30 of the worst modern home trends that WILL go out of fashion

These hot home trends are won't last the course

Timeless or tiring? Some interior trends become so ubiquitous that they start to lose their appeal. Don't worry if your homes are packed with these popular looks – they are certainly gorgeous right now. However, we're just not sure how we will feel about them in a decade.

From open-plan living to pallet furniture, these are the trends that we think are going out of style or will do sooner or later.

Read on and let's see if you agree...

Mason jars

While mason jars will always be a useful storage idea for kitchens and pantries, the days of mason jar drinkware or painted rustic-style vases are thankfully nearing an end.

Let's hope we only see a novelty mason jar wrapped in twine at children's parties or a country fair from now on.

Grey-on-grey room schemes

This is a grey area! Some argue that the intermediate tone is now boring and drab, while others feel the cool hue will always have a place in our decorating palettes, thanks to its versatile nature.

Grey has been described as a 'new neutral' for so long now that it's become a familiar faithful. But warm, earthy tones have been flooding into room schemes, leaving plain old grey out in the cold.

Edison light bulbs

Naked light bulbs and fixtures have a super-edgy industrial vibe. They also look rustic, so can suit the farmhouse style (more on that later). But the appeal of their distinctive shape and exposed bright filaments might start to fade after a while when we ditch stark style for more homely comfort.

However, our instincts tell us that the vintage-look lamps will continue to light the way in the form of festoon lighting in the garden. Why not string them up next to the garden pallet furniture for now?

Metro tiles

Ah, the faithful metro or subway tile. The neat slab layout has adorned bathroom walls and kitchen splashbacks for decades now, but is the brickwork beginning to crumble?

We think metro tiles are more of an icon than a trend, so will always stand the test of time. However, well-worn overlapping horizontal lines are already giving way to new sizes, designs and textures. If you haven't already, you should soon see 'matchstick' style tiles lighting up kitchen wall tile looks and bathroom splashbacks.

Scallop edges

Soft scalloped edges have always been pretty, but the half-moon-shaped edge has carved its way onto everything recently. Trays, mirrors, rugs and walls have all been trimmed with pretty, wavy hems.

But will we soon see the rounded edges smooth out to more simple and timeless linear lines? However, we have a feeling scalloped edge two-tone walls may last longer in the nursery.

Velvet sofas

From Edwardian chaise lounges and circular love seats from the 70s to today's sumptuous rich-toned velvet sofas, intense and colourful velvet is an interior trend that is reborn again and again.

That being said, maybe we've seen one too many jewel-coloured cushions that even Beyoncé would admit are too bling. Are you excited to see how the plush material gets reinvented next – or looking forward to throwing the fabric out like a pair of crushed velvet leggings?

Cottagecore

Nostalgic, cosy and charming, cottagecore is a current look that rolls granny-chic and country decor into one.

But, although the essence of the look is about the simple life, the busy nature of layered pattern and chintzy texture means cottagecore may seem drab and dated pretty soon. For timeless country style stick to the less is more approach using neutral palettes, natural wood and just a sprinkling of nature-inspired prints.

Crittall-style doors

The Crittall-style glazing trend has been flooding Instagram for a few years and most show homes feature industrial-style doors, windows and even shower screens in at least one room. Crittall-style glazing certainly isn't new, but the graphic steel frames have certainly overtaken bi-folds in popularity tenfold.

But the black grid design is so graphic that, like other strong patterns we've mentioned, they could saturate and drown out all the other elements. Thanks to the search for more soothing room schemes we are seeing fluted glazing alternatives and softer-toned aluminium versions on the scene.

Limewash walls

Limewash or raw plaster-style walls are paint techniques popular with modern, minimalist and 'quiet-luxury' fans. It has a chalky, textured effect that is actually an optical illusion as the surface remains flat.

Again, it's an adventurous choice with 'love it' or 'hate it' views. Arguably, it gives a room an unfinished look and so for this reason it will more likely be a fashion fad than forever finish.

