9 Home Decor Choices Designers Regret

The world of home decor is constantly evolving, with trends coming and going like waves on the shore. We often find ourselves swept up in the allure of the latest design fad, only to look back a few years later with a touch of regret.

While these trends may have once seemed like the epitome of style, they now serve as cautionary tales for designers and homeowners alike. The good folks at Dealnew have shared some insightful advice, based on real-world experiences from designers who have lived through these trends. Let's explore nine design trends that, in hindsight, many wish they had avoided.

Too Much Palm Beach Regency Style

At first glance, the Palm Beach Regency style seems like a dream come true for lovers of vintage glamour. Its lively combination of faux bamboo furniture, palm frond chandeliers, and bold black-and-white striped walls created an aesthetic reminiscent of Florida’s swankiest neighborhoods. However, designers quickly realized that mixing too many elements of this style together could easily turn a room into something more akin to a vintage shop than a chic, cohesive space. A space flooded with busy patterns, opulent textures, and retro charm can quickly become overwhelming rather than inviting.

The lesson here is balance. Instead of packing every corner with Regency elements, a single standout piece—perhaps a statement chandelier or a stylish bamboo accent chair—can bring the same luxurious feel without overwhelming the senses. The key is moderation, allowing the design to breathe and offering visual rest between standout items. As with all things in design, sometimes less really is more. 

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Hanging Chairs: Dreamy Yet Impractical

Who hasn’t dreamed of curling up in a suspended hanging chair with a good book and a cup of tea? Hanging chairs exude a bohemian, carefree vibe that many have attempted to replicate in their own homes. However, designers soon learned that while they look dreamy, they aren’t always practical. In many cases, these chairs block doorways, closets, or other essential access points, making the room far less functional.

Furthermore, installing these chairs properly requires sturdy hardware, and many homes simply aren’t equipped to handle the stress they put on ceilings. The dreamy floating effect comes at the cost of usability, forcing homeowners to realize that form over function isn’t always the best route. Functionality should always have a place in design—especially in rooms that are meant to be lived in and enjoyed daily.

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Bold Patterns Galore: The Overstimulation Conundrum

There’s no denying that bold patterns can make a room come alive, but it’s easy to get carried away. Some designers who went all-in on bold patterns, particularly in small spaces like bedrooms, now regret their decisions. From upholstering a headboard in a bold print to mixing several different patterned pillows, these spaces often became overly stimulating. One designer admitted that the clashing patterns kept them awake at night—a far cry from the restful retreat they had envisioned.

When it comes to pattern, less is often more. While accent pillows and throws can provide a delightful pop of color and texture, using too many bold patterns in a confined space can be visually jarring. To avoid design fatigue, it's best to choose a single statement piece or pattern and allow it to shine, while the rest of the room remains calm and soothing.

Farmhouse Overload: When a Cozy Trend Becomes Oversaturated

The rustic farmhouse trend has been incredibly popular over the past decade, bringing us sliding barn doors, shiplap walls, and word art galore. But designers are now reflecting on how quickly this style became oversaturated. What once felt cozy and inviting—like distressed wood furniture, “gather” signs, and mason jar vases—began to feel cliché and overdone.

Farmhouse decor, especially the use of too many signs and word mugs, has left some designers regretting their choices. While these pieces can add warmth to a space, an abundance of them can feel kitschy rather than authentic. When it comes to timeless design, subtlety and restraint are crucial. Instead of turning your home into a showcase of trends, try incorporating personal touches that feel meaningful rather than simply on-trend.

Word Art and Trendy Choices: Lime Green Kitchen Woes

Few things date a home faster than overly trendy design choices. Word art—those framed inspirational quotes or letters spelling out “eat” in the kitchen—was once everywhere. Now, it feels a bit passé, especially when paired with other trendy choices like lime green kitchen walls. At the height of their popularity, these elements seemed fun and quirky, but over time, they began to feel forced and out of place.

Dealnew reminds us that design is all about creating timeless, functional spaces that make you happy. Trends, by nature, are fleeting. Instead of being lured by the latest and greatest, try to focus on designs that reflect your personality and won’t feel dated after a few short years. By grounding your home in classic choices, you’re less likely to experience the dreaded design regret.

Ghost Chairs and Acrylic: Fast Furniture Fumbles

Clear acrylic furniture, including the iconic "ghost chair," was once hailed as the perfect blend of modernity and versatility. These pieces were light, airy