Distracting Design Trends to Avoid, According to Designers

In many bathrooms and kitchens, you're sure to see patterned flooring and wall tile. For designer Andi Morse, founder of Morse Design, it's a trend to evade. "Patterned tile is a popular trend these days," she says. "I like the look, but it will make your house dated in a few years. I recommend sticking to solids in different textures."

Designer Blair Burton of Blair Burton Interiors says homeowners should avoid a defined style in their home and kitchen (like modern farmhouse, rustic, or Tuscan). "Choose texture and pattern over a specific style," she says. "Spaces that look like they were taken entirely from Pinterest aren't as authentic or appealing."

If you're selecting materials for a renovation, avoid imitation surfaces. For Burton, faux marble is trendy but a no. "Marble must be authentic to make its way into a kitchen," she says. "It doesn't have the same patina and warmth as natural stone." 

For Burton, it's prudent to avoid the sterile kitchen trend all together. "If you decide to go with an all-white kitchen, make sure to vary materials and textures to keep the look interesting," she says.

"If homeowners tend to be less than tidy, they should steer clear of open shelving," says Caron Woolsey, Founder of CW Interiors. "If the shelves are used to display infrequently used items, they will need to be dusted. If open shelving is used to store dishes, said dishes will need to be artfully stacked and accessed regularly, which could lead to a glass or dish getting knocked and falling to the floor."

"I recommend you avoid embracing maximalism," Evensen says. "As much as we love layering styles, textures, and curating unique pieces for our clients, design is all about how you edit a space. If you want to embrace this trend, do it in a small space that doesn't dominate your entire home." 

Terra McNutt of Dallas-based RI Studio says it can be tempting to stick to one monochromatic color when designing your home, but contrast is crucial. "Adding in bold accents and textures into your space is key to an interior you'll love for years to come," she says. "Say goodbye to all-white designs and select an unexpected paint color or wall-covering that adds depth and interest."  

"Matching furniture may seem like the easiest way to achieve the style or look you want for your interior, but it results in a lack of authenticity," says Cheri Etchelecu Martin of Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design. "Don't be afraid to mix finishes and textures with furnishings that show personality and creativity! You will end up with a more curated space."

Christine Turknett of Breathe Design Studio in Austin says homeowners should use trendy colors in easily-updated places. "Green is the color of the year, but I would stray from purchasing furniture in colors like avocado or lime green," she says. "Instead, I suggest painting the walls or using accessories so that your furniture will remain timeless and you can change up accent colors easily."