Pedestals

Looking for a way to lift an awkward corner? Why not give it a museum vibe with a pedestal or three? That's right, when wall art or a floor lamp won't do, pop in a few decorative pedestals at different levels to display a vase, candles or even a sculpture for full effect.

But, will podiums in living spaces last as a trend? We fear not.

Distressed rugs

A good quality rug lasts years and years, and so will make a wise investment. Better still, a good quality rug that's been handed down a few generations and aged to perfection is a home accessory heirloom to be proud of. Manufacturers have caught on by producing vintage-looking rugs that create a lived-in look without the need for waiting.

The distressed flooring trend is a quick fix that we don't see lasting. Stick with genuine antique rugs for lasting style.

All-neutral schemes

Beige interiors have been taking over from cooler grey and white room schemes for at least a decade, kicked off by The Kardashians and celebrity stylists. Sure, these pleasant shades are soothing and inviting but when used in every aspect of a room to create layer upon layer of the same tone the finish can feel somewhat vanilla.

If you prefer plain flavours then great, but the need to spice rooms up with colour and texture will replace this current bland look soon.

White plastic dining chairs

Duping iconic pieces of designer furniture is nothing new, and one particular Herman Miller Eames chair has recently been copied so much that it may be losing its VIP seating status.

The moulded plastic is making way for classic wood and upholstered dining chairs again. Does the replication of the famous curvy plastic chair mean it has become too much of a good thing?

Tropical prints

This is a tricky one, as some elements of tropical style are timeless. In the proper context, island-style wood furniture, smooth stone floors and subtle palm prints are perfect.

However, the more exotic tropical trend that sees clashing colours will soon crash, while over-familiar motifs such as flamingos, toucans and cheeky monkeys will ultimately head back into the jungle.

Wicker and rattan

Trends tend to follow a pattern where looks come and then go, before returning a few years later with an update. Rattan furniture is a perfect example. During the 60s and 70s, it was a stylish staple within bohemian-style schemes.

But it started to get a dated and dreary reputation. Now, thanks to our hunt for sustainable materials and texture, woven wood is back. It will probably always have a place in our gardens and sunrooms, but we suspect the familiar pattern will again date quickly.

Dried flowers

During the 90s, dried flowers were chic. Then they just got dusty. But, more recently pretty bouquets of dried meadow flowers and grasses have been blooming in vases and sitting within centrepieces on the interiors circuit.

Plus, pampas grasses, bunny tails and poppy heads are so hot, they've literally dehydrated! But how long before we need to bring out the feather duster again?

Barn doors

A hero piece of farmhouse style, barn doors have been lending our homes a rustic charm for a good few years. The rustic-style update is a basic DIY job that you can tackle yourself too.

However, the chunky stand-out feature may soon be moved along by the return of more elegant French or pocket doors that slide directly inside the adjacent wall.

Feature fixtures

Whether it's brushed gold, matt black or reflective brass, feature fixtures are the go-to accessory in trendy kitchens and bathrooms right now. But they are easy to replace, and it won't be long before new finishes and new technology (think boiling water taps) take over.

Plus, the chic extras may look the part but they are not always practical – ask anyone who's installed a matt black tap in a hard water area!

Macramé

Macramé as an art form is both practical and pretty. However, it could be time to untie the knots from all those omnipresent hanging chairs, planters and wall decorations.

The trend may 'hang around' for a bit longer in gardens, but indoors the bohemian textile looks like it's being replaced with classic and colourful embroidery and cross-stitching, which is already making its way into big brand trend stories.

Pallet furniture

Wood pallets have long been upcycled into indoor and outdoor furniture, wall art and feature walls. But as they have become more mainstream and less refined, it could be time that the splintery deck boards may soon only be used for their original purpose: that is, delivering furniture, rather than being it.

