There’s no shortage of home decor inspiration on social media. One scroll through your Instagram feed, and you’ll be flooded with ideas for just about any decor style. But if you don’t practice a bit of restraint, pros say you can easily try trends that will quickly feel dated and downright tacky.
To help you out, we’ve tapped several interior designers to share their candid thoughts on the biggest decor trends to skip right now—think modern farmhouse looks, color-drenched rooms, and faux moldings.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or low-lift refresh, use their expert insights to craft a space you’ll love for years to come.
Modern Farmhouse
You might be drawn to those stark white spaces with pops of black that you see all over Pinterest, but North Dakota-based designer Alexa Kingery says modern farmhouse style is not the best idea if you want an abode with lasting appeal. "There is nothing natural or farmhouse-y about it," Kingery says.
In order to create a farmhouse-inspired interior that feels warm and nostalgic, the designer recommends keeping European architecture in mind, as there's an emphasis on the beauty of natural materials. "I love referring to European architecture, because they still use the same materials they used in the 13th century, and none of it has gone out of style," Kingery says. "The way to achieve that feeling and a truly timeless home, is by using natural and living materials, like wood, marble, plaster, brass, natural stone, and oil-rubbed bronze."
Bouclé
This might be hard to accept, but designers say it's time to ditch bouclé furniture as well. "What shiplap is to walls, I think bouclé will be to upholstered furniture over the next few years, especially on furniture with exaggerated rounded corners," says designer and content creator Galey Alix. "This trend felt elevated and unique at first, but with time, it will start to feel like a time stamp dating your taste in decor."
So what materials should you weave into your home instead? "Leaning into tightly woven classic weaves and quality linen fabrics has proven timeless over the years and is more likely to stamp your space with quality as opposed to time," Alix adds.
Dramatic Cabinet Colors
With the resurgence of '70s vintage vibes, we're seeing more yellow, green, and even pink kitchens—but this trend may not be here for long. "A design trend working its way in with a vengeance—one that I believe will be working its way right back out—are bold and vibrant colored kitchen cabinets," says Alix.
"Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive investments in your home's design and can be difficult to change out in a few years when it's not the trend anymore," says Alix. "Instead, try going bold with the backsplash or lighting choices — those are far easier and less expensive to change out."
Color Drenching
If you're obsessed with eye-catching colors, this one will hurt, too. Drenching an entire room with one hue may look trendy now, but you may not love it in a few years. "Done right, the vibe is cool, but it can quickly feel impractical and borderline garish," says Rebecca Bobroff, an interior designer.
Themed Spaces
We've seen cultural moments influence design trends, like the popularity of "Brat Green" following the buzz around Charli XCX's Brat album. But, these trends are often short-lived and "can be a little too much," says Cheryl Clendenon, creative chief of In Detail Interiors.
"Overly themed spaces (like all-in on Barbiecore or a maximalist jungle) might feel fun now, but could date your home quickly," she adds. "Instead, we say pick moments of these trends—like a pop of vibrant pink or tropical wallpaper in small doses or curated vignettes."
Open Shelving
Open shelving in the kitchen is a surprisingly controversial topic. It looks beautiful when properly executed, but can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. "Whenever a client wants open shelving in their home, we always ask them to honestly answer this question: 'Am I truly neat enough for this?'" says E. Norton of Norton Interiors.
Minimalist Decor
Designers have been saying it for months: Minimalism is out. People are tired of interiors that feel sterile and cold. "Ultra-minimalist decor with zero personality is on its way out," says Clendenon. "Homes should feel warm, lived-in, and uniquely you. Skip the trend of styling for Instagram alone—design for your life instead. A thoughtful blend of classic pieces with subtle nods to current styles will always shine."
Mob Wife Aesthetic
As minimalism fades, some are embracing what’s being dubbed the "mob wife aesthetic"—a bold, maximalist style characterized by animal prints, faux furs, and vibrant colors like red.
"As with most tenants of good design, the heavy, over-the-top maximalism that is a hallmark of this trend only works if the client is a Soprano—or at least mob-adjacent," says Sarah Henley, founder of Henley Design. "Authenticity should always drive the narrative thread of a project, so if the client, the home or the location doesn't relate to the trend you are considering, we think you should steer clear!"
Faux Molding
You can install trim molding, wall panels, or picture-frame molding to fake architectural details—but some designers don't love the look. "Skip it—especially if your home isn't from that era," says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder of Curated by Thea. "Instead, focus on embracing the original details that give your space its unique character. Or, invest in a truly stunning piece of artwork—something timeless that you'll treasure for a lifetime."
Fast Furniture
Investing in quality furniture can be costly, but some mass-produced pieces are made with non-durable materials that lack longevity. "While these items might seem like a quick fix, they can prematurely age a space and end up being more expensive in the long run when replacements are needed," says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors.
"Instead, I suggest investing in higher-quality items that offer both style and longevity. These pieces become the anchors of your home, evolving gracefully over time and providing a much richer, more intentional design experience."
Limewash Walls
In recent years, more people have experimented with limewash as a way to add texture to their space—but it doesn't always turn out as planned. "Skip the limewash, especially if you're planning a DIY. It's tricky to get right, and you'll likely regret it halfway through," says Bloch-Neal.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
