The Design Trends We Still Use (And Why)

Every year, a new list appears telling us what’s in and what’s out. And every year, we see at least a few items on those lists that make us scratch our heads. Because truthfully, most trends don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because they’re overused, poorly executed, or applied in the wrong room.

We see this all the time with our clients. Someone reads that a particular trend is out, and suddenly they’re ready to write it off completely. The problem is that design isn’t that black-and-white. Plenty of so-called outdated trends still work beautifully when they’re used thoughtfully. Here are some we still swear by and how to use them in your home:

Is Chevron Really Out?

According to the internet, yes. According to us, not even close. Chevron became a victim of its own popularity. It showed up everywhere for a while, which led people to declare it over.

But patterns don’t suddenly stop working because they’re no longer trending. We still recommend chevron when it fits the room. Used in moderation, it adds structure, movement, and visual interest without overwhelming a space. The issue was never chevron itself. It was using too much of it.

Are Jewel-Toned Sofas a Thing of the Past?

Definitely not. In fact, we still recommend colorful sofas to clients when the room calls for one, although not every living room needs a navy, emerald, or rust-colored sofa.

But when the architecture, lighting, and surrounding furnishings support it, a colorful sofa can become the best thing in the room. While we don’t use them everywhere, we also don’t believe every sofa should disappear into the background. Sometimes the room needs a little personality.

Why We Still Love Ikat

Ikat is another pattern that periodically gets declared over. And every time it happens, we keep using it. The reason is simple: it doesn’t feel trendy. It feels organic.

Unlike many highly geometric or overly stylized patterns, ikat has movement and softness. It layers beautifully with solids, works across multiple design styles, and doesn’t feel tied to a specific moment in time.

When our clients want pattern without something overly formal, ikat is still one of our favorite options.

Is Mid-Century Modern Furniture Overused?

Sometimes. Keep in mind, overused and outdated are not the same thing.

We still love mid-century modern furniture. What we don’t love is a room that looks like a museum dedicated to one design period.

A great walnut credenza? Absolutely. A classic lounge chair? Yes. An entire room where every piece looks like it came from the same 1962 catalog? That’s where things start to feel less interesting.

We recommend mixing styles instead. A few strong mid-century pieces often have more impact than a room filled exclusively with them.

Trends Come and Go. Good Design Sticks Around.

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that trend lists aren’t always a great guide for making decisions about your home. Some trends deserve to disappear. Others stick around because they continue to work.

The better question isn’t whether something is in or out. It’s whether it works in your space, with your style, and alongside the other pieces in your home.

And if you’re not sure which trends are worth keeping and which ones are worth skipping, our team can help. Whether you’re in one of our locations or working with us virtually, you can book a complimentary design consultation, and we’ll help you create a home that works for how you actually live.