We consider it a full-time job to accurately predict, dissect, and evaluate interior design trends, from the fading out to the up-and-coming. And fortunately, we have thousands of ongoing interior design projects across the nation (and beyond) to inform our opinions.

So in light of the overarching aesthetic shift we reported on last year, we’re officially shedding a light on some of the outdated, on-the-way-out looks we’re reading to leave behind (for now, at least).

From the millennial beige aesthetic to cliche farmhouse, keep scrolling to peep the design looks and trends we’re quietly putting on the back burner for the next few years, per our design team.

Stiff Symmetry

Generally speaking, we love that design is moving towards a more off-kilter, organic, effortless look, from artwork placement to mantel decor to general layouts. While there’s a time and a place for matching nightstands, table tamp duos, and the like, we’d argue that intentional asymmetry feels so much more artful and interesting than just mirroring the scene across a line of equilibrium.

Stark Minimalism

Don’t get us wrong — there is absolutely beauty in minimalism, and we’ve certainly celebrated it! But, we will respectfully say that it can go too far (ahem, Kim and Kanye circa 2020). We’ve noticed an overarching trend away from all-white-everything in the last year or so, as designers (us included) embrace more color, pattern, and hints of maximalism across the board. While we’ll always entertain elements of minimalism (white paint just never go out of style), we’re beyond ready for this aesthetic shift! 

All-White Upholstery

Speaking of minimalism’s slow decline, we’re noticing a refreshing trend towards more bold, colorful upholstery as of late. Of course, this comes with caveats — neutral sofas always have a place in design — but we do feel like the ubiquity is easing up a bit. There was a season where clean, white sofas were the design default, and we’re pleased to give a warm welcome back to olive greens, retro browns, and beyond. The above Charly Sectional in Bayou from Interior Define is a perfect example of this trend in practice. 

Open-Concept Everything

Oh, the beauty of walls! Open floor plans certainly have their benefits, but in a post-pandemic world, I think we can all agree that privacy matters. Open-concept will never be completely out, but dedicated spaces (from rooms to corner nooks) are no longer seen as outdated. Plus, injecting an open-concept home or apartment with warmth and coziness is a bit of a challenge, whereas separate rooms allow for more atmosphere and ambiance.

Generic & Mass

There will always be a time and a place for a Target home decor gem or a Wayfair find that just fits the bill. But as the design world embraces character, warmth, and more traditional elements, we’re seeing an uptick in vintage pieces, thrift store finds, and heirloom and-me-downs that celebrate your personal story and style. And we couldn’t love it more! 

Cliche Farmhouse

We’ve waxed poetic about this before, but we’re glad to officially call it: the 2010s iteration of farmhouse design (high-contrast palette, tons of rustic woods, shiplap everywhere) is on its way out. Instead, we’re loving the more layered and nuanced interpretation that’s currently coming to prominence — it’s a look that nods to farmhouse living with plenty of natural woods, neutral palettes, and unfussy styling, with with more warmth, heart, and artful soul. 

Boho Chokehold

There will always be a soft spot in our hearts for all things la vie boheme (it was the #1 Havenly design style three years ago). But we’re really loving the style evolution from full-on bohemian (tapestries, global rugs, macrame everything) to a more polished, restrained aesthetic that embraces design elements from other styles, too. Today’s take on bohemian nods to carefree living and storied naturalism through organic textures, like jute, wicker, and rattan, paired with a chic restraint that feels so much more adult. 

Unlivable Design

At the end of the day, home is where life unfolds — and it should reflect your unique interests, activities, personality, and style. Thanks to social media, you’ve likely felt the “influence” (literally) to curb how you live in order to achieve an unrealistic aesthetic or ideal. Whether it’s stashing all your personal mementos to feel more “curated” or nixing your TV from your living room (even though your ideal Friday night is binging Ted Lasso), this sort of social-influenced editing used to be the status quo. But there are so many ways to create a layered, personal, and functional home that fundamentally supports how you actually live. In fact, we even wrote a book about it. 

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