8 Living Room Trends You’ll Regret in 5 Years, According to Designers

Ever wonder which design trends pros expect to see disappear in just a matter of a few years? I know I do. It’s important to think about longevity when designing a space (many people can’t redo their entire homes every year — let alone every decade!), so I’m always curious to hear what the pros anticipate will fade away in the near future.

Below, designers share eight living room trends that they don’t foresee having major staying power. If something you love is on this list, don’t worry! But I’m going to try to steer clear of anything too trendy. And the good news? Some of these items and ideas can be incorporated successfully in small doses, and the designers gave me their free interior design advice on that, too!

Open Floor Plans

While super popular pre-COVID, open floor plans have recently started to lose a little bit of their luster — especially in homes where privacy is needed for working from home. “Traditional layouts with distinct rooms are making a comeback,” says designer Lisa Furtado, the founder of Lisa Furtado Interiors.

“The open concept living room trend is fading, as more homeowners seek privacy, quiet, and more intimate entertaining spaces.” The upshot here? If you’re looking to renovate, maybe just think twice before knocking down all of your walls to make sure it’s what you really want.

Impersonal Artwork

Don’t rush to purchase artwork until you find a piece that really speaks to you, says designer Liz Goldberg, the founder and creative director of CAROLYNLEONA. “Artwork is so important for finishing a living room, and it’s best to take your time to find pieces that speak to you while reflecting your family and lifestyle,” she says.

Skip the trendy pieces featuring current phrases and motifs, and practice patience instead. “Waiting for artwork with the proper scale for your room and a thoughtfully selected frame makes a space feel much more custom,” Goldberg adds. “Better to get it right than rush it and regret it later.”

Overly Themed Rooms

The living room isn’t a place to go all-in on a very specific theme, says designer Melissa Fields. So it’s best to skip, for example, overly nautical or very rustic farmhouse spaces. “It can get dated and boring real quick,” says the founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio. “Aim to create a classic vibe for your space that will be timeless no matter what is trending or not.” Weaving in personal pieces will help ensure your living space reflects you and your interests and not just the latest fads.

Large Shearling Pieces

Shearling is another type of upholstery that might not be as relevant in a few years, according to designer Jess Harrell, the founder of The Styled Domicile. “That fuzzy armchair you just had to have in 2024 might feel more like a giant teddy bear that won’t stop judging you,” she says. “Shearling’s fun, but it’s not exactly what you’d call timeless.”

Again, Harrell recommends embracing the trend in small doses instead — a faux shearling throw pillow or blanket is just fine and less of an investment you might regret down the road.

Reeded, Fluted, or Tamboured Everything

These textured materials are having a major moment right now, but according to designer Rebecca Ward, their decorative staying power is uncertain. “You may find yourself wanting less texture in your living room [one day],” says Ward. 

Much like trendy upholstery, you can’t go wrong with incorporating a fluted piece or two into your design scheme — just don’t go overboard with all fluted everything for your living room. Think in terms of more replaceable items as well. Maybe skip the fluted marble mantel, which would require a pro to redo if you tire of it, and opt for a coffee table you can easily switch out down the line, Ward suggests.

Gold Finishes Only

Gold itself is a classic, Ward notes. “However, using only gold finishes throughout your space will eventually date it,” she says. “Mixing metal finishes is a better approach for a more curated and timeless look.” A collected look is always more interesting than something matchy-matchy, so introduce a chrome, silver, or matte black accent into your space, and you’ll be, well, golden.

White-Washed Finishes

Going with natural white oak floors, furniture, doors, and more will date your living room, according to Ward, because it’s a super-specific finish that, while hot right now, might not be hot tomorrow. “Instead, opt for a mix of light and dark woods in both cooler and warmer tones to create a more dynamic and lasting design,” she says.

Corduroy Upholstery

Sure, corduroy is cozy — especially during the chillier months. But it might not be the wisest choice when it comes to your living room sofa material. “All I can think about are all of the crumbs that will get caught in the grooves,” says designer Isabella Patrick. 

If you can’t resist incorporating this material, try it on a smaller scale — a corduroy pillow, ottoman, footstool, or upholstered seat cushion is fair game, the designer adds. But if the fabric is what your dream sofa is made of, just make sure to have a cordless vacuum on hand to help keep it looking its best!

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture