8 Furniture Trends That Make Designers CRINGE
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Like any expression of style or aesthetic sensibility, interior design trends come and go. Right now we're in the grips of Gen Z's obsession with putting bows on everything; next year it will be something else. The trouble is that some of these trends don't go as fast as they came.
We all have some skeletons in our wardrobe that remind us of the clothing fads we never should have indulged in—and if you are an interior design professional, and you've been at it long enough, some of those skeletons are bound to show up in your living room too. So we asked six brave designers to tell us the design trends they look back on with regret. They stepped up and revealed what makes them cringe—along with the styles and pieces that are so timeless, they never go out of style.
Furniture Trends Designer Regret Taking Part In
Head to Toe Midcentury Modern
Before you get miffed that midcentury modern furniture is on this list of regrets, just know that the two designers who said this both recognize that the MCM aesthetic has its place—as long as there are other elements mixed in. "About a decade ago, the resurgence of MCM design was everywhere, and for our generation, it felt somewhat nostalgic as we grew up with our grandparents' homes being MCM time capsules," Mark Schubert of Phillip Harrison Interiors says. However, the design market was oversaturated by the look. Vintage pieces were everywhere and then the aesthetic turned up in new collections by high-end and fast-furniture companies alike.
Designer Allison Handler agrees. "As my style and aesthetic has evolved, I really cringe at going all in on this style/trend a few years back." However, she says that she'd still include midcentury modern pieces as long as she was able to mix in other design styles and transitional pieces, like warmer fabrics and textures, to soften the lines.
Chevron-Patterned Upholstery
Anyone alive and coherent in the 2000s likely had a very close relationship with the chevron trend. Designer Amy Elbaum of AE Design sure remembers it. "Looking back on the trend, I completely regret the style because chevron is such a bold pattern and usually includes high-contrast colors that make this type of fabric tire very quickly over time due to its intensity," she explains. She also points out that chevron fabric doesn't easily transition into other design styles because it's such a modern and dominant pattern.
Ikat Fabric
Mikel Welch says that a trend he "dove into with full enthusiasm was Ikat fabric." No vintage piece he found was safe from reupholstery in this bold, intricate fabric. "Today, I can’t help but cringe when I see photos of that phase—those loud, busy designs don’t resonate with me anymore," he adds. With his more minimalist approach today, the Ikat material simply feels too chaotic and less sophisticated than his preferred aesthetic now.
Buddha-inspired Furniture
Welch adds that another trend he got swept up in early in his design career was Buddha-inspired furniture, including a red Buddha chair he used in a model home project. "Back then, I thought it was a cool, artistic statement, but I didn’t fully understand the cultural weight behind it," he explains. "Reflecting on it now, I realize how shallow that choice was, and I can’t help but laugh at how misguided it was." Welch parting ways with that project, which he recognizes was probably for the best. "It was a design choice that lacked depth and respect, and I’ve learned so much from that experience."
Cheap Chrome Pieces
Designer Ali Budd looks back with regret on the phase in which she used low-quality chrome pieces in clients' homes. Rather than the general price of the items though, what bothers her the most now is the fact that they were typically knock-off versions of iconic furniture. "It’s not about trends—it’s about integrity," she says.
Over-the-Top Glam Furniture
Excessively glam furniture pieces have fallen out of favor with designer Kristy Turner of Melanie Turner Interiors. "It used to be the go-to for adding instant luxury, but now it feels a bit dated and heavy-handed," she says. The over-the-top shine and ornamentation isn't in style anymore—people are generally turning to more understated elegance instead, with sleek lines, natural materials, and a timeless vibe.
Jewel-Toned Velvet Sofas
It may be a bit controversial, but designer Alicia Held-Morris of Morris Lare Interior Design says that these once-beloved couches have not stood the test of time. "We love a good jewel-tone moment in the right interior, but not all velvets are created equal," she explains. "Some velvets, particularly cotton, crush easily, show wear rapidly, and don’t hide any stains." Those issues combined with a rich tone shows every little bit of wear and tear.
Button-Tufted Chesterfield Seats
While Held-Morris agrees that the Chesterfield sofa is beautiful and classic, the button-tufted versions are frankly a mess. "The button areas can get snagged easily, catch every little bit of dirt and dust, and aren’t that comfortable to sit on," she says. Rather than the button-tufted backs, she suggests a cushion instead, or putting a button-tufted version in a place that doesn't get a lot of traffic, like an entry hall or at the foot of a bed.
And now for the pieces that will never go out of style:
Natural Materials
Mikel Welch calls out slipcovered sofas in natural fabrics, like linen, for their timelessness. "These pieces not only age well, but also add a sense of comfort and effortless elegance to any room," he says.
Weathered Wood
Wooden furniture with a natural patina are also on Welch's list of pieces that'll always be in style. As the wood ages, the furniture gains more character and charm, "making them just as relevant today as they were years ago," he adds.
Neutral Hues
Looking at the color wheel, Amy Elbaum explains that neutral tones and fabrics remain in style more consistently than other more saturated hues. "Having these kinds of pieces means you can evolve your aesthetic over time by changing out accessories, rugs, pillows, and art," she says. Neutral fabrics and color schemes can stand the tests of time better than brighter pieces.
Quality antiques
"There's something timeless about the craftsmanship and character they bring to a space," says Kristy Turner. From weathered wood to an authentic design, the history and charm of a vintage piece blend effortlessly with many types of contemporary decor.
Hans Wegner Dining Chairs
"These midcentury chairs are timeless not only for their beauty, but for their comfort," says Alicia Held-Morris. Hans Wegner's designs are simple yet sculptural wooden forms that are "engineering marvels," she says. They're practical, stylish, and comfortable—is there anything more timeless than that?
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