Are you prepared to get uncomfortable? Interior designers have seen it all this year, from questionable colour schemes to bizarre furniture choices. As we bid farewell to this year, it’s time to take a look back at the worst trends that made even the most seasoned professionals shake their heads in disbelief.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the insights and experiences of interior designers who witnessed these design disasters firsthand. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through some truly jaw-dropping trends that will make you appreciate good design even more. So buckle up and prepare yourself for a dose of eye-opening revelations as we explore the worst trends interior designers saw this year!
Fluting What is the trend?
A trend that came back to hunt us from ancient times. You’ve seen these columns in classic Greek architecture with grooves from top to bottom? These are flutes, and people brought them into their homes. You can see them now on coffee tables, backsplashes, dining tables, and kitchen islands, you name it. Fluting is an ancient architectural decoration, and it should have stayed ancient. Fun fact, contrary to popular belief, they’re not an invention of the Greeks, but of the Mycenaeans or the Egyptians. It’s a way to add texture to a minimalist decor if it’s done with taste. Let’s see how a beautiful feature can turn tacky.
What about it makes it one of the worst ones interior designers have seen this year?
Fluting is a trend that’s overdone. Whatever it’s applied to, it makes the object or furniture piece impractical and very difficult to clean because there are so many different grooves on it. Most people don’t really enjoy cleaning, so why should we make it difficult? Besides that, the design is super busy and adds so much texture and visual interest that anything else that’s going on in the same space makes it overwhelming. Right now, it’s heavily related to Bohemian and modern organic interior design, so if those aren’t your design styles, there’s no point in buying into the fluting trend.
Sputnik Chandeliers What is the trend?
Chandeliers generally are a wonderful way to add drama to a room. An extravagant and quite unusual example of that is the Sputnik chandelier, inspired by the first satellite to orbit the Earth. This light fixture became a recognisable part of the “Atomic Age” of the 40s and 60s. Some actually say it resembles more an atomic explosion as the pendants on it have multiple arms that each contain a bulb to provide bright illumination. So, what could be wrong with them?
What about it makes it one of the worst ones interior designers have seen this year?
The Sputnik chandelier trend has been around for quite a while, and it’s completely overdone (as is the faith of all trends). Right now, it’s highly associated with glam interior design in mid-century modern, and it was also really popular in contemporary and modern designs. However, it’s a trend that’s going out.
The way these chandeliers are made, they end up using really gaudy gold for the brass and gold finishes, which can be very off-putting when it inevitably changes colour. Besides that, the Sputnik chandelier has to be dusted more than any other type of chandelier. If you don’t have the time to do it regularly, it makes your light look dusty, and nobody likes that since its glamour is in the bright design. Right? All in all, it takes away from the allure of the entire chandelier, and it’s too much effort to maintain. That’s why designers are just voting it off.
Grand Floor Mirrors What is the trend?
Grand floor mirrors are a trend that allows you to comfortably see yourself at full length, and they make your space feel larger than it is. They can be used for practical purposes and, add to the decor and contribute to the flow of your space. When used right, they are a great way to redistribute natural and artificial light in a poorly lit space.
What about it makes it one of the worst ones interior designers have seen this year?
Grand mirrors are so big that they have to be the statement piece of a room. It just doesn’t look good to have such a big mirror next to something of the same size. Besides that, when your statement piece is a mirror, it can reflect everything – stuff you left on the floor, on the windowsill and bad paint jobs.
From every single perspective in your house, you can see the mess. The piece of furniture pressures you to clean up when you may not feel like it. They’re really lovely, but if your house is unorganised, it amplifies it. While mirrors are great for reflecting light, the grand floor mirror isn’t the best way to achieve that. Smaller-scale mirrors can also do it – perhaps a round mirror over a console or a floor mirror in your bedroom or someplace more appropriate.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the interior designers we spoke to this year have shared some truly outdated trends that they hope will soon be left in the past. From overdone accents and generic styles to excessive use of impractical ideas, it’s clear that these design choices can detract from a home’s true potential.
If you were thinking to incorporate any of these ideas, maybe you’ll reconsider. Yet, everyone has their own taste and if you want to use handyman skills to mount a large mirror to your livingroom floor or get an eccentric chandelier, who’s going to stop you? Embrace your own unique style and create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. Remember, trends may come and go, but timeless design will always stand the test of time. So, as you embark on your next interior design project or makeover, take inspiration from these cautionary tales while staying true to yourself.
Let your creativity shine through and create a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and inviting for years to come. After all, when it comes to designing our living spaces, it’s important to remember that our homes are an extension of ourselves – let them tell our stories with elegance and charm!
