9 Popular Home Trends Interior Designers Say Won’t Age Well And 9 That Will
Ever wondered which home design choices will stand the test of time and which will become tomorrow’s design regrets? I’ve consulted with top interior designers to separate fleeting fads from enduring classics.
Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, knowing which trends have staying power can save you thousands in future updates.
Let’s explore which popular home elements designers say you’ll still love years from now – and which ones you might want to reconsider.
1. Won’t Age Well: All-White Kitchens
Remember when everyone wanted that pristine, clinical all-white kitchen? While beautiful in magazines, these spaces show every speck of dirt and sauce splash in real life. The maintenance is brutal!
White kitchens also tend to feel cold and sterile over time. Many homeowners find themselves craving warmth and personality after a few years of living with such a stark palette. Adding wood or color through replaceable elements gives the space more character.
2. Will Age Well: Hardwood Floors
Nothing beats the timeless appeal of real hardwood floors. Unlike trendy flooring options, hardwood has literally centuries of staying power across countless design movements. They’re not just beautiful – they’re practical investments.
The beauty of hardwood lies in its ability to be refinished multiple times. Even when scratched or damaged, sanding and restaining can make them look brand new. Plus, they add genuine value to your home when it’s time to sell, unlike most other flooring choices.
3. Won’t Age Well: Barn Doors
Barn doors exploded onto the design scene thanks to farmhouse-style TV shows. The problem? They’re already starting to look dated, and they’re not even that functional!
These sliding showpieces offer almost zero sound privacy and never fully close like traditional doors. The hardware tracks collect dust like magnets. Many designers predict we’ll soon see homeowners replacing these statement pieces with pocket doors or traditional hinged options that offer better functionality.
4. Will Age Well: Subway Tile
First appearing in New York City subways in 1904, these rectangular tiles have effortlessly transcended decades of changing design trends. Their simple, clean lines complement virtually any style from traditional to ultra-modern.
What makes subway tile truly timeless is its versatility. Changing just the color, finish, or grout can completely transform the look. Even better, they’re typically budget-friendly compared to trendier tile options. No wonder designers consistently recommend them for spaces you don’t want to renovate again soon.
5. Won’t Age Well: Word Art and Signs
Those giant “Live, Laugh, Love” signs and wordy wall decorations are already becoming the design equivalent of a bad tattoo. What feels inspirational today often becomes eye-roll inducing tomorrow.
The problem with word art is how quickly it becomes background noise in your space. Your brain literally stops “seeing” it after a while. Designers suggest replacing text-heavy decor with actual art that evokes feelings without spelling them out. Your future self will thank you!
6. Will Age Well: Built-in Bookshelves
Custom shelving has survived every design era because it brilliantly combines function with style. Unlike trendy open shelving that demands constant styling, built-ins create architectural interest while hiding everyday clutter.
The magic of built-ins lies in their adaptability. They can showcase books, display treasured objects, or conceal storage behind cabinet doors. Even as your style evolves, these permanent fixtures remain relevant. They’re also one of the few additions that consistently add resale value to homes.
7. Won’t Age Well: Open Concept Everything
After years of knocking down walls, many homeowners are discovering the downsides of completely open floor plans. The pandemic especially highlighted how problematic these spaces can be when everyone needs separate work and study areas.
Cooking smells travel everywhere, noise carries without barriers, and there’s nowhere to hide clutter. Designers predict a return to defined spaces with clever room dividers, pocket doors, and partial walls. The future favors flexibility – spaces that can be opened or closed as needed.
8. Will Age Well: Natural Stone
Marble, granite, limestone – these materials have adorned homes for literally thousands of years. Unlike manufactured surfaces that mimic current trends, natural stone develops a beautiful patina over time that actually enhances its character.
Stone’s enduring appeal comes from its uniqueness – no two slabs are identical. Even when it shows wear, it’s considered charming rather than damaged. Smart homeowners use stone strategically in areas where its beauty can be showcased without excessive wear, ensuring decades of enjoyment.
9. Won’t Age Well: Gray Everything
The gray tsunami that washed over home design in the 2010s is already receding. Homes that went all-in on gray walls, gray floors, gray furniture, and gray cabinets now feel cold, corporate, and dated.
Gray itself isn’t bad – it’s the absence of contrast and warmth that creates problems. Designers are already seeing clients eager to repaint and bring back color and texture. If you love neutrals, consider warmer tones like beige, greige, or taupe that won’t feel as trendy in five years.
