Top 10+ Design Trends That Interior Experts Say to Avoid

Overuse of All-White Interiors

For years, all-white spaces have been championed for their clean and minimalist look. However, interior designers now caution against this trend due to its impracticality and lack of warmth.

White interiors can quickly start to feel sterile, and they’re difficult to maintain—showing every fingerprint, scuff, or spill. According to a 2023 Houzz survey, 61% of homeowners found all-white rooms stressful to keep clean and less inviting than spaces with more color.

Experts recommend adding in soft hues, natural woods, or textured textiles to create a more welcoming and livable atmosphere. White can be a beautiful base, but when used exclusively, it can sap personality from a home.

Even small pops of color or greenery can make a dramatic difference in comfort. People increasingly crave spaces that feel personal, not clinical.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelving has been one of the most popular kitchen trends of the last decade, but designers now warn that it’s more trouble than it’s worth. While open shelves look great in magazine spreads, they require constant styling and cleaning in real life.

A 2022 study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association found that 73% of homeowners with open shelving regretted the decision within the first year. Dust, grease, and clutter can quickly accumulate, making kitchens look messy instead of curated.

Interior experts advise opting for cabinets with glass fronts if you want to display pretty dishware, or limiting open shelves to low-traffic areas. The upkeep and impracticality of open shelving often outweigh its aesthetic appeal.

Industrial Style Everything

Industrial design—think exposed brick, pipes, and concrete—once screamed urban chic. But according to a 2023 survey by Apartment Therapy, more than half of respondents said the industrial trend feels cold and dated.

While some industrial elements can add character, an overly industrial look often lacks comfort and warmth. Designers now encourage mixing in softer elements, like plush textiles, plants, and artwork, to balance industrial features.

Overdoing the look can make spaces feel unfinished or harsh, rather than stylish. Without careful attention, too much metal and concrete can turn a home into a space that feels more like a warehouse than a sanctuary.

Fast Furniture and Disposable Decor

Cheap, mass-produced furniture may seem like a budget-friendly solution, but experts warn it’s an unsustainable choice in the long run. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 12 million tons of furniture end up in landfills annually in the U.S.

alone. Fast furniture is often poorly made, with materials that wear out quickly, leading to frequent replacements.

Interior professionals recommend investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces that last, even if it means buying more slowly. Not only does this approach reduce waste, but it also results in a more unique and personal home.

“Buy once, cry once,” as one designer puts it. Quality over quantity is becoming a mantra for modern interiors.

Too Much Grey

Grey has dominated design palettes for years, but its reign is coming to an end. Interior experts now say that excessive use of grey can make spaces feel dull and lifeless.

A 2023 Zillow analysis showed that homes painted predominantly grey sold for 10% less than those with warmer or more colorful tones. While grey can be sophisticated in moderation, layering different shades throughout a home can lead to a drab, uninspired atmosphere.

Designers suggest mixing in earth tones, blues, or pastels to add depth and vibrancy. Too much grey can sap energy and make even beautiful rooms seem uninspired.

Aggressive Accent Walls

Bold accent walls—especially those painted in striking colors or busy patterns—were once a go-to trick to add drama. Now, many designers are moving away from this approach, citing how quickly these walls can become dated or overwhelming.

According to a 2022 HomeAdvisor poll, 67% of designers said accent walls often disrupt the flow of a space and are challenging to coordinate with changing décor. Instead, experts recommend using color or wallpaper in subtler ways, like through art, textiles, or painted furniture.

Gentle transitions between colors and patterns tend to create a more harmonious and timeless feel.

Farmhouse Overload

The modern farmhouse look, with shiplap walls and rustic décor, exploded in popularity thanks to TV shows and social media. However, designers now warn that the style has become overused and, in some cases, even cliché.

According to a 2023 report by Realtor.com, listings described as “farmhouse” now receive less interest than those with more contemporary descriptions. Going overboard with barn doors, faux antiques, and farmhouse signs can make a home feel staged rather than authentic.

Experts suggest incorporating just a few rustic elements and blending them with modern or eclectic touches for a more personalized and lasting look.

Matching Furniture Sets

Buying a matching sofa, loveseat, and chair set may seem like an easy way to furnish a room, but designers say it can result in a flat, uninspired space. A 2022 poll by Elle Decor found that 78% of design professionals prefer mixing and matching furniture styles, colors, and textures.

Matching sets can make a home look like a showroom rather than a lived-in space with character. Layering different pieces collected over time adds depth, interest, and personality.

Designers recommend curating pieces that complement rather than match exactly, creating a more dynamic and inviting environment.

Oversized Statement Lighting

Dramatic lighting fixtures, like huge chandeliers or pendants, have made a splash in recent years. But interior experts now caution that oversized lighting can overpower a room and quickly become dated.

According to a 2023 survey by Lighting Trends, 62% of homeowners with large statement fixtures said they regretted their choice within two years. These pieces can also be difficult and expensive to replace as trends shift.

Designers now favor lighting that suits the scale of the room and enhances, rather than dominates, the decor. Subtle, well-placed lighting can be just as impactful without overwhelming the space.

Trendy “Micro” Styles

Fads like millennial pink, terrazzo everything, or inflatable furniture often explode on social media but fade just as quickly. According to a 2023 Pinterest Trends report, searches for these micro trends spike and then drop by up to 80% within a year.

Interior experts say chasing fleeting styles can result in dated decor and wasted money. Instead, they recommend focusing on timeless design elements and adding trendier pieces through easily changeable accents like pillows or small decor.

This approach allows for flexibility and keeps your home feeling fresh without a complete overhaul every season.