losing popularity because they have become so common that they have lost their uniqueness. They are also ineffective for maintaining privacy and reducing noise transference between rooms.
