Home trends and their longevity aren't easy to predict, but the trend cycle follows a clear pattern. It goes a little something like this: Tastemakers introduce a trend, savvy designers are early adopters that kick off the rise, and the rest of society catches on when it reaches peak popularity.
But then comes the decline. The beginning of the end for a "trendy" piece of home decor usually occurs when you start to see it flood the shelves of big-box stores. So by the time these trends become widely accessible, they're often already falling out of favor with tastemakers and early adopters.
We tapped a handful of designers to find out which trendy home decor items they're most tired of seeing, and they didn't hold back. Here's what they suggest buying with caution if you're going for a timeless look.
White Bouclé Accent Furniture
This isn't great news for anyone who recently splurged on a bouclé investment piece, but this upholstery treatment seems to be falling out of favor with designers. New Jersey–based designer Jennifer Pacca isn't fully anti-bouclé, so this doesn't mean you necessarily need to reupholster your accent chair or ottoman.
"I am retiring white bouclé on everything," she says. "I may use it sparingly on a piece here and there, but there was a time when designers were putting it on every single piece of furniture. I much prefer a mixed variety of textures."
Oversized White Lanterns
Some design trends arise because they solve a common problem. Such is the case with oversized white lanterns. These budget-friendly light fixtures make a statement and fill empty visual space in rooms with expansive ceilings. But New York City designer Kati Curtis says this light fixture feels far from original these days.
"They are seen everywhere and still somehow manage to grace the cover of major magazines," she says. "I'm baffled how such a shortcut move could still be considered great design worthy of upscale homes."
If you're looking for an expensive light fixture for a room with tall ceilings, she suggests hunting for a vintage Murano or crystal chandelier. "Either will give your space character, provenance, and interest that you won't see anywhere else."
Faux Olive Trees
Plants are great for adding some life to a dull corner. But if that dull corner also happens to be dark, a real plant isn't likely to thrive there. Fake plants have been the most common and trendy solution to this conundrum lately.
Brittny Button is an Los Angeles–based designer and founder of Button Atelier, and she believes there's something that needs to be said about fake plants in general, but mainly faux olive trees.
"They’re not fooling anyone," she says. "Using faux plants really cheapens the space."
Scalloped Decor
Designer Kristi Patterson of Grace Hill Design recently returned from High Point Market, where she noticed one common silhouette dominating the showrooms: scallops. While this means scallops are definitely still on-trend, she believes it's a good sign they've reached peak popularity and will soon be on their way out.
"Although I love a beautiful scallop, we saw them on far too many items from furniture, cabinetry, lamp shades, mirrors, trays, and frames to name a few," she says. "I could see consumers leaning too into this trend and saturating a room with several scalloped items, which could become themey."
While we're on the topic of round edges, wavy-shaped mirrors (aka squiggle mirrors) are one particular trend that designers say they are glad to see on its way out. These accent pieces were most popular among the millennial crowd, so owning one can definitely give away your age.
"Although it looks fun, the wave-framed edge will be dated and tired in feeling," Button says. "Opt for an organic curve shape instead."
Rattan Furniture and Accessories
Rattan is a classic material that's fallen prey to the trend cycle. But according to Patterson, the difference between rattan reading as timeless or trendy depends on how much of it you add to a space.
"Rattan is being featured in everything from furniture to vanities, home accessories, lighting, and mirrors," she says. "While it adds warmth and texture, keeping this material to a minimum in a room is the best way to add it."
Fluted Everything
According to Curtis, once your eyes become open to the fluted home decor trend, you can't unsee it. It will follow you everywhere, and you'll see it in all forms: Fluted stone, fluted wood, fluted glass, fluted vanities, and fluted islands (you get the picture).
"We've fluted the world, and soon it's going to look really, really dated," she says. "I love the texture fluting gives, but sadly, it's become so overused it's over. Try inverting the flute, or use slatting. Or just smooth it out."
