As a home editor, I always stay up to date on the latest design trends. I chat with interior designers all the time to find out what colors, furniture styles, and finishes they currently love—and which ones they're ready to leave behind. With 2025 just around the corner, I reached out to eight interior designers to find out which popular home trends they're skipping in the coming year—and honestly, their answers shocked me.
Color overload, bold cabinet colors, and open shelving are just a few of the trends that designers say are difficult to pull off and don't age well. In general, the design professionals I spoke with are weary of trends, especially micro-trends that typically only last a few months.
One key piece of advice I'm taking with me into the new year: “If you didn't love it before it was a trend, leave it out,” says interior designer Andrea Lackie.
Strong case colors
With the resurgence of the '70s vintage vibe, we're seeing more yellow, green, and even pink kitchens – but this trend may not last long. “One design trend that's taking over with a vengeance heading into 2025 – one that I believe will take over right away – is bold and brightly colored kitchen cabinets,” says designer and content creator Galey Alix.
“Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive investments in your home design and can be difficult to replace in a few years when they are no longer trendy,” says Alix. “Instead, try to be bold with your choice of backsplash or lighting – these are much easier and cheaper to replace.”
Drenched in color
As a color lover, it pains me to admit this: Drenching an entire room with one hue might look trendy now, but you might not like it in a few years. “Done right, the vibe is cool, but it can quickly seem impractical and borderline garish,” says Rebecca Bobroff, interior designer.
Color soaking involves painting walls, ceilings, and trim in a single shade, and often furniture and textures in the same color.
Subject areas
We've seen how cultural moments influenced design trends, like the popularity of “Brat Green” following the Charli XCXs hype brat Album. However, these trends are often short-lived and “can be a little too much,” says Cheryl Clendenon, creative director of In detail interiors.
“Overly themed spaces (like all-in on Barbiecore or a maximalist jungle) might be fun now, but could quickly make your home dated,” she adds. “Instead, we say: pick moments from these trends — like a pop of bold pink or tropical wallpaper in small doses or curated vignettes.”
Open shelves
Open shelving in the kitchen is a surprisingly controversial topic. When done correctly, it looks beautiful, but it can quickly become confusing and disorganized. “If a customer wants open shelving in their home, we always ask them to do so Honestly Answer this question: “Am I really 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 their interiors feeling bare and cold. “Ultra-minimalist decor with no personality is on the decline,” says Clendenon. “A home should feel warm, lived-in and unique. Skip styling for Instagram alone – design for your life instead. A thoughtful mix of classic pieces with subtle nods to current styles will always shine.”
Designers agree that minimalist interiors, popular for their clean lines and neutral colors, are on the decline.
Mob Wife aesthetic
As minimalism fades, some are turning to the so-called “mob woman aesthetic” — a bold, maximalist style characterized by animal prints, faux fur and bright colors like red.
“As with most tenants of good design, the strong, over-the-top maximalism that is a hallmark of this trend only works if the client is a soprano—or at least close to the mafia,” says Sarah Henley, founder of Henley Design. “Authenticity should always determine the common thread of a project. So if the client, home or location doesn’t match the trend you’re considering, we think you should steer clear!”
Art molding
You can add crown molding, wall panels, or picture frame molding to simulate architectural details—but some designers don't like the look. “Skip it—especially if your home doesn’t date from this period,” 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 art – something timeless that you will treasure for a lifetime.”
Faux moldings can look tacky if they are overdone or appear unnatural for the home.
Fast furniture
Investing in quality furniture can be costly, but some mass-produced items are made from non-durable materials that lack longevity. “Although these things seem like a quick fix, they can prematurely age a space and become more expensive in the long run when replacement is necessary,” says Vyanca Soto, owner and chief designer of Market Studio Interiors.
“Instead, I suggest investing in higher quality items that offer both style and durability. These pieces become the anchors of your home, evolving elegantly over time and offering a much richer, more intentional design experience.”
Lime-painted walls
In recent years, more and more people have been experimenting with lime plaster to add structure to their rooms – but it doesn't always work out as planned. “Skip the lime wash, especially if you're planning a home improvement project. It’s difficult to get right and you’ll probably regret it halfway through,” says Bloch-Neal.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is Associate Lifestyle Editor for Good housekeepingwhere she covers everything related to living and interior design. Before joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications, among other things ELLE decor, Chairman, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine And LODGING Magazinein addition to creating product copies for private labels such as BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.