All-Gray Color Schemes

Gray once dominated living rooms everywhere, but designers are now stepping away from this chilly, one-note palette. While gray offers a calm and modern look, homeowners and style experts have found it can make spaces feel flat and lifeless.

According to a 2024 Houzz trend report, searches for “gray living rooms” dropped by 18% in the past year, while “warm color living rooms” surged by 33%. Designers are now favoring rich, earthy tones and playful color pops over endless grays.

People want their living rooms to feel inviting and cozy, not like a corporate office. Many designers say that layering colors brings out personality and makes a space feel alive.

Gray might linger in accessories or as a background, but the era of the “50 Shades of Gray” living room is quickly fading.

Mass-Produced Fast Furniture

The age of cheap, assemble-it-yourself furniture is losing its shine as more people question its durability and environmental impact. A 2024 Statista survey found that 57% of consumers are now willing to pay more for furniture that’s sustainably made and built to last.

Designers are ditching fast furniture brands in favor of vintage pieces, local makers, and heirloom-quality items. There’s a growing awareness that fast furniture often ends up in landfills after just a few years.

As one designer put it, “Quality is the new luxury.” Investing in craftsmanship over convenience is becoming the new standard, and the difference is showing in more character-filled, sustainable living rooms.

Overly Minimalist Spaces

Minimalism had its moment, but stark, ultra-simple living rooms are out. The “less is more” look often meant bare walls, sparse furniture, and little personality.

Designers now believe these spaces can feel sterile and uninviting. According to a 2025 Elle Décor forecast, maximalist and eclectic styles are on the rise, with 40% more homeowners opting for bold art, layered textiles, and personal collections.

People are craving warmth, comfort, and a sense of story in their homes. The shift is toward spaces that feel lived-in, with meaningful objects and cozy textures taking center stage over strict minimalism.

Matching Furniture Sets

Gone are the days when buying an entire matching living room set was the height of fashion. Designers agree that “matchy-matchy” furniture feels outdated and uninspired.

Real estate site Zillow recently reported that listings with unique, mixed furniture arrangements sold 7% faster than those with matching sets. The trend now is to mix materials, colors, and eras for a curated, collected look.

This approach allows for more creativity and gives living rooms an authentic, personal vibe. It’s about finding what you love and blending it together, rather than buying a set straight from a showroom.

Open Shelving Overload

Open shelves promised a perfect display for books and treasures, but designers are pulling back from this trend. The reality is that open shelving requires constant styling and dusting, and can look cluttered if not meticulously maintained.

A 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that 62% of homeowners now prefer closed storage in living rooms to hide clutter and keep spaces neat. Designers are recommending cabinets, sideboards, and clever storage solutions that provide both style and practicality.

Open shelving isn’t going away completely, but it’s being used more selectively and sparingly.

Heavy Farmhouse Decor

Farmhouse style, with its shiplap walls and barn doors, was everywhere for years, but designers are moving on. The 2025 Home Design Trends report from Architectural Digest shows a sharp decline in farmhouse-inspired living room makeovers, dropping by almost 30% compared to 2023.

People are seeking more urban, global, or modern influences that feel less like a set from a TV show. Instead of rustic signs and distressed wood, designers are introducing sleeker lines, modern art, and refined finishes.

The farmhouse look isn’t gone entirely, but its heavy-handed elements are definitely out of favor.

Oversized Sectionals

Large, bulky sectionals may have been comfortable, but designers are now favoring more versatile seating. The main problem with oversized sectionals is that they dominate the room and limit layout options.

According to Living Spaces’ 2024 design poll, 61% of designers prefer modular sofas or a mix of smaller seating, which allows for better flow and easier reconfiguration. People are entertaining in new ways, and flexible furniture makes it easier to adapt the space for different gatherings.

Smaller, lighter pieces also make rooms feel more spacious and open.

Overuse of Decorative Pillows

Pile-after-pile of decorative pillows once signaled a “styled” living room, but this trend is on the decline. Designers now warn that too many pillows can look messy and make seating uncomfortable.

A recent survey by House Beautiful revealed that 48% of homeowners have reduced the number of pillows in their living rooms for a cleaner, more functional look. The new approach is to choose a few well-made, statement pillows that add color or texture, rather than covering every inch of the sofa.

This subtle change makes the room feel intentional, not overdone.