Matching Wood Finishes is Outdated

For decades, matching every wood finish in a room was seen as the gold standard for good taste. But according to a 2024 survey by Architectural Digest, 68% of top interior designers now say that mixing woods creates a more dynamic and personalized look.

The trend is all about contrast—think walnut paired with birch or oak next to mahogany. Designers argue that a variety of wood tones adds depth and warmth, making a space feel lived-in rather than staged.

The key is to keep undertones complementary; cool shades with cool, warm with warm, but don’t sweat perfection. This relaxed approach has gained traction thanks to the rise of eclectic and biophilic design principles, which emphasize organic diversity.

In fact, recent research from the National Association of Home Builders found that buyers under 40 are 40% more likely to prefer mixed wood tones over matching sets.

Furniture Doesn’t Have to Be Against the Walls

The old rule of pushing every piece of furniture against a wall is being challenged by designers like Justina Blakeney and Kelly Wearstler, who advocate for floating layouts. According to a 2023 Houzz report, living rooms where furniture is placed away from walls are linked to a 32% higher satisfaction rate among homeowners.

Floating furniture creates cozy conversation zones and makes large rooms feel more intimate. This approach also allows for better traffic flow and flexibility, making the space adapt to different needs.

Designers note that adding area rugs and side tables helps anchor these “islands” of furniture, preventing them from looking adrift. The trend also supports open-concept living, where defined areas are created without solid barriers.

Studies show that this layout can help reduce stress by promoting easier movement and social interaction.

Uniform Dining Chairs Are No Longer a Must

Uniform dining sets are becoming a thing of the past, according to Elle Decor’s 2024 trend analysis. Designers are increasingly mixing up chair styles, colors, and even eras around the same table for a more curated and collected feel.

Data from Pinterest’s annual trend report shows a 50% spike in searches for “mismatched dining chairs” since fall 2023. This look is not only visually interesting but also allows homeowners to express personality and creativity.

Some designers recommend starting with two statement chairs at the ends of the table and mixing simpler seats along the sides. Others go for a full spectrum of colors and shapes.

The result is a dining area that feels less like a showroom and more like a gathering place for real people.

Only Neutral Sofas? Not Anymore

For years, neutral sofas were touted as the safe and smart choice, but bold upholstery is now making waves. A 2025 survey by House Beautiful found that 59% of new sofa sales in the United States feature color or pattern, up from just 26% in 2020.

Designers say a vibrant sofa can become a room’s unexpected focal point, adding energy and personality without overwhelming the senses. Velvet emerald, mustard yellow, and deep blue are particularly popular, with searches for “colored sofa” rising 35% year-over-year on Google Trends.

Homeowners are encouraged to treat a sofa like a piece of art—something to get excited about, not just blend in. This shift is partly fueled by a growing desire for spaces that inspire joy and reflect individuality, especially after years of pandemic-era nesting.

Mixing Metals Isn’t Taboo

The belief that all hardware and metal finishes must match—think gold lamps with gold fixtures—is losing ground fast. According to a 2023 survey by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), 74% of professionals now recommend mixing metals in at least one room of the house.

Combining brass, chrome, and matte black finishes can add layers of visual interest and sophistication. Designers suggest keeping one finish dominant, then using others as accents to create a sense of harmony amid variety.

The trend’s popularity is supported by the fact that mixed-metal rooms are featured in 58% of the most-shared interior design posts on Instagram (2024 data from Later.com). Breaking this rule makes spaces feel less static and more evolved, echoing the way homes naturally accumulate treasures over time.

Small Spaces Don’t Need Small Furniture

The myth that tiny rooms require miniature furniture is being debunked by designers worldwide. In fact, a 2024 study by Apartment Therapy found that 62% of designers recommend at least one full-size or oversized piece in even the smallest rooms.

Large-scale furniture can actually make a compact space feel grander and more inviting, acting as an anchor that draws the eye and prevents the room from feeling cluttered with too many small pieces. For example, a generous sectional or king-sized bed can create a luxurious vibe, while ample storage pieces keep things tidy.

Experts also point to the psychological benefit: larger furniture makes the room feel more intentional and less like an afterthought. With urban living on the rise, this advice is more relevant than ever.

Every Room Doesn’t Need a Rug

The idea that every room must have a rug is losing favor among leading designers. According to a 2025 Interiors Magazine poll, only 54% of designers now see rugs as essential in living or dining rooms, down from 81% in 2021.

The shift is driven by a desire to showcase beautiful flooring, simplify cleaning, and create a more open, airy environment. In kitchens, studies show that going rug-free can help reduce allergens and make spills easier to manage.

Some experts recommend using rugs only where they serve a clear purpose, like softening a bedroom or defining a seating area. This rule-break is especially popular in minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, where negative space is celebrated rather than filled.

The result is rooms that breathe and feel less weighed down by layers.