Design Trends to Avoid: Enhancing Your Home Without Going Overboard

Homeowners frequently seek to elevate their living spaces through trendy updates or replacements of outdated elements. While these upgrades are intended to enhance beauty, some design choices can detract from a home’s overall appeal. Here’s a closer look at design trends to avoid, guided by insights from industry experts.

Millwork: When Too Much is Just Too Much

Millwork involves decorative elements such as molding, paneling, and trim designed to enhance a room’s visual appeal. While these features can add a touch of elegance, there are instances when they can feel gaudy.

Common Mistakes: According to Jonathan Gordon, lead designer at Design by the Jonathans, pitfalls include ceiling coffers that don’t connect to walls, overly prominent chair rails in spaces devoid of movable chairs, and wall paneling that’s proportionally too low. “These features were originally practical solutions to structural or functional issues,” Gordon explains. “If they look authentic, they work. If not, they risk appearing tacky.”

A Word of Caution: If you’re considering millwork for your space, Gordon advises consulting a designer to ensure authenticity and to avoid common pitfalls.

Overdone Accent Walls

The single contrast-color accent wall, often seen in design shows, is under scrutiny among many designers. Juliana Ewer, founder of J Squared Home Designs, finds this style overdone. “Design TV shows popularize a look that quickly becomes associated with good design. However, mass production can lead to dated appearances,” she says.

Timeless Alternatives

Instead, Ewer suggests a more timeless approach: use wainscoting along the lower portions of walls throughout the room, enhancing the space without getting swept away by fleeting trends.

The All-White Kitchen and Bath Trend

All-white kitchens and baths have long been considered the safest choice for homeowners looking to upgrade. While this trend remains prevalent due to its universal appeal, experts caution that it might lack character.

Injecting Interest: Ewer asserts that while all-white works, it’s beneficial to infuse warmth and contrast into these spaces. Consider adding color, natural wood accents, or varying textures to create visual interest. “These elements help break away from the generic, making a space feel more inviting,” she emphasizes.

Avoiding Architectural Overkill with Arches

Arches can add elegance to homes, especially when aligned with the architectural style. Tracy Kurc, founder of Tracy Kurc Interiors, points out, “While arches can be timeless, retrofitting them into every doorway can lead to overdesign.” The key is restraint, as excessive trends can detract from luxury and create an overworked ambiance.

Giant Entryway Chandeliers: The Balance of Scale

A dramatic chandelier can set an impressive tone in an entryway. However, it must be the right fit for the space. Gordon advises that fixtures should complement the home’s style and era; otherwise, they risk feeling out of place.

Choosing Wisely

“Even the right-sized fixture can look cheap if not well-made,” he notes. If a homeowner is not willing to invest in quality, it may be better to forgo the statement piece altogether.

The Color of the Year: A Trend to Sidestep

Color of the year announcements from paint brands can create pressure to keep up with shifting trends. Ewer warns against this practice, stating that while certain colors may be popular today, they can quickly become outdated.

A More Timeless Approach

Instead, Ewer advocates for selecting a color you truly love and enveloping the room in it. This notion of “color drenching” has historical roots in many homes, combining beauty and personal preference into a timeless design choice.

Choosing Trends Wisely

Design is an evolving art form, and while trends come and go, it’s essential to make informed decisions that enhance rather than detract from your home’s value and appeal. By considering the insights of experienced designers and focusing on authenticity and personal taste, you can create a living space that remains timeless and enjoyable for years to come.