Top 9+ Home Decor Trends Designers Are Ditching This Year (And What’s Replacing Them)

All-White Minimalism Steps Aside for Cozy Neutrals

Once the darling of modern homes, all-white minimalism is quietly bowing out. The pristine look, while fresh and airy, often made spaces feel sterile and even a bit lonely.

Homeowners are craving warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging—which pure white just can’t deliver. Designers are now reaching for creamy beiges, soft taupes, and gentle earth tones that invite you to relax and linger.

These subtler hues make a home feel lived-in, like a favorite sweater on a chilly day. Think plush throws in sandy tones, textured rugs in soft browns, and walls that wrap you in calm rather than glare with brightness.

The shift is about embracing imperfection and authenticity, making your space feel more like you.

Fast Furniture Makes Way for Timeless Quality

That cheap dresser you assembled in an hour? It probably won’t see the next decade.

Fast furniture has lost its shine as people realize it’s not just about saving money—it’s about creating a home that lasts. Designers are championing investment pieces: handcrafted tables, vintage chairs, and sturdy sofas that get better with age.

This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a move toward sustainability. Choosing well-made furniture means less landfill waste and more unique character in your space.

Imagine a living room that tells your story, not just the story of a big-box store’s latest catalog. Heirloom pieces and artisanal finds are the new status symbols, and your home will feel richer for them.

Open Shelving (Everywhere) Is Closing Up

Open shelving once promised easy access and a chance to show off your prettiest dishes. But in reality, it’s become a magnet for clutter, dust, and daily frustration.

Designers are trading endless open shelves for smart, concealed storage that hides the chaos and showcases just what you love. Picture sleek cabinets with hidden compartments, or custom built-ins that keep your secrets safe.

The look is more streamlined and less stressful, giving your eyes—and your mind—a break from visual overload. This doesn’t mean you can’t display your favorite pieces, but now, it’s about balance: a few open shelves, carefully curated, and the rest tucked neatly away.

Gray Everything Gets a Burst of Color

For years, gray was the default—on walls, floors, sofas, and even kitchen cabinets. But the tide is turning.

Spaces drenched in gray can feel cold and uninspired, lacking any real sense of personality. Designers are now bringing in rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep burgundy, along with earthy terracotta and ochre.

These colors breathe energy and life into rooms, creating environments that are dynamic and full of character. The new palette is about self-expression, not playing it safe.

A pop of color here, a bold accent wall there—suddenly, your home feels as vibrant as you are.

Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets Lose Their Grip

Remember those perfectly coordinated living room sets—sofa, loveseat, and armchair, all in the same fabric? They’re officially out.

Today’s designers are mixing things up, combining different styles, shapes, and textures to create rooms that feel collected, not ordered from a catalog. The beauty is in the contrast: a sleek modern lamp beside a vintage velvet chair, or a rustic wooden coffee table paired with a plush contemporary sofa.

This eclectic approach makes your home feel personal and welcoming, like it evolved over time rather than appearing overnight. It’s about freedom and creativity—there are no rules, just what makes you happy.

Overdone Shiplap Takes a Back Seat to Bold Textures

Shiplap has been everywhere, thanks in part to the farmhouse trend. But the endless rows of white planks are starting to look, well, repetitive.

Designers are seeking out new ways to add texture and interest to walls. Think striking wallpapers, rich wood paneling, and even bold painted murals.

These options offer depth without the farmhouse cliché, and they invite a sense of artistry and uniqueness into your home. You don’t have to cover every wall—sometimes, a single statement wall can transform an entire room.

The message is clear: embrace texture, but do it your way.

Ultra-Glossy Kitchens Give Way to Subtle, Natural Finishes

High-gloss, reflective surfaces once made kitchens look ultra-modern, but they can feel cold and even a little clinical. Designers are now opting for matte finishes and natural materials that bring warmth and authenticity to the heart of the home.

Imagine cabinetry with a soft, touchable finish, stone countertops with gentle texture, and hardware that feels substantial in your hand. These kitchens are meant to be cooked in, lived in, and enjoyed—not just admired from afar.

The result is a space that feels like an extension of your personality, not a showroom.

Boho Overload Gets Dialed Back

The bohemian trend brought macramé, rattan, and layers of textiles into our lives. But when every surface is covered in fringe and every seat is wicker, the look loses its charm.

Designers are now encouraging a more restrained boho vibe—just a few carefully chosen pieces that hint at wanderlust and creativity. Maybe it’s a single woven wall hanging, a vintage rug, or a unique rattan chair.

The goal is to let each piece shine, rather than compete for attention. This new take on boho feels grown-up and intentional, with plenty of room for your own story to unfold.

Generic Gallery Walls Are Being Reimagined

Once, every wall seemed to have a grid of generic prints and random quotes. But mass-produced gallery walls are losing their appeal as homeowners look for ways to make their spaces truly personal.

Designers are guiding people to create collections that reflect their lives—original art, treasured photographs, or meaningful souvenirs. The arrangement doesn’t have to be perfect; in fact, it’s better when it’s a little quirky and imperfect.

What matters is that your wall tells your story, sparking conversation and memories every time you walk by. What trend surprised you most—and which one are you ready to say goodbye to?