Whether you love them or hate them, interior design trends have existed since the origins of design itself. While some argue that the midcentury-modern aesthetic should go the way of the three-martini lunch, it has remained widely popular for well over a decade.
For decorator David Scott, trends are “all about context—and in the correct context, something trendy today might feel classic and fresh tomorrow.” But others, including Brooklyn-based textile designer Malene Barnett, would prefer we abandon interior design trends entirely. “The concept is temporary, and I would rather see spaces based on timeless individual style,” she tells AD PRO. However, there are some professionals who embrace the concept of impermanent styles.
Trends themselves may come and go, but the very concept is here to stay. But let’s face it, not all trends deserve to be resurrected or maintained (think monochromatic bathroom fixtures in shades of avocado or cotton candy that leave us feeling more seasick green than tickled pink). We asked 17 designers from across the country which design trends they wish would fade away forever.
Neon Signs As Art
“I hate to say that any trend should disappear, because every design trend has something compelling that makes it appealing to begin with, but I’d say neon signs for art. Make it stop.” —Young Huh
The Lifeless Airport-Lounge Look
“The one look I really do not like is the airport-lounge-design look. I have been traveling a lot recently, with projects in the US as well as Dubai and all over Europe, and I really hate the faceless feel they offer travelers. They all look the same, you never have a sense of place and they are all rather soulless and airless.” —Francis Sultana
Macramé
“Macramé! Lately it has become way too Brooklyn in that army-of-sameness kind of way.” —Drew McGukin
Decor That Isn’t What It Seems
“There is a time and a place for everything, but I could do without seeing fake versions of things—whether it’s a Bellini sofa, or porcelain tile mimicking wood or another material.” —Shana Sherwood, Sherwood Kypreos
Chenille
“Chenille makes my flesh crawl.” —Miles Redd, Redd Kaihoi
Matchy-Matchy Furniture
“Suites of furniture. For example, the dining room pieces should all work together, but not match one another. The beauty of the table, chairs, and cabinetry being complementary but not an exact match is that it will always look accumulated and never appear dated. It’s also a great way to make your interior space more personal.” —Fern Santini
Subway-Tile Backsplashes
“I’m over IKEA brass handles on everything and the white subway-tile backsplashes that everybody does.” —Tiffany Zhou, Studio Zhou
Soulless Art Collections
“Contemporary art collections that have been accumulated with ears rather than eyes.” —Robert Couturier
Patterned Feature Walls and Ceilings
“Feature walls where only one wall of a room is given a dramatic patterned treatment, ruining the spatial harmony of the interior.” —Ashley Hicks
“Wallpaper on the ceiling has got to go! Ceilings should be white or the same color as the walls.” —Mally Skok
Fast Furniture
“I think we need to wave goodbye to fast furniture. While I see having accessible goods for the consumer who cannot afford a custom-designed piece, we need to be more conscious about our materials and waste from those goods. There is a treasure trove of gorgeous secondhand items, as well as antiques, that can be creatively repurposed and upcycled for unique and one-of-a-kind items in your home.” —Ashley Hanley
Bouclé
“Bouclé and shearling have had their fifteen minutes. This was not a trend that did well for young families with sticky fingers, granola bars and dogs. No more hair on chairs!” —Chandos Dodson Epley, Chandos Collective
Barn Doors
“While I believe their heyday is behind us, I wouldn’t mind if barn doors and accent walls were put to bed indefinitely.” —Caleb Anderson, Drake/Anderson
