The world of design is ever-evolving, with trends that come and go, leaving some styles in the past. From officecore to other fleeting fads, the design landscape is constantly changing. Some trends have been so overused that they are considered outdated by the design community.
Just like fashion fads we regret, interior designers also have their fair share of design choices they wish they hadn’t made. We asked expert designers to share the trends that are no longer in vogue and the timeless styles that will never fade away.
**Designers’ Unpopular Trends**
1. **Head-to-Toe Midcentury Modern**
While midcentury modern furniture holds a special place in design history, its overuse in the past decade has led to its decline. Designers Mark Schubert and Allison Handler acknowledge the nostalgia associated with this style but emphasize the importance of mixing it with other elements for a modern touch.
2. **Chevron-Patterned Upholstery**
The bold chevron pattern was a staple in the 2000s but has since fallen out of favor. Designer Amy Elbaum regrets the trend due to its high-contrast colors and intensity, making it difficult to blend with other design styles.
3. **Ikat Fabric**
Once a favorite for its bold and intricate designs, Ikat fabric has lost its appeal for designer Mikel Welch. The busy patterns no longer align with his minimalist approach, leading him to view them as chaotic rather than sophisticated.
4. **Buddha-Inspired Furniture**
Early in his career, Welch embraced Buddha-inspired furniture, only to find it outdated in today’s design world. The red Buddha chair he once used now feels like a relic of the past, showcasing how trends can quickly become obsolete.
As design trends continue to evolve, designers are tasked with navigating the fine line between timeless elegance and passing fads. By learning from past mistakes and embracing new styles, they ensure that their spaces remain fresh and relevant in the ever-changing world of design.
“I made an idealistic statement, but I didn’t fully grasp the cultural significance behind it,” he elaborates. “Reflecting on it now, I see how superficial that decision was, and I can’t help but chuckle at how misguided it was.” Welch is parting ways with that project, acknowledging that it was probably for the best. “It was a design choice lacking depth and respect, and I’ve gained valuable lessons from that experience.”
Choosing Inexpensive Chrome Pieces
Kwanchai_Khammuean – Getty Images
Designer Ali Budd looks back with remorse on the period when she incorporated low-quality chrome pieces in clients’ homes. Instead of the cost of the items, what troubles her now is that they were often knock-off replicas of iconic furniture. “It’s not about following trends—it’s about maintaining integrity,” she asserts.
Outdated Glamorous Furniture
Vostok – Getty Images
Designer Kristy Turner of Melanie Turner Interiors has moved away from excessively glamorous furniture pieces. “It used to be the go-to for adding instant luxury, but now it feels outdated and overbearing,” she notes. The extravagant shine and embellishments are no longer en vogue—people are gravitating towards a more understated elegance with clean lines, natural materials, and a timeless allure.
Fading Jewel-Toned Velvet Sofas
Daniel Cortez – Getty Images
Designer Alicia Held-Morris of Morris Lare Interior Design controversially suggests that the once-popular jewel-toned velvet sofas have not stood the test of time. “While we appreciate a bold jewel-tone in the right setting, not all velvets are made equal,” she points out. “Certain velvets, particularly cotton, wrinkle easily, wear out quickly, and reveal stains.” Combined with a rich color, these issues accentuate signs of wear and tear.
Button-Tufted Chesterfield Seats
Bulgac – Getty Images
While acknowledging the beauty and classic appeal of Chesterfield sofas, Held-Morris finds the button-tufted versions to be problematic. “The buttoned areas are prone to snags, attract dirt and dust easily, and aren’t very comfortable to sit on,” she observes. Instead of button-tufted backs, she suggests using cushions or placing a button-tufted piece in a low-traffic area such as an entryway or at the foot of a bed.
Timeless Trends
Natural Materials
By Allison Willson. Patrick Biller
Mikel Welch praises slipcovered sofas in natural fabrics like linen for their enduring appeal. “These pieces not only age gracefully but also bring a sense of comfort and effortless elegance to any space,” he remarks.
Weathered Wood
By Marie Flanigan. Julie Soefer
Welch also highlights wooden furniture with a natural patina as timeless pieces. As the wood matures, the furniture gains more character and charm, making them as relevant today as they were years ago.
Neutral Hues
By Wendy
Library Decor: Hans Wegner Dining Chairs from Design Within Reach
According to Alicia Held-Morris, these mid-century chairs are not only beautiful but also timeless in terms of comfort. She describes Hans Wegner’s designs as simple yet sculptural wooden pieces that are “engineering marvels.” Practical, stylish, and comfortable, these chairs epitomize timeless elegance. For more home inspiration, follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok. You might also like these articles: “15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate” and “32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home.” Additionally, discover “The 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room.”
