Designers Can’t Stand These 15 Trends In 2025 Here’s What To Do Instead

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the buzz around interior trends lately? You’re definitely not alone.

As we step into 2025, some styles that once dominated are quietly fading away, making room for looks that feel more fresh, cozy, and truly you.

I’m here to share which trends are on their way out and what’s stepping in to create homes that feel comfortable, personal, and timeless.

1. All-Gray Interiors (Out)

When a room feels more like a storm cloud than a sanctuary, it’s probably caught in the all-gray trend. I remember walking into homes where every surface echoed the same cool shade, leaving no room for expression.

Gray can be elegant, but too much drains vibrancy and life.

Try layering warm, earthy colors through throws and accessories. Swap out gray textiles for rust, ochre, or sage. It’s remarkable how these hues instantly create a welcoming, cheerful ambiance. Even a colorful piece of art can shake off the gloom in just seconds.

2. Overly Minimal Sterile Spaces (Out)

How is it that a room can look spotless but still feel empty? Minimalism went from peaceful to almost hospital-like for some spaces. I’ve stood in houses where it felt like nobody lived there at all.

Shift toward lived-in comfort by introducing texture, books, and unique accents. Layer rugs or display handpicked items that reflect your story.

Even a cozy lamp or stack of magazines can break the sterile cycle and make a space feel like yours.

3. Faux-Distressed Furniture (Out)

If you’ve ever wondered why some furniture looks like it survived a tornado, faux-distressed pieces might be to blame. I’ve seen dressers and tables with paint rubbed away in all the wrong spots, trying too hard to seem vintage.

Instead, hunt for authentic vintage finds at flea markets or antique shops. Real patina tells a far richer story than fake distressing ever could.

Pieces with genuine age develop character naturally, making your home’s story more honest and unique.

4. Farmhouse Overload (Out)

Did you notice every other home started looking like a set from a farmhouse sitcom? Shiplap, galvanized metal, and mason jars took over far too many spaces. While charming in moderation, too much feels staged and impersonal.

Blend rural touches with modern pieces for true comfort. One or two subtle rustic accents add warmth without shouting.

Let your home’s real personality shine, instead of copying a TV kitchen or Pinterest board verbatim.

5. Overuse of Barn Doors (Out)

Where did all these barn doors come from? At first, they offered a clever space-saving solution, but their widespread use quickly became a tired cliché. I’ve seen homes where barn doors are used for every room, regardless of style.

Switch to sleek pocket doors or classic panel doors to keep things timeless. If you love the sliding mechanism, opt for a more modern material or minimalist hardware.

Doors should complement the architecture, not compete for attention.

6. Neon LED Strip Lighting (Out)

It’s wild how fast neon LED strips went from futuristic to overwhelming. I’ve walked into rooms where the lighting felt more like a nightclub than a relaxing retreat, especially with the intense purples and blues.

Opt for layered, adjustable lighting to shape moods. Warm-toned lamps, sconces, or dimmable ceiling lights create coziness. Let the lighting support your lifestyle, rather than dominating the atmosphere.

Your eyes and guests will thank you.

7. Wall Decals and Word Art Signs (Out)

If your walls are talking, sometimes they’re saying too much. The word art and wall decal wave peaked years ago, but echoes still linger in living spaces everywhere. A home shouldn’t need labels to feel meaningful.

Try original artwork, framed photography, or even a simple mirror for personality. Let walls breathe and speak through color or texture.

Art that reflects your journey or taste is far more memorable than trendy phrases.

8. Matching Furniture Sets (Out)

Are you tired of rooms that look like they were ordered straight out of a catalog? Matching furniture sets can rob your space of any sense of originality or depth. I feel a room loses its soul when every piece looks exactly the same.

Mix and match pieces from different eras or styles to add richness.

Play with materials and finishes for a layered effect. This approach lets your personality shine and creates a more collected, lived-in vibe.

9. Cheap-Looking Faux Plants (Out)

When faux plants look more like children’s toys than greenery, something’s gone wrong. I see these plastic imposters everywhere, and they rarely fool anyone for long. They can cheapen the overall look of a carefully curated space.

Choose real plants, even low-maintenance ones, or dried botanicals for a more authentic touch. If you must use faux, select high-quality versions and style them sparingly.

Realistic arrangements breathe life into rooms, instead of collecting dust.

10. Heavy Tufted Headboards (Out)

Though their plush embrace once spelled luxury, oversized tufted headboards now dominate too many bedrooms. I’ve found they trap dust and make cleaning a chore, all while dating your space in a flash.

Try a slim, upholstered headboard or a simple wood design for a fresh look. Soft throws and textured pillows add comfort with less bulk.

Bedrooms feel breezier and more modern when the bed frame doesn’t steal all the attention.

11. All-White Kitchens with No Contrast (Out)

Where did the color go? All-white kitchens were once the picture of cleanliness, but now they feel cold and monotonous. Cooking and gathering spaces should invite, not intimidate with starkness.

Introduce rich woods, bold tiles, or even black hardware for contrast. A vivid fruit bowl or potted herb garden can add instant charm.

Little touches of color or texture break up the monotony and create a more inviting kitchen.

12. Open Shelving Overload (Out)

When every kitchen wall becomes a display case, the open shelving trend has gone too far. I’ve seen beautiful spaces sacrificed to clutter and dust—plus, who wants to polish every mug?

Mix closed cabinetry with minimal open shelves for a cleaner balance. Display your favorite pottery, but store the rest out of sight.

Kitchens regain their calm and functionality when shelves aren’t forced to carry the whole design.

13. Excessive Industrial Style (Out)

If rooms start resembling a warehouse more than a home, industrial style has gone too far. I know how exposed pipes, raw concrete, and metal overload can make spaces feel stark and unwelcoming.

Blend in soft textures, warm woods, and inviting fabrics to strike balance.

Even a single cozy rug or curtain can soften the mood. Industrial touches are best used as accents, not the whole story of your home.

14. Fast Furniture (Low-Quality, Mass-Produced) (Out)

Are flat-pack furniture mishaps a rite of passage? Cheap, mass-produced pieces might fill a room quickly, but they rarely survive more than a few years.

I’ve watched wobbly chairs and peeling tables bring down the feel of an otherwise lovely home.

Save up for timeless, quality furnishings even if it means buying less. Local craftspeople and vintage shops offer gems with both soul and staying power. Investing in fewer, better pieces pays off every time.

15. Glossy Finishes on Everything (Out)

This year, everything’s gleaming a little too much glossy finishes have gone from chic to distracting. Spaces decked out in reflective surfaces constantly demand attention and can feel uncomfortably artificial.

Embrace matte or textured finishes for warmth and understated elegance. Wood, stone, or woven materials absorb light and create a calm, grounded feeling.

A room that’s easy on the eyes and rich in tactile appeal is far more inviting long-term.