Pallet furniture may always have a place in the garden but indoor pallet furniture alternatives could soon be heading to the bonfire.

Black kitchens

Dark kitchens have been having their moment for some time. But while their moody, atmospheric hues add drama and refinement, interior expert and Director of The Main Company, Alex Main, explains how dark schemes are being taken over: “From cabinet fronts to accent details, homeowners are steering towards a lighter, more refined look with wood."

And, it's not just pale wood that is proving popular in new kitchen trends. "People are seeking kitchens that offer a serene, almost spa-like atmosphere, achieved through a blend of textures, soft palettes, and minimalistic detail," adds designer and content creator, Reena Simon. So it seems the clean and fresh kitchen will eventually bleach the shady contenders out.

Wall murals

Decadent wall murals can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, and their striking imagery has dipped in and out of fashion ever since.

Feature wall murals have made a popular statement in homes for some time. But, now the single-wall statement is making way for the return of patterned wallpaper on all four walls, thanks to maximalist trends. Plus, innovative technology is enabling decorators to create incredible natural landscapes such as forests and exotic lands, creating a full and immersive room experience.

Lozenge shapes

Curves, arches, smooth edges: rounded shapes are very sought-after at present. Lozenge-shaped furniture can give a room a luxe vibe but it takes a certain style-hunter or adventurous decorator to cross the line and invest in a stand-out, pill-shaped sofa over the classic angled choice. 

For this reason, we feel curvaceous couches, cloud-shaped coffee tables and blob-shaped rugs will fall out of favour soon.

Boucle fabric

The fuzzy fabric, often seen in creamy tones, is the perfect accompaniment to the warm and cosy neutral schemes of now. But, like most striking tactile upholstery, the look doesn't always last. Plus, it's not practical. Boucle may look luxurious but it is not a practical choice if you have children or allow pets on your furniture.

Remember chenille? In a few years, boucle might make you shudder in the same way as that now-unloved material.

Gallery walls

Let's face it, art will never go out of fashion. But how you display it might lose its appeal. Gallery walls have filled blank spaces with limitless designs for what feels like a lifetime, and multiple prints can look cluttered.

Busy gallery walls are being replaced with extra-large framed canvas statements. We predict these more striking zen-like arrangements will soon be the norm.

Colour drenching

Colour drenching means painting almost every element of a room the same hue. Walls, skirting boards, coving, furniture and even ceilings are steeped in the same tone to create a seamless flow. Soft furnishings such as seating, cushions and table lamps are often colour-matched to complete the bold scheme.

Right now colour drenching is fairly new and in vogue. However, striking looks can quickly become mainstream, and like any fast fashion trend could become obsolete sooner rather than later.

Chevrons

Chevron patterns have been popular for a while. But the design is so sharp and busy it is easy to see how you may quickly tire of it.

Overarching trends in interior design have been leaning towards softer curves and now simple tailored stripes are moving in, so we don't think it will be long before zig-zags go in the bin bag.

Open-plan living

Lofty, open-plan living was once super cool but, following the pandemic, some of us have learned the hard way that lots of people living in one space can take its toll.

As we search for the need to preserve solitude for separate activities, we are seeing a surge in room dividers to create pockets of privacy and 'broken plan living' has become an interior design buzz phrase we hear a lot.

Ornamental wording

Word-up! Be it three-dimensional or framed, typographical art is nothing new – and its time is almost up. Personalised or handcrafted work could survive on its unique charm, but signs reading 'Home Sweet Home', 'Live, Laugh, Love' or 'Family' are very much over.

Some now argue that generic signs placed around your rooms look tacky. So perhaps instead chose something more individual to you.

Berber-style rugs

While the deep-pile texture and global print of Berber rugs are super-fashionable right now, how long before its mainstream appeal leads to its downfall?

What's more the chunky pile may look and feel lush and cosy, but those long and close-knit fibres can attract and house a lot of dust and dirt that's harder to remove than regular rugs.