Are These Interior Design Trends Really Out?
Every year, there’s a new list of outdated interior design trends. The problem is that most of these lists are built around what’s trending online, not what actually works in real homes.
Designers don’t think in terms of what’s “in” or “out.” They think in terms of longevity, function, and how a space feels to live in day to day. That’s why some trends that are supposedly over still show up in well-designed homes, while others quietly disappear because they never worked to begin with.
If you’ve ever wondered which outdated interior design trends actually matter and which ones don’t, here’s how designers really think about them:
Are these interior design trends really outdated?
Not always. Many so-called outdated interior design trends aren’t actually “out.” They’re just being used incorrectly. Designers evaluate trends based on durability, proportion, and how they function in a real space rather than whether they’re currently popular online.
Some trends fade because they’re impractical. Others stick around because they’re rooted in classic design principles. The difference isn’t the trend itself it’s how it’s applied.
Is boucle furniture actually out?
Boucle has been everywhere for the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s soft, cozy, and visually interesting. But in real homes, designers see a few consistent issues:
- It’s difficult to clean
- It tends to wear down quickly
- Pets are drawn to the texture
That doesn’t make boucle “out.” It makes it situational. Boucle can still work beautifully in lower-traffic areas or in homes where durability isn’t a concern. But for everyday living spaces, designers often lean toward fabrics that hold up better over time.
CB2 Laszlo Camel Brown Boucle Swivel Chair, $1,399
Is chevron pattern really outdated?
Chevron is often labeled as a pattern that had its moment and passed. Designers tend to disagree. Patterns like chevron aren’t tied to a specific year, they’re tied to geometry and repetition, which are foundational in design.
When used thoughtfully and at the right scale, chevron can feel classic rather than dated. The issue isn’t the pattern itself. It’s how heavily it’s used and what it’s paired with.
A subtle chevron rug or textile can still work beautifully in a layered space.
Perigold Wool Chevron Area Rug, Starting at $299
Are jewel-toned sofas going out of style?
There’s a perception that bold, colorful sofas are falling out of favor in place of neutrals. In practice, designers still use them — just selectively.
Colorful sofas tend to work best when:
- The rest of the room is balanced and restrained
- The color ties into other elements in the space
- The scale and silhouette are appropriate
In the right room, a jewel-toned sofa can make the room. It’s not about whether color is out; it’s about whether it belongs in that specific space.
Article Abisko 94.5″ Velvet Right Sectional in Plush Pacific Blue, $1,699
Is open concept design actually going out of style?
Designers don’t necessarily see open layouts disappearing. What they do see is how challenging they can be to design well.
Without defined walls:
- It’s harder to place a television
- Creating distinct zones takes more planning
- Furniture has to do more work to define the space
Open concept spaces require stronger layout decisions, not fewer. When they’re thoughtfully designed, they can still feel cohesive and functional. When they’re not, they can feel undefined and difficult to navigate.
Is Ikat fabric still relevant?
Ikat is another pattern that cycles in and out of popularity. Designers continue to use it because it brings something that many newer patterns don’t: an organic, slightly imperfect quality that adds depth to a space.
It works especially well in:
- Layered interiors
- Homes that mix traditional and modern elements
- Spaces that need visual softness
Like many patterns, it becomes dated only when it’s overused or paired too literally with a single style. But done right, it’s timeless.
Pottery Barn Reign Ikat Pillow, $99.50
Is Mid-Century Modern furniture overdone?
Mid-Century Modern furniture isn’t going away, but entire rooms designed strictly around that one style can start to feel overly themed.
Designers tend to approach it differently. Instead of building a full room around Mid-Century pieces, they:
- Mix one or two MCM items with other styles
- Balance clean lines with softer elements
- Avoid making the space feel like a replica of a specific era
Used selectively, a few Mid-Century furniture pieces feel classic. Used all at once, it can feel overly referential.
CB2 Symmetric Rose Velvet Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb, $1,499
How should you think about design trends instead?
Trends aren’t inherently good or bad. They’re tools. The difference between a room that feels timeless and one that feels dated usually comes down to how those tools are used.
Designers focus on:
- Proportion and scale
- Material durability
- How a space functions day to day
- Balance between statement pieces and neutral elements
When those fundamentals are in place, trends become less risky and more flexible.
What actually makes a room feel current?
Rooms don’t feel current because they follow trends. They feel current because they’re thoughtfully put together.
A space that reflects how you live, uses materials that hold up over time, and balances visual interest with function will always feel more relevant than one designed around what’s popular in the moment.
If you’re unsure which elements in your home still work and which ones are holding the space back, our team can help you see it clearly. Book a complimentary design consultation, and we’ll guide you through the updates that make the biggest difference.