Amid the whirlwind of social media and fleeting microtrends, the interior design trend cycle appears to be speeding up at an unprecedented pace. One day, you’re cherishing that word art sign, sharing laughter and affection for it, and the next, it’s destined for the recycling bin. While certain elements may endure through time, current trends can become passé in the twinkling of an eye. This can be quite frustrating, particularly when the sofa you invested in starts to look dated just a year down the line.
So, what’s the strategy? Stay a step ahead. Here are six furniture trends that interior designers are beginning to find tiresome.
For the past five years or so, certain designer sofas that have been staples for years have surged back into popularity—perhaps a touch excessively.
Liad Schwartz from Interiors with Liad observes that many of these items are beginning to lose their allure. “I’m ready to bid farewell to designer sofas that have been at the forefront of trends for a while, like the Togo or Bellini. They are classic pieces, but their relentless presence has made them seem a bit too familiar.”
Designer Joe Waroquier echoes this sentiment. He believes that investing in those sofas that are ubiquitous on Instagram and TikTok may not be the wisest decision in a few years. “I’ve grown weary of furniture that emphasizes trend over timelessness—items designed to make a statement in the moment but lacking the quality, comfort, or character to last,” Waroquier notes. “For instance, ultra-minimalist, ‘one-note’ designs or mass-produced knock-offs often seem more disposable than substantial.”
So, if you have your heart set on one of these sofas, go ahead and purchase it, but be aware that its appeal might fade quicker than you anticipate.
Bouclé has become a ubiquitous fabric choice, from sofas to accent and dining chairs. Once a sophisticated addition, an excess of bouclé can make it seem as if a sheep has escaped. “It’s been overused in recent years, particularly in white,” Schwartz says. “While it’s a beautiful material that adds texture and warmth to a space, it’s been applied to nearly everything, and it feels like it’s everywhere we turn.”
Yet, if you remain a fan of bouclé, it doesn’t mean you should avoid it altogether. Perhaps opting for tan pillows over a full white sofa would be a better choice.
One of the most prominent interior design trends of the past two to three years has been scalloped edges, whether on bookshelves or baby cribs. While they can add a playful touch, designers are less excited about this look than they used to be. Martina Biegel of Galerie Design + Build notes, “Once playful and fresh, scalloped edges have become a quick fix for adding personality to furniture. Now, they’ve been overused in everything from headboards to mirrors, and we prefer cleaner lines and more enduring silhouettes.”
Designer Alexandra Azat of Plaster and Patina suggests that scalloped edges can still be stylish in moderation. “I love it as an accent, but I’ve noticed it’s been overused as the main focal point in a room, which is a mistake because you’ll want to change it out in a few years.”
Evan Krenzien of Shane & Pierce acknowledges that designers can grow weary of seeing the same pedigreed antiques or vintage items repeatedly. “We’re not saying these pieces aren’t beautiful or renowned for a reason; they should be mixed into a collection with balance. But if someone has the budget for a set of 10 original Jeanneret dining chairs, they have plenty of other options to consider.”
The right mix and balance of high and low-end items are essential. Just because something is expensive doesn’t guarantee it’s unique these days. “When we suggest a luxury item to clients, we want them to love the piece, not just because they’ve seen it before.”
Travertine has been a popular material for several years, but interior designer Francesca Grace points out that there’s a shift towards richer textures and unexpected combinations to keep spaces feeling fresh and personalized.
The era of open shelving is winding down, as it has become impractical for many, according to Kimberly Oxford of Kimberly Oxford Interiors. “After over two decades in design, I’ve seen trends come and go, and open shelving in kitchens has reached its peak,” she explains. “While it may look great in photos, it requires constant styling and often feels disconnected from how families actually live.”
Instead of focusing solely on style, clients are seeking more practical designs. “The next phase of kitchen design is about finding balance: cabinetry that supports daily functions, paired with intentional display moments that feel collected over time. Clients no longer want to stage their lives for a photo; they want kitchens that are both beautiful and enduring.”
