Have you ever wondered how to freshen up your space without following every trend? In this article, we will discuss some design trends that you may want to avoid. Instead of chasing every fad, let’s concentrate on what truly reflects your style and makes your space feel like home. So, let’s get started and look at some design do-nots to help you confidently update your space!
See also: Slow decorating: A timeless alternative to fast furniture’s impact on your home
Avoid a matching furniture set
Sure, it is simple to purchase a complete set of furniture that matches perfectly. However, having everything look too similar can make your room appear boring and outdated. Instead, try changing things up! To personalise the space, mix and match furniture from various eras and styles. It will make your space more unique and enjoyable to be in!
Source: Pinterest
Ultra-modern everything
Although going completely modern might seem like a great idea, it can actually make your room feel chilly and uninviting. To keep things warm, mix it up! Consider adding some warm and inviting touches, such as using natural textures, adding a vintage rug, or draping a soft throw over your furniture. These small changes will make your space feel much more welcoming and comfortable, striking the ideal balance between modern and cosy.
Watch out for open floor plan pitfalls
Open floor plans can be beneficial because they make a room appear larger and brighter. However, they can cause issues such as excessive noise or insufficient privacy. So, if you’re considering going open, think about it carefully! Make sure you set up separate areas for different activities, such as eating, relaxing, and working. This way, you’ll get the cool open feel without any of the drawbacks.
Avoid all-white overload
Having white walls can make a room feel bright and open, which is beneficial. However, if everything is white, it can begin to feel bland and dull. Instead of going all white, try adding some colour! Invest in some eye-catching throw pillows for your couch, funky accent furniture, or colourful artwork to hang up. These little pops of colour will brighten your space and make it appear more inviting!
Source: Pinterest
Wallpaper on all the walls
Applying wallpaper to your walls can add interesting patterns and designs to your decor. However, if you cover every single wall with it, things can become a little overwhelming. Instead, consider using wallpaper as an accent. Choose one wall as the star and decorate it with your favourite wallpaper. Or, if you have a small space, such as a powder room, go wild with the wallpaper! This way, you can enjoy the fun of wallpaper without feeling overwhelmed.
Ease up on the shiplap
Shiplap can give your space a cosy, rustic feel, which is very appealing. However, if you use it all over the place, it may appear that you are trying too hard to be trendy. Rather than covering every wall with shiplap, try using it sparingly. Choose one wall or a small area to highlight the shiplap and make it a standout feature. If you want something different, consider using a board and batten or wainscoting. This way, you can get that charming look without overdoing it.
Ultra-high gloss everything
At first, having everything finished in extremely high gloss can make your room appear incredibly reflective and shiny. But here’s the thing: they also show every speck of dirt and fingerprint, which isn’t very cool. Instead of going all out glossy, try matte or satin finishes. Although they are much more tolerant of scratches and dirt, they still have a sleek and fashionable appearance. Furthermore, they have a timeless appeal that will never go out of fashion. So, for a more practical and long-lasting look, choose matte or satin finishes rather than ultra-high gloss everywhere.
Exposed brick that looks fake
Exposed brick walls can add personality and charm to a room, but if they aren’t authentic, they can look cheap and bogus. Instead of going with unconvincing faux brick panels, consider other options for your walls. You could use a different type of wall treatment altogether, such as textured paint or wallpaper that has the appearance of brick without attempting to be something it is not. This way, you can achieve the rustic look without sacrificing authenticity.
Source: Pinterest
Over use of animal prints
Yes, adding some wild flair to your space with a zebra rug or a leopard print pillow can be quite attractive. However, if you go excessively with animal prints, it may begin to feel like you’re living in a jungle! Instead of overloading your space with animal prints, keep things balanced. Choose one or two pieces with animal prints and combine them with more neutral items. By doing this, you can retain that playful, whimsical feel without overpowering your room with pattern.
Single-use furnishings
Just as we are moving away from single-use plastics, furniture that serves only one purpose is becoming obsolete. Ottomans designed solely for footrests or benches that cannot serve as additional seating are losing popularity. Instead, in 2024, we want furniture that can multitask and serve multiple purposes. Versatility is essential when furnishing our spaces, whether it’s an ottoman with storage or a bench that can serve as both seating and storage.
FAQs
Invest in pieces you love and that reflect your personal style, not just what's hot on social media.
Trends can inspire timeless elements! For example, the focus on multi-purpose furniture is a trend with lasting practicality.
Absolutely! But ensure the pieces complement each other. Avoid mixing styles that clash in colour, scale, or feel.
Minimalism is about creating a calm and clutter-free space. While still relevant, functionality is key in 2024. Embrace clean lines but ensure your space remains inviting.
Fairy lights can add a whimsical touch, but for a more sophisticated look, consider statement pendant lights or strategically placed sconces.
Absolutely! Candles add ambiance and fragrance, but explore diffusers or natural air fresheners for a more subtle and long-lasting effect.
A designer can offer valuable guidance, but it's not essential. If you're comfortable with DIY, research and create a mood board to visualise your ideal space. How can I avoid falling victim to fleeting trends?
Can trends ever be timeless?
Is it okay to mix trends?
Is minimalism still a popular design style?
Are fairy lights still trendy?
Can I still use scented candles?
Should I hire a professional designer?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
