Top 11+ Home Decor Trends That Designers Say Are Out for Good

All-Gray Everything

Remember when gray walls, gray sofas, and even gray floors ruled the home decor world? That era is officially over.

Designers now say that all-gray interiors feel cold and lifeless, draining the energy from any room. Instead, people are craving spaces that feel warm, inviting, and full of personality.

Grays can make a home look sterile, almost like a hospital waiting room. Warm neutrals like creamy beige, earthy taupe, and even gentle sage greens are the new go-to choices.

Pops of color or even bold jewel tones are making a comeback, turning drab gray rooms into places that feel alive. It’s amazing how a simple color shift can transform the mood of your home.

If you’re still surrounded by gray, now’s the time to add some warmth.

Open-Concept Overload

Not so long ago, everyone wanted their kitchen, dining, and living spaces completely open. But after years of living with no walls, designers are rethinking this once-revolutionary idea.

People have realized that too much openness means less privacy and more noise—try having a quiet phone call while someone else is watching TV in the same space! Defined rooms create cozy nooks and give everyone their own corner to retreat to.

Homeowners are starting to appreciate the charm of a separate dining room or a dedicated home office. Designers suggest striking a balance: keep some open flow for entertaining, but don’t be afraid to create spaces that serve specific purposes.

Sometimes, a wall or a sliding door is exactly what a home needs.

Chevron & Ombre Patterns

Chevron stripes and ombre fades once brought a playful twist to everything from rugs to wallpaper. Now, these patterns are feeling tired and dated, with designers calling them out as trends best left in the past.

Their bold zigzags and dramatic color shifts can quickly overwhelm a room, making it hard to relax. Instead, people are opting for subtler, more timeless patterns like simple geometrics, organic motifs, or classic stripes.

These alternatives add depth and character without stealing the spotlight. Chevron was fun while it lasted, but today’s style is all about quieter elegance.

Your space should feel calm and enduring, not like a Pinterest board from 2014.

Farmhouse Fixer-Upper Style

The “Fixer Upper” farmhouse look, with its shiplap walls and barn doors, swept the nation thanks to TV makeovers. But designers say it’s time to retire this overly themed style.

While a touch of rustic charm can still work, homes that feel like replica farmhouses are losing their appeal. Instead, designers recommend mixing vintage elements with modern touches for a more balanced, authentic vibe.

Think reclaimed wood paired with sleek lighting, or classic ceramics beside contemporary art. The key is moderation—let rustic details be accents, not the whole story.

This way, your home feels fresh and personal, not like a copy of a TV set.

Matchy-Matchy Furniture

If your living room looks like it was ordered straight from a single catalog, you’re not alone. But designers are waving goodbye to matching furniture sets.

Today, the most stylish rooms feel collected over time, not bought all at once. Mixing different styles, colors, and textures creates a space that tells your unique story.

Imagine a vintage armchair next to a modern sofa, or a quirky side table beside a classic coffee table. This approach adds character and keeps things interesting.

When everything matches too perfectly, a room can feel flat and unimaginative. Embrace the art of mixing—it’s liberating and so much more fun.

Ultra-Glossy Kitchens

There was a time when shiny, ultra-glossy kitchen cabinets and countertops were the height of sophistication. Now, designers say those high-shine finishes feel cold and impractical.

Glossy surfaces attract fingerprints and smudges, making them difficult to keep clean. Today’s trend is all about texture and warmth: matte finishes, natural wood grains, and stone surfaces that feel inviting and timeless.

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and they should feel welcoming, not sterile. Matte cabinets in soft hues or textured tiles on the backsplash add depth and style without the hassle.

It’s a shift that makes the kitchen a place you want to linger.

Fake Plants & Flowers

For years, faux greenery was the go-to for anyone hoping to add life to a room without the maintenance. But now, designers say fake plants are out—and real ones are in.

Artificial plants can look dusty and lifeless, while living plants bring vibrancy and even improve air quality. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of easy-care options like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.

Real plants connect us to nature, making spaces feel fresher and more alive. If you’re worried about upkeep, start small.

The authenticity and energy that real plants bring simply can’t be replicated by plastic.

Tuscan & Heavy Mediterranean Style

Tuscan villas and Mediterranean manors inspired a wave of decor with dark woods, heavy fabrics, and ornate details. But designers are moving away from these heavy-handed looks.

Today’s take on Mediterranean style is lighter, airier, and much more relaxed. Think sun-bleached woods, soft linens, and pale, breezy colors.

Heavy furniture and dark walls can make a space feel dated and cramped. In contrast, open spaces, simple lines, and natural materials evoke a sense of calm and openness.

The goal is to capture the feeling of a seaside retreat, not a stuffy old mansion. Less is more—and the result is effortlessly elegant.

Overly Themed Kids’ Rooms

It might be tempting to deck out your child’s room in their favorite cartoon characters, but designers warn that overly themed kids’ rooms are on their way out. These rooms can quickly become outdated as kids grow and their interests change.

Instead, opt for flexible designs with neutral walls and adaptable furniture, then layer in fun touches like colorful bedding, playful artwork, or quirky rugs. This way, the room can easily evolve.

A space that grows with your child is not only practical, it’s also more cost-effective. Kids’ rooms should inspire creativity, not lock them into a single phase.

Harsh Industrial Lighting

Industrial lighting—think exposed bulbs, metal shades, and stark lines—once signaled modern, urban style. But the trend’s harshness is wearing thin.

Designers are shifting toward softer, more inviting lighting. Warm-toned pendant lights, textured lampshades, and layered lighting schemes help create a cozy atmosphere.

Good lighting should make people feel comfortable, not exposed. A mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting can transform any room, making it both functional and beautiful.

The new goal is balance: a hint of industrial edge, but always with comfort in mind.

Word Art & Generic Signs

Inspirational word art and generic signs—like “Live, Laugh, Love”—have flooded homes everywhere. But designers are ready to move on.

These decor items often feel impersonal, turning a home into something that could belong to anyone. Instead, the focus is on meaningful art and objects that reflect your own story.

Hang photos from your travels, display handmade crafts, or invest in art that speaks to you. Your home should celebrate what makes you unique, not repeat clichés.

Personalized touches create warmth and authenticity, making your space truly yours.