Brooklyn Style Alert 7 Decor Pieces On Their Way Out In 2026 And 7 That Should’ve Gone Last Year
Brooklyn’s home style scene constantly evolves, leaving yesterday’s must-haves in today’s donation pile.
I’ve noticed some once-popular decor elements losing their appeal fast, while others desperately need to be shown the door already.
Whether you’re redecorating your Williamsburg loft or just curious about what’s hot and what’s not, here’s my breakdown of Brooklyn decor trends heading out in 2026 and those that overstayed their welcome last year.
1. Vintage Neon Signs
Those colorful neon bar signs that once screamed “cool Brooklyn apartment” are flickering out fast. What started as authentic vintage finds have become mass-produced knockoffs with generic phrases like “Good Vibes Only” or “Hustle.”
LED alternatives now offer the same glow with less energy consumption and more customization options. Plus, the constant buzzing and heat from traditional neon has become more annoyance than ambiance for many Brooklyn residents.
If you still love the look, consider swapping for subtle LED art pieces or unique light sculptures that make a more personal statement without the corporate coffee shop vibe that’s become associated with these once-edgy accents.
2. Industrial Pipe Shelving
The exposed pipe shelving that dominated Brooklyn lofts is finally losing steam. These DIY-looking structures once symbolized urban authenticity but now scream “trying too hard” in most spaces.
Many homeowners have discovered these shelves aren’t particularly practical either they’re heavy, difficult to adjust, and the pipes often leave marks on walls. The industrial aesthetic has evolved toward more refined, thoughtful pieces rather than literal industrial materials.
Designers are now embracing cleaner lines with natural materials like wood and stone. If you still need open shelving, consider floating options with hidden brackets or sleek metal frames that don’t pretend to be plumbing parts repurposed as furniture.
3. Distressed Letterboards
Remember when everyone had those black felt letterboards with interchangeable white letters displaying quirky quotes? They’re rapidly falling from favor in Brooklyn homes. What once seemed charming now feels like a visual cliché especially with the same quotes appearing in countless Instagram posts.
These boards have become the modern equivalent of those “Live, Laugh, Love” signs that Brooklyn creatives once mocked. Their popularity exploded so quickly that they lost any sense of individuality or personal expression.
If you still want changeable messaging in your space, digital frames or custom neon art offer more unique alternatives. Or better yet, invest in actual artwork that speaks to you rather than generic phrases that could be found in any apartment across the borough.
4. Oversized Tropical Prints
Those massive monstera leaf and palm frond patterns that took over Brooklyn apartments are wilting fast.
What started as a fresh way to bring nature indoors has become predictable and overwhelming. Brooklyn’s design scene is shifting toward more subtle botanical references or unexpected nature-inspired patterns that don’t immediately scream “jungle theme.”
If you’re still drawn to plant motifs, consider smaller-scale patterns, abstract interpretations of natural elements, or actual plants instead. The move is toward authenticity rather than mass-produced representations – another case of Brooklyn’s ongoing quest for the genuine over the generic.
5. Macramé Wall Hangings
The macramé revival that swept through Brooklyn is finally unraveling. These knotted wall hangings became so ubiquitous that they lost their bohemian charm and started looking like generic filler decor.
Many of these pieces quickly collect dust and look dingy after a few months especially in city apartments with typical urban grime. The craftsmanship aspect has also been diluted by mass production, with machine-made versions flooding the market.
If texture is what you’re after, look toward more contemporary fiber art with unusual materials or techniques. Woven pieces that incorporate unexpected elements like metal or recycled materials offer the tactile interest without the played-out boho aesthetic that’s been hanging around too long.
6. Succulent Terrariums
Those tiny glass containers filled with succulents are finally losing ground in Brooklyn homes. What began as low-maintenance greenery for plant novices became an overdone trend that’s now associated more with corporate offices than cutting-edge apartments.
Many Brooklyn residents discovered these supposedly easy-care plants actually require specific light conditions that typical New York apartments don’t provide. The result? Countless sad, stretched-out succulents desperately reaching for inadequate light sources.
The trend is shifting toward more substantial houseplants with presence think fiddle leaf figs, rubber plants, or dramatic snake plants. If you still love miniature gardens, consider more unusual terrarium styles featuring moss landscapes or native woodland plants that thrive in lower light conditions.
7. Gold Geometric Mirrors
Those hexagonal or octagonal gold-framed mirrors that dominated Brooklyn walls are losing their luster. The geometric mirror gallery wall once the hallmark of a stylish Brooklyn apartment now reads as dated rather than daring.
The thin metal frames often bend easily and show wear quickly, revealing their fast-fashion origins. Many Brooklyn designers are moving toward statement mirrors with more substance think organic shapes, interesting textures, or vintage finds with character.
If you still appreciate geometric forms, consider more unusual polygons or asymmetrical shapes rather than the standard hexagons everyone already has. Better yet, invest in a single quality mirror with presence rather than a collection of small, flimsy pieces that create visual clutter without adding real interest or functionality.
