Top 10+ Home Items That Designers Wish You’d Stop Buying
Overly Themed Decor
Nothing makes a designer cringe quite like a room that looks like it jumped out of a catalog’s “beach house” or “farmhouse” section. Overly themed decor can feel inauthentic and quickly becomes outdated.
Research from Houzz’s 2024 home trends report shows that personal, eclectic spaces are trending, while strict themes are on the decline. For example, seashell frames, anchor pillows, and “Live, Laugh, Love” signs might seem cute at first, but they rapidly lose their charm.
Designers argue that creating a home full of personality means mixing pieces that tell your unique story, not just copying a style wholesale. Themed items are often mass-produced and lack the personal touch of vintage finds or original art.
Instead of buying those “Parisian cafe” clocks or “rustic barn” lanterns, consider items that truly reflect your taste and experiences.
Fast Furniture
Fast furniture — the home version of fast fashion — dominates online shopping carts, but designers wish it wouldn’t. These are the cheap, assemble-it-yourself pieces you find everywhere.
According to a 2024 Statista report, Americans sent 12 million tons of furniture to landfills in 2023, and much of it was poorly made, disposable furniture. Not only do these items break easily, they rarely age well and often use unsustainable materials.
Interior designers prefer investment in timeless, quality pieces that last for years, even decades. While budget constraints are real, buying secondhand or upcycling old furniture is both eco-friendly and stylish.
Designers argue that a single solid wood table has more character than three wobbly side tables that end up in the trash.
Mass-Produced Wall Art
It’s easy to grab a “generic flower print” or “abstract canvas” from the big box store, but designers know this is a missed opportunity. A 2024 survey by Apartment Therapy found that more than 60% of design professionals recommend original or handmade art over mass-produced pieces.
The problem with mass-produced wall art is that it’s everywhere — you walk into a friend’s house and recognize the same quote canvas hanging above their couch. Unique artwork, even if it’s a small local print or a DIY project, gives your home a soul.
Designers also point out that original art doesn’t have to be expensive. Thrift stores, local art fairs, and even your own photos can become statement pieces, making your space feel truly yours.
Trendy Statement Rugs
Every year, a new “must-have” rug pattern takes over Instagram — and every year, designers secretly hope you’ll skip it. According to the National Floor Covering Association, sales of trendy geometric and abstract rugs spiked 30% in 2022, but many designers say these pieces date quickly.
What’s hot today might feel tired in just a couple of years, and replacing large rugs isn’t cheap or eco-friendly. Instead, many designers recommend investing in classic patterns like Persian or sisal rugs, which age gracefully and complement changing decor.
Rugs set the tone for a room, so choosing a timeless piece means you won’t feel pressured to swap it out every time trends shift.
Cheap Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are like the sprinkles on a cupcake — easy to add, easy to change. But cheap, synthetic pillows from big box stores are often uncomfortable, lose their shape fast, and end up in landfills.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away millions of pounds of textiles every year, and low-quality pillows contribute to this waste. Designers prefer pillows with natural fabrics and high-quality inserts, which last longer and feel better.
Mixing covers and investing in a few good inserts can transform your sofa without waste. Plus, unique or handmade covers add a personal touch that factory-made ones can’t match.
Trendy LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting has exploded in popularity thanks to social media, especially among younger homeowners. A 2023 study by Global Lighting Trends found a 40% increase in online searches for “LED strips for bedroom.” But designers warn that these cheap, sticky lights can make even the best-decorated rooms look tacky if overused.
While great for accenting shelves or behind TVs, LED strips should never be the main source of lighting. Instead, designers recommend layered lighting — a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead fixtures — to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Thoughtful lighting design beats a neon glow every time.
Open Shelving Overload
Open shelving looks great in magazines and on Pinterest, but in real life, it’s often a dust collector and a source of clutter. The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends study revealed that while open shelves remain popular, many homeowners regret installing too many.
Designers struggle to make open shelves look tidy without constant styling and cleaning. Plus, everything on display needs to match or it throws off the look.
Instead, designers suggest a balance — a few open shelves for display, but mostly closed cabinets to hide the chaos. This way, you get the airy look without the stress.
Matching Furniture Sets
Walking into a furniture store and buying a matching “bedroom set” or “living room set” might seem like a shortcut to a stylish home, but designers disagree. A 2024 survey by the American Society of Interior Designers showed that 78% of professionals avoid matching sets in favor of curated, mixed looks.
When every piece of furniture matches, the room can look like a hotel suite — predictable and a bit lifeless. Designers prefer mixing woods, metals, and styles for a layered, lived-in feel.
This approach lets your personality shine and helps your home evolve as your taste changes.
Fake Plants Everywhere
Fake plants have their place — maybe one or two for hard-to-reach spots — but designers are tired of seeing plastic greenery everywhere. According to a 2023 poll by Gardeners’ World, 54% of homeowners use at least five faux plants in their homes.
While they never die, they do gather dust and often look artificial up close. Designers encourage using real plants, which clean the air and add life to a room.
Even a few low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or pothos can make a big impact. If you must use artificial plants, stick to fewer, high-quality options and mix them with real ones for a more natural look.
Trendy Kitchen Gadgets
Every year brings a new “must-have” kitchen gadget, from avocado slicers to air fryers. Yet, according to a 2024 Consumer Reports survey, more than 70% of these gadgets end up unused and cluttering kitchen drawers.
Designers wish homeowners would think twice before buying every new device. Most kitchens need just a few high-quality essentials, not a drawer full of single-use tools.
Instead of chasing trends, designers recommend investing in versatile basics like a sharp chef’s knife or a sturdy cutting board. This saves space, money, and keeps your kitchen looking clean and functional.
Word Art and Signs
Decor with slogans like “Home Sweet Home” or “Gather” may still line store shelves, but designers are officially over it. A 2024 Real Simple poll found that 67% of design experts say word art feels generic and uninspired.
While these signs aim to create a cozy or welcoming mood, they often do the opposite, making spaces feel staged rather than lived-in. Designers suggest expressing your style with art, family photos, or meaningful objects instead of spelling it out on the wall.
The result is a more authentic, personal home that speaks for itself without saying a word.
Mirrored Furniture
Mirrored dressers, side tables, and consoles once promised glamour, but designers now consider them impractical and dated. According to a 2023 Interior Design Trends report, demand for mirrored furniture is down 25% from its peak in 2018.
These pieces show every fingerprint, scratch, and speck of dust, making them high-maintenance and frustrating in busy households. Designers prefer using mirrors as wall accents rather than as furniture surfaces.
Choosing rich woods or matte finishes brings warmth and texture to spaces, while mirrored furniture often ends up feeling cold and impersonal.
