Stop Buying These 6 Home Items Designers Say Are Already Out

Home decor trends have a way of sweeping through the market, capturing hearts and homes, only to fade away before you know it. The lifecycle of a trend usually starts with tastemakers introducing fresh ideas, followed by designers adopting them enthusiastically, and then the general public embracing them en masse. However, by the time these items become commonplace in big-box stores, many designers have already moved on to the next big thing. If you want your space to feel timeless and curated rather than stuck in a dated trend, it’s wise to be selective about what you bring into your home.

We reached out to top designers to find out which popular home decor items they’re ready to retire. Their insights offer a valuable guide for anyone who wants to avoid investing in pieces that are losing their luster.

Berry Sherpa Pillow Cover

Handmade red sherpa pillow cover, soft textured fabric, 20" x 20"

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The White Bouclé Boom Is Slowing

Once all the rage, white bouclé accent furniture is beginning to lose its once-glowing appeal. This textured upholstery was everywhere a few seasons ago, adorning everything from chairs to ottomans. New Jersey designer Jennifer Pacca shares that while she isn’t fully dismissing bouclé, she’s definitely dialing back on its overuse. “I’m retiring white bouclé on everything,” she says. “It was trendy to cover every piece in it, but now I prefer mixing textures to keep a space feeling fresh and layered.” If you’ve invested in bouclé pieces recently, there’s no need to panic, but think twice about adding more. Instead, look for complementary textiles and finishes that create depth without relying on a single trend.

Oversized White Lanterns Have Lost Their Charm

Oversized white lanterns once offered an affordable solution to fill awkward empty spaces, especially in rooms with soaring ceilings. They made a bold statement and were a quick fix for lighting needs. However, as New York City-based designer Kati Curtis points out, these lanterns now feel overdone and uninspired. “They’re everywhere and, surprisingly, still appear on magazine covers,” she remarks. “It’s baffling how such an easy design shortcut remains popular in upscale interiors.” For a more sophisticated and enduring look, Curtis recommends seeking out vintage Murano glass or crystal chandeliers. These pieces bring a unique story and character that mass-produced lanterns simply cannot match.

Farolito Lamp

Paper bag-inspired lamp with notched edges and folded creases

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Faux Olive Trees Are Falling Out of Favor

Greenery can breathe life into a room, but fake plants—especially faux olive trees—have been trending as a low-maintenance alternative. Brittny Button, founder of Button Atelier in Los Angeles, cautions against relying on artificial greenery. “Faux plants aren’t fooling anyone,” she says bluntly. “They can cheapen a space rather than elevate it.” While some fake plants have improved in quality, olive trees often come across as plastic and lifeless. Instead, consider real plants suited to your lighting conditions or explore dried botanicals and sculptural branches that add texture without the pretense.

The Scalloped Trend Has Reached Its Peak

Scalloped details have been a darling of many designers and brands lately, popping up on everything from furniture and cabinetry to lampshades and mirrors. Kristi Patterson of Grace Hill Design noticed this firsthand at High Point Market, where scallops dominated showroom floors. “While I adore a well-executed scallop, the trend has been stretched too thin,” she explains. “Rooms filled with multiple scalloped elements risk feeling overly themed and lacking subtlety.” Similarly, wavy-shaped mirrors, often known as squiggle mirrors, are losing their appeal. Button suggests opting for organic, soft curves in mirror designs if you want to stay current without veering into dated territory.

Wren Merino Throw: Brown

Handwoven brown merino wool throw, 53" x 53", hand-embroidered

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Rattan’s Popularity Needs Restraint

Rattan has always been beloved for its warmth and natural texture, but its current overuse has pushed it into trend territory. Patterson notes that rattan appears everywhere—from vanities and furniture to lighting and home accessories. “It’s a beautiful material, but less is more,” she says. “Using rattan sparingly allows it to shine without overwhelming a room.” Incorporating rattan thoughtfully can still add a breezy, textural element, but saturating your space with it risks feeling like a passing fad.

Fluted Details: Overdone and Out

Fluted designs have invaded every corner of home decor, from stone and wood to glass and cabinetry. Kati Curtis calls this trend out for being too ubiquitous. “We’ve fluted everything, and it’s starting to look dated,” she notes. “While fluting adds great texture, its overuse has worn out its welcome.” To keep your interiors feeling fresh, consider alternatives like inverted fluting, slatted woodwork, or smooth finishes that offer subtle interest without shouting trend overload.