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However, the key to curating a home that resonates with elegance and sophistication lies in understanding which trends are losing their luster. Let’s explore the styles that have quietly exited, empowering you to make informed choices that elevate your living space.
Overly Precious Spaces
In a world where styled shoots dominate the pages of glossy magazines, it’s easy to feel the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect home. Yet, as Jessica Whitley, an esteemed interior designer from Athens, Georgia, reminds us, the essence of a home should prioritize functionality over facade. Families yearn for spaces that embrace the rhythms of daily life—rooms that can withstand the joyful chaos of children, pets, and gatherings, while still offering a sense of beauty. By choosing livable fabrics and durable finishes, one can effortlessly blend aesthetics and practicality into a harmonious design.
Opt for fabrics that are both luxurious and resilient, allowing your home to maintain its beauty while withstanding everyday use.
White Shiplap
Once a darling of coastal design, the ubiquitous white shiplap is witnessing a graceful exit. Heather Chadwick, a senior designer at O’Hara Interiors in Austin, Texas, notes that its usage has shifted towards more nuanced applications, such as wainscoting that harmonizes with chair rail heights, lending a fresh perspective to traditional finishes. While original shiplap retains its classic charm, the trend is evolving towards more sophisticated interpretations.
Consider integrating shiplap in unexpected ways, such as accent walls or lower panels, to create a unique focal point in your space.
Black Fixtures
The trend of black fixtures, once a staple in modern kitchens and bathrooms, is showing signs of decline. Dusti Jones, an interior designer from San Antonio, Texas, observes that homeowners are gravitating towards warmer metal finishes like copper, gold, and polished nickel, moving away from the starkness of black. This shift indicates a desire for more character and warmth in design, allowing spaces to feel both inviting and refined.
Mix metal finishes to create a layered, sophisticated look; consider pairing warm hues with cooler tones for a balanced aesthetic.
Open Shelving
While open shelving has captivated many with its aesthetic appeal, it is increasingly being recognized as impractical for daily living. Esther Ellard, founder of Effortless Designs in Georgia, suggests that the lack of concealed storage can lead to clutter, undermining the serene atmosphere one seeks to achieve. As a result, designers are embracing a more curated approach that balances style with functionality, allowing for a refined, organized space.
Incorporate cabinets with glass fronts or decorative doors to strike a balance between open and concealed storage, maintaining both beauty and organization.
Kitchens Without Function
A beautiful kitchen is a dream for many, but the trend of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality is being reconsidered. Jessica Whitley emphasizes that kitchens should facilitate family life, allowing for seamless interaction and togetherness. Spaces need to be thoughtfully designed to accommodate the natural flow of activities, ensuring that chaos does not overshadow the joy of cooking and gathering.
Design your kitchen with distinct zones for cooking, homework, and socializing, ensuring each area supports the activities that bring your family together.
Wet Rooms
The once-trendy wet room, characterized by a curbless shower and separate tub, is losing its allure, particularly due to the high costs associated with its installation. Dusti Jones points out that while they offer a luxurious spa-like experience, their practicality and expense have led many to reconsider their viability. However, in certain layouts or for aging in place, they can still hold significant value.
If considering a wet room, prioritize functionality and ensure the layout accommodates both current and future needs for accessibility.
Homogeneous Design
The trend of creating spaces centered around a singular theme is fading. Esther Ellard has observed a shift towards more eclectic designs that reflect the diverse lifestyles of homeowners. Blending various styles and themes not only creates visually stimulating environments but also allows for personal expression, moving away from the rigidity of matching furniture sets.
Embrace a mix of heirlooms, antiques, and modern pieces to create a space that feels both personal and timeless.
Bouclé
While bouclé fabric once reigned supreme in the realm of texture, its popularity is waning. Dusti Jones notes that clients are now gravitating towards textiles that boast intricate patterns and delightful embellishments such as trims and tassels. This evolution reflects a desire for unique, character-driven fabrics that elevate the aesthetic of any space.
Opt for textiles that incorporate both texture and pattern to add depth and interest to your furnishings.
Single Finishes
The trend of restricting metal finishes to a single choice in kitchens and bathrooms is becoming a thing of the past. Today, designers are reveling in the creativity of combining different metal finishes to create spaces that feel bespoke and elevated. Careful planning can lead to stunning results, where unlacquered brass meets polished nickel, bringing a fresh take to traditional design.
Experiment with various metal finishes in your design, but ensure they complement each other to maintain a cohesive and sophisticated look.
