Don’t set yourself up for home-hate by decorating on a whim.
Trends pass. (That’s why they are called trends.)
There is much to be said for home décor trends. They are fun to follow, exciting to DIY and can help you update an otherwise bland space.
Pretty glass containers on open shelves are actually sensible, big open windows and screed floors create space and calm, and smart lighting and home tech can actually improve your quality of life…So these trends get our thumbs up.
BUT, (and this is a BIG but), not all trends deserve to be followed. In fact, some of them are rather silly and wasteful or impractical.
Here is our top eight Décor trends that will date your home.
1. Intricate patterned tile bathrooms and backsplashes.
There is no denying that these styles are aesthetically beautiful, but you should remember that not only are these tiles more expensive, but they are also more likely to be “seasonal” and get discontinued. This means replacing damaged tiles will likely be impossible. Think twice before committing to a patterned tile. Stick to solid colours in neutral tones and put your own stamp on your space with loose décor and art.
2. Cheap imitation wooden laminate or vinyl floors.
You’re not fooling anyone. These floors are fine for commercial spaces (think dentists office and nail salons) but choose a different flooring solution for your living space. (Also remember that vinyl floors will end up making that clicky noise as you walk, just like your granny’s kitchen in the 80’s) If you are going for the wood look, find something with a real wooden top layer and have it expertly installed and sealed. This can still be affordable but won’t give you the plasticky look of the cheap options.
3. Blandly neutral colour schemes and furnishings.
We don’t call ourselves the rainbow nation for no reason. As pretty as those beige and white influencer homes with the clean, minimalist Scandinavian interiors seem, they are losing some of their magic. We love a good neutral earthy tone and totally accept the practicality of natural wood, stone and leather furnishings, but don’t go all grey or all white. Remember to add pops of colour to show some individuality. Whether it’s an accent wall or statement art, just add some life into your greige ice palace and feel the mood lift. You don’t have to go full on fever dream, but at least let your home look lived in.
4. Coloured metal bathroom and kitchen fittings. (particularly rose gold or black)
Rose gold was all the rage in the 2010. From jewellery, to electronics, home trinkets and cutlery – we saw it everywhere. This trend has already somewhat subsided and been replaced by the matt-black tap trend. Everywhere you look there is a high-tech bathroom or kitchen with these dark, impractical fittings. Just like rose gold is a clear indication of last decade, black fittings are quickly becoming a hall mark of pre pandemic home renos. We like the classics when it comes to plumbing, so stick to brushed steel or brass and your space will stand the test of time.
5. Full sets of fast furniture
Whether it’s the corner unit, the ottoman, and the love seat all from the same chain store, or the imitation wood side and coffee tables that match with the entertainment stand… “decorated” rooms will always be datable. Rather “collect” some variety, switch up your furniture and don’t fall into the matchy-matchy fast furniture trap.
6. Impractical coloured surfaces
Don’t paint a dining room table unless you know what you are doing and be careful with the colours you choose for kitchen and bathroom counters. Scuffed and obviously DIY paint jobs won’t just date, but also cheapen your home’s overall feel. In addition to this, dark, mirror top kitchen and bathroom counters can be a nightmare to keep clean and streak free. Every single spill or fingerprint will stand out and leave you reaching for yet another roll of kitchen paper.
7. Minimalist “smart” closure drawers and cabinets.
You know what we are talking about – those handle less cabinets and drawers open at a push and that slowly slide themselves closed. So modern, so chic …so fallible. Unless you are a carpenter or live with one, avoid these at all costs. They are amazingly beautiful while they work, but the moment the mechanism inevitably breaks, they are a pain to get open. There are many other sleek options that still have a small handles or finger slots that allow you to open them the old-fashioned way.
8. Over designed light fixtures
The intricate geometric black metal cage light shade, or exposed Eddison bulb on a cable, are the frosted glass dome lights of the 90’s and the yellow glass and brass tulip sconces of the 80’s. Some shapes and styles simply date more than others. Try a more neutral vibe and stick to natural materials and minimalist designs to keep your lights shining bright for the decades to come.
If you have infinite resources and a sense of adventure, by all means, get yourself an all-black kitchen with automated drawers and rose gold fittings. You do you!
If you want to know more about what to avoid, read on!
