Some home trends last for years, while others barely make it through a season—and figuring out which is which can feel like a guessing game.
To help you avoid investing time and money in decor that’s already on the decline, we asked designers to share the looks they’re ready to retire and the fresh ideas they’re embracing instead.
All-White Kitchens
“We’ve turned a corner—color is back,” says Wells. More and more, she’s seeing homeowners embrace personality in their kitchens. While the all-white look was once all the rage, Brophy notes that it can feel flat and sterile. Her clients now crave more character in their kitchens. Paint isn’t the only way to zhuzh up your space: “natural stone with movement, mixed wood tones, and thoughtful color that creates a sense of warmth” are beautiful ways to add depth and texture to your kitchen.
Matchy-Matchy Design
The days of buying a full matching set of furniture and calling it a day may be behind us. “Highly coordinated sets feel dated,” says Brophy. Instead, she sees clients leaning toward a more collected, organic style by "mixing textures, finishes, and eras to create spaces that feel unique and personal.” Moving away from overly matched pieces makes your home feel less like a catalog and more like you. Moriarty agrees, noting that “curated maximalism” is edging out the old beige-on-beige look. “By 2026, I think we’ll see much more color and pattern step into the forefront,” she adds.
Open Shelving
“Still beautiful, but not always practical,” says Moriarty. Open shelves tend to collect dust quickly, and too many small objects can make your space feel cluttered. Instead, she’s noticing homeowners gravitate toward smarter storage—think vintage cabinets or statement armories. Henry agrees and prefers furniture pieces over entire walls of built-ins. “Nowadays, the wall of built-ins is looking very suburban and basic—and usually they all look the same with no finesse. Going back to furniture feels much more chic,” she assures.
Maximally Minimalist Interiors
While the super-modern, pared-back look had its moment, it’s starting to feel stark and impersonal, says Brophy. More homeowners now want “warmer, more livable” environments—spaces that are as comfortable as they are stylish. Henry points to one design choice she wishes people would skip: painting the ceiling the same color as the walls. “I think the urge stems from something that I share, which is a general abhorrence of white sheetrock, but you can always paint the ceiling a different color—or wallpaper it!” Moriarty agrees that minimalism is giving way to something richer: Rather than monochromatic interiors, "people want homes that feel layered, soulful, and personal.”
Read more at Real Simple
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