I'm a Designer, and These Are the 3 Trends I Beg People Not to Use
They're everywhere on Instagram, but these popular trends will look dated in a year. Here's what to do instead.
"Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear."— George Addair
You see them all over social media and home design shows. They look cool for a minute, but these trendy design choices can quickly become dated, and you'll be stuck with a house you secretly hate. Here are the top trends you need to avoid at all costs.
The "modern farmhouse" has been overdone to death. The shiplap walls, the barn doors that don't offer any privacy, the "Live, Laugh, Love" signs—it's become a cliche. Your home will look dated in a year. Instead of going all-in on one theme, incorporate classic elements like natural wood and clean lines that will stand the test of time.
Another trend that needs to go away is the all-gray interior. For a while, gray was the sophisticated neutral of choice, but entire homes painted in monotonous shades of gray now look cold, boring, and institutional. A home needs warmth and personality. If you love gray, use it as a base, but you must introduce other colors and textures through furniture, art, and textiles to keep it from feeling like a prison.
But the one trend you will absolutely regret is the open-concept bathroom. This is the bizarre idea of putting a freestanding tub and even the toilet in the master bedroom with no walls. It offers zero privacy, creates moisture issues in your bedroom, and is a guaranteed deal-breaker for any future buyer. Some things just require a door. Don't fall for this shockingly bad trend.