8. Exposed Edison Bulbs (Gone Last Year)
Thank goodness these energy-wasting eyesores finally dimmed in popularity! The bare Edison bulbs hanging from cords or exposed in fixtures were Brooklyn’s lighting signature for far too long. Their harsh glare created more squinting than ambiance in countless restaurants and apartments.
Beyond their unflattering light, these bulbs consume excessive electricity compared to modern alternatives. The industrial-nostalgic look they aimed for quickly became a visual shorthand for “trying to look like a Brooklyn cafe circa 2010.”
Most design-conscious Brooklynites have moved toward diffused lighting with proper shades or globes that create actual pleasant illumination. If vintage appeal is still your thing, consider fixtures that incorporate retro elements without exposing the actual bulbs your electric bill and eyesight will thank you.
9. Rustic Wine Barrels (Gone Last Year)
Wine barrel furniture had its moment, but that moment definitely passed last year. These clunky, oversized pieces – often used as tables, bar carts, or even seating brought an awkward winery aesthetic that never quite fit Brooklyn’s urban environment.
The worst offenders were those cut in half and mounted on legs, creating tables with uneven surfaces that sent drinks toppling. Their bulky silhouettes overwhelmed most Brooklyn apartments, where space efficiency is crucial.
Most style-conscious residents have embraced furniture that actually suits city living pieces with clean lines, multi-functionality, and appropriate scale. If you still appreciate wine culture, consider more subtle nods like proper wine storage solutions or artwork rather than forcing literal barrel parts into your living space.
10. Shiplap Panels (Gone Last Year)
Shiplap’s reign of terror finally ended last year, much to the relief of Brooklyn’s design community. This horizontal wood paneling popularized by certain farmhouse-obsessed TV shows never made sense in Brooklyn’s urban context but somehow invaded apartments anyway.
Many residents discovered the hard way that these panels collect dust in spectacular fashion and make small spaces feel even more closed-in. The fake distressed versions were particularly egregious trying to create instant history in buildings that already had plenty of authentic character.
Brooklyn interiors have returned to celebrating their natural architectural elements exposed brick, original moldings, or simply clean, painted walls that provide a canvas for art and furnishings. If texture is what you’re after, consider more urban-appropriate options like interesting tile work or subtle textured wallpaper.
11. Herringbone Flooring (Gone Last Year)
Herringbone floors went from high-end to highly overexposed last year. While traditional herringbone has timeless appeal in historic buildings, the trend spawned countless cheap imitations – vinyl, laminate, and stick-on versions that fooled no one.
The busy pattern often fought with furniture and rugs, creating visual chaos in smaller Brooklyn spaces. Many residents discovered these floors showed every speck of dust and dirt a particular problem in a city where outside grime is an everyday reality.
The flooring pendulum has swung toward simpler patterns or wider planks that create a more peaceful foundation. If you appreciate pattern underfoot, consider more subtle geometric tile in bathrooms or entryways rather than covering entire living spaces with busy zigzags that date your space immediately.
12. Overstuffed Velvet Sofas (Gone Last Year)
Those enormous, tufted velvet sofas in jewel tones finally lost their appeal last year. These bulky seating options – often in impractical colors like emerald or sapphire dominated Brooklyn living rooms despite being completely wrong for most apartment scales.
Beyond their size issues, these sofas showed wear almost immediately. The velvet piled and crushed in high-use areas, and those deep button tufts became impressive dust collectors. Many residents also discovered these statement pieces severely limited their ability to evolve their decor over time.
Brooklyn’s sofa preferences have shifted toward cleaner lines, more practical performance fabrics, and appropriately-scaled pieces that don’t overwhelm the room. If luxury texture is still appealing, consider incorporating velvet through smaller accessories like pillows or ottomans that can be more easily updated.
13. Mix-and-Match Mismatched Chairs (Gone Last Year)
The deliberately mismatched dining chair trend finally crashed last year. What started as a charming, collected-over-time aesthetic quickly devolved into a forced quirkiness that screamed “trying too hard” – especially when the chairs were all purchased new but deliberately different.
Beyond the contrived feel, these chair collections often created practical problems. The different heights, widths, and comfort levels made for awkward dining experiences where some guests got the “good chairs” while others suffered through meals on uncomfortable perches.
Brooklyn dining rooms have largely returned to more cohesive seating arrangements that still allow for personality through other elements. If you’re drawn to eclectic style, consider matching chairs with varied table linens, distinctive serving pieces, or statement lighting rather than creating a musical chairs scenario every time you host dinner.
14. Faux Taxidermy Heads (Gone Last Year)
Those white ceramic or plastic animal heads that once adorned Brooklyn walls mercifully disappeared last year. The faux taxidermy trend from deer heads to rhinos and elephants quickly went from quirky to tacky as mass-market versions proliferated.
Many residents realized these pieces sent mixed messages about animal conservation despite being cruelty-free alternatives to actual taxidermy. The dust-collecting surfaces and awkward protrusions also made them impractical for smaller spaces and difficult to clean.
Wall decor has shifted toward more meaningful art pieces with personal connections rather than generic three-dimensional objects that could be found in any Target or HomeGoods. If you appreciate animal motifs, consider photography, illustrations, or abstract interpretations that celebrate wildlife without the hunting lodge references that made these pieces so problematic.