10. Will Age Well: Window Treatments
Quality drapes, blinds, and shutters never really go out of style – they just evolve in subtle ways. Unlike trendy window treatments that scream their decade, classic options like wooden blinds or simple linen curtains maintain their appeal through changing fashions.
The secret is choosing window coverings that complement your architecture rather than fighting it. While hardware and fabric patterns may change, the basic forms of good window treatments remain remarkably consistent. They’re also one of the most impactful ways to make any room feel finished and polished.
11. Won’t Age Well: Accent Walls
That single wall painted in a bold color or covered in trendy wallpaper is already starting to feel like a design cop-out. Accent walls often read as “I wanted to do something interesting but couldn’t commit to the whole room.”
Designers note that truly timeless interiors treat rooms holistically rather than highlighting single surfaces. When accent walls do work, they highlight architectural features worth emphasizing. Otherwise, they tend to date spaces quickly as color trends evolve. Consider fully committing to a color or pattern instead.
12. Will Age Well: Statement Lighting
Great lighting fixtures are the jewelry of interior design – they can elevate even the simplest spaces. Unlike many trends, quality light fixtures often appreciate in value and become coveted vintage pieces decades later.
The key is choosing lighting with excellent proportions and materials rather than following ultra-trendy styles. Designers consistently recommend investing in statement pieces for dining rooms and entryways where they become focal points. Even as other elements change, these fixtures continue anchoring spaces with timeless elegance.
13. Won’t Age Well: Farmhouse Everything
The shiplap-covered, barn-door-sliding, mason-jar-filled farmhouse look is already showing its age. What began as charming nostalgia quickly became a mass-produced caricature found in every home store across America.
Authentic farmhouse elements can still work when they’re actually authentic to your home’s architecture. But the generic farmhouse package – complete with “Farmhouse” sign, just in case anyone missed the theme – is rapidly becoming the avocado-green appliances of our era. Designers recommend incorporating rustic elements more subtly.
14. Will Age Well: Natural Materials
Wood, cotton, wool, linen, leather – these materials have adorned homes since humans first built shelters. Their enduring appeal comes from how they connect us to the natural world and age beautifully over time.
Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural materials develop character with use. That patina on leather furniture? Those subtle fades in wood? They’re considered desirable rather than worn out. Designers consistently recommend investing in quality natural materials for items you touch daily – they’ll still look appropriate decades from now.
15. Won’t Age Well: Vessel Sinks
Those bowl-like sinks that sit on top of counters rather than being inset were once the height of bathroom luxury. Now they’re rapidly becoming design red flags that scream “2010s renovation!”
Beyond looking dated, vessel sinks create practical problems. Water splashes everywhere, cleaning around the base is a nightmare, and the raised height can be awkward. Designers are seeing clients replace these showpieces with undermount or integrated sink options that prioritize both timeless style and practical function.
16. Will Age Well: Architectural Trim
Crown molding, wainscoting, chair rails, and quality baseboards have adorned homes for centuries for good reason – they add architectural interest that transcends passing trends. These details create shadow lines that add depth to otherwise flat walls.
Even as wall colors and furniture styles change, well-proportioned trim remains appropriate. The key is choosing profiles that match your home’s architectural period rather than whatever is trending. Designers often recommend investing in quality trim before trendy furnishings since it creates a timeless foundation for any style.
17. Won’t Age Well: Waterfall Countertops
Those countertops that dramatically cascade down the sides of islands and cabinets are already starting to feel like a specific moment in design time. They use enormous amounts of expensive material while adding little practical benefit.
Designers note that waterfall edges often compete with other elements rather than complementing the overall kitchen design. They’re also particularly trend-specific – unlike standard countertop edges that remain visually appropriate across decades. Consider how much you’ll still love this bold statement in ten years before committing.
18. Will Age Well: Vintage and Antique Pieces
Incorporating furniture and accessories that have already stood the test of time is one of the surest ways to create a home that won’t quickly date itself. These pieces have already proven their staying power!
The magic happens when vintage items are mixed thoughtfully with contemporary elements. This prevents spaces from feeling like time capsules. Designers consistently recommend investing in quality antiques for key pieces like dining tables, chests, or armoires – they’ll likely still be cherished when today’s brand-new items are long forgotten.
