As we embark on a new year, it is worth considering which interior design trends to consider for our home and which may not last beyond the next year. The worst interior design trends are often due to an overemphasis on passing fads, which can compromise the functionality of your space as well as your comfort and personal expression. These trends will leave your home feeling dated more quickly than it should. Understanding the worst interior design trends for the coming year will help you make thoughtful and long-lasting design decisions while still creating a space that feels fresh and relevant.
Not everyone is interested in the most recent design trends, but if you want to see what is coming up in interior design, check out what we consider to be the worst trends of next year so that you can avoid making costly mistakes that will have long-term consequences for your home.
Overuse of White Oak Flooring
The popularity of white oak flooring has surged in the past couple of years and shows no sign of diminishing new year. While the light, minimalist aesthetic of white oak floors appeals to many, excessive use of this type of flooring risks making any space feel generic and boring. White oak floors also emphasize dirt and scratches, which makes maintenance a challenge.
Rather than go “all-in” with white oak flooring without considering other options, consider the long-term function of your space and which color and material would suit it. There are a wide variety of other colors and styles that might suit your home and add distinctiveness and personality at the same time.
Mini Wall Art
The trend of mini wall art—small, stand-alone pieces displayed sparsely on large walls—has gained traction in the world of interior design. This trend, unless done very carefully, can make a room feel visually unbalanced and incomplete. The opportunity to use wall art as a focal point is lost because small artwork or mirrors can go unnoticed on a large wall.
A more classic approach is to use wall art that fits a specific space, be it large or small. Mixing sizes will allow you to create a more layered and interesting style. If you do like mini wall art, try pairing them with similar pieces or make sure that directs your eyes toward a focal point, such as at the end of a hallway.
Bubble Furniture
Bubble furniture is characterized by its bold, rounded shapes and oversized forms. This has been a popular interior design trend for several years and is still going strong. Bubble furniture has an excitingly playful and futuristic aesthetic, but it is not very practical, which is why this trend is fleeting. Bubble pieces tend to lack ergonomic support. They are also bulky, so they take up significant floor area in increasingly smaller living spaces.
Rather than opting for highly stylized pieces like bubble furniture, consider curved or tufted options for a few design elements in the room. These pieces will keep your space looking modern and fresh while also maintaining functionality and a classic style.
Extreme Maximalism
People have become increasingly interested in creating layered, warm, and colorful interiors, so maximalism seems a natural next step. Extreme maximalism is characterized by overloading bold colors, patterns, furniture, and decor all into one space. This trend does celebrate individuality and creativity, but it can result in a cluttered environment that is not practical for everyday living.
Soft maximalism is a more livable design style that balances bold design with thoughtful restraint. Create a layered and colorful interior design without sacrificing functionality. Allow space in the design for the pieces or colors to shift without changing the entire design, which will make it more durable. Keep surfaces relatively clear by rotating pieces in and out to make daily life easier.
Paneled Accent Walls
Paneled accent walls have become a popular interior design trend, providing a textured focal point in spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Shiplap, board and batten, and geometric paneling are examples of common finishes.
This trend may not be sustainable due to factors such as overuse and a lack of design consistency. Homeowners and designers want to make their space stand out rather than look like everyone else’s. There is a sense that the entire room should have the same aesthetic to make the space feel cohesive and enveloping. Consider adding wall paneling, but use the paneling to cover all the walls of the space. This is a classic style that is sure to age well.
Faux Biophilic Design
Authentic biophilic design seeks to make nature and natural forms a more integral part of the design process and outcome. Faux biophilic design mimics this look through the integration of fake plants and other nature-inspired decor. These lack the nuanced colors and textures of authentic outdoor elements. Faux biophilic design also seeks to just add nature-inspired materials rather than consider the structure, form, and purpose of the overall design to make it align better with the outdoors.
To create a more organic, biophilic design, consider ways to incorporate real natural elements like real plants and natural materials like stone and wood. Look for other ways to create a more meaningful connection with the outdoors, such as opening windows to amplify the natural light, incorporating a water feature, or a furniture layout that is more fluid.
Heavily Patterned Tile
Boldly patterned tile has become a popular way to add interest and color to kitchens and bathrooms. Because this style is so visible and has become widely used, there is a risk of oversaturation. This makes designers and homeowners move quickly to other options, making the trend life of this look shorter than it would normally be. The high visual intensity of these tiles also dominates a space, making it a challenge to blend with other elements as design styles shift.
For a more enduring tile option, consider using neutral or subtly textured choices that add some color and dimension without overwhelming the room. If you like patterns, consider classic tile arrangements like herringbone or chevron to add background interest.
Too Many Curved Elements
Design elements like curved sofas, arches, rounded tables, and soft edges have become an integral part of modern interior design. Taken each at a time, these pieces are a wonderful way to add interest and softness to your room arrangement, but too heavy a reliance on their pieces will date your space more quickly. An overabundance of curves will dilute rather than accentuate their impact.
To achieve a more harmonious and balanced space, consider adding just a few curved elements and mixing them in with more traditional pieces. This can help create dynamic contrast and also make their pieces more of a focal point in the design.
Single Material Hardware
Gold or brass has been the material of choice for hardware for the last several years. Designers have shown new interest in silver-colored hardware like nickel and chrome. There is a danger with each of these materials to use them for every piece in the home. This creates a one-dimensional look that lacks depth and character.
The best way to avoid this is to layer multiple materials for your hardware choices. Pairing black with brass hardware or gold with nickel can add richness and interest to your interior design. It can also offer flexibility if you need to change something later.
Overuse of Mirrored Pieces
With the rise of throwback styles such as Art Deco, there has been greater interest in using mirrors to glamorize the space and amplify the natural light. In addition to mirrors on the wall, there has been a surge of mirrored furniture. As with any trend, a little of it can add interest to a design, but too many mirrored pieces are neither practical nor create a classic look.
To avoid an overly reflective and cold-feeling space, incorporate mirrors sparingly. Choose a large mirror for over the mantle in a living room or two mirrored nightstands to add this look to a bedroom. Use soft textiles and upholstery, stone, and wood accents to counterbalance the starkness of mirrors.
