Interior designers share 10 of the worst trends they've seen this year, so far

Samantha Lund, the CEO and principal designer at Simply Sam, told BI that she doesn't like the increase in fast furniture — like ready-to-assemble or flat-pack pieces from large chains.

"The trend of buying cheap, disposable furniture has negative impacts on both the environment and personal style," she said. "These pieces often lack quality and character, leading to frequent replacements and increased waste."

Lund said it's better to invest in well-made, timeless pieces if it's in the budget or shop secondhand for cheaper finds that still have character.

Andy Yates, the principal designer at Andy Yates Design, said bouclé is a nice way to bring cozy texture into a room. However, when every chair, sofa, and ottoman has the same nubby fabric, it feels overplayed.

"I like to mix bouclé with complementary materials like smooth velvet, crisp cotton, or sleek leather for a more dynamic look," he told BI. "Incorporate bouclé sparingly, perhaps in an accent chair or ottoman, for just the right amount of tactile warmth."

Kasandra Rafter, an interior designer and the founder of Canyon Creative, told BI that she's noticed a rise in the number of people painting fabric furniture to refresh it.

However, the unconventional DIY trend can leave chairs and couches stiff and uncomfortable.

"Instead, I recommend reupholstering if the piece is worth salvaging or opting for a slipcover for a cleaner, more practical solution that maintains the fabric's integrity and comfort," she said.

Although many people have embraced decluttering this year, Lund thinks some people have taken it too far.

"The trend of extreme minimalism has often resulted in sterile, unwelcoming spaces devoid of personality," she said. "This austere approach has made homes feel more like a showroom than a lived-in space."

A better alternative would be to embrace a more balanced minimalism that still allows for personal touches and comfort.

"Those who went too minimal can now slowly reintroduce carefully chosen decorative items, artwork, and cozy textiles to create a more inviting atmosphere without sacrificing the clean aesthetic," she told BI.

Although matching furniture sets may seem practical and convenient, Joyce Huston, the lead interior designer and cofounder at Decorilla Online Interior Design, told BI she doesn't like them.

"Matching sets make rooms feel cookie-cutter and uninspired," she said.

The designer suggested mixing and matching pieces from different styles and eras to create a more curated, eclectic look.

"Don't get hung up on matching wood species and paint colors perfectly, but embrace the variation," she told BI.

The oversaturation of farmhouse-style decor — characterized by shiplap walls, barn doors, and rustic signs — has led to a lack of originality.

"While elements of this style can be charming, its widespread use has made it feel inauthentic and dated," Lund told BI.

She suggested incorporating subtle rustic elements into your overall design if you're a big fan of the trend.

Rafter told BI that she's seen an uptick in drapery being used as room dividers this past year.

"When privacy or separation is needed, we suggest using functional, stylish alternatives like open bookcases or decorative screens," she said. "These not only create boundaries but also bring character and personality to the space."

Yates told BI that beige walls are the equivalent of an unseasoned meal — flat and boring.

"I've seen a lot of spaces drenched in neutrals, and life is better not completely monochrome," he said. "Instead, you should make sure to layer soft neutrals with complementary tones like warm terracotta, forest green, or deep navy."

Rafter said single accent walls are past their prime.

"Instead of isolating one wall, one can envelop the entire room in a bold paint color or textured wallpaper," she said.

For an added layer of depth, the designer suggested carrying the finish across the ceiling to create a cohesive and immersive space that feels intentional and impactful.

Lund told BI that open shelving can look great in moderation. However, the trend of replacing all upper kitchen cabinets with open shelves has proven impractical and needs to be scaled back.

"It requires constant maintenance and organization to look good, and it exposes dishes to dust and grime," she said. "A more balanced approach would be to use a mix of closed cabinets and some open shelving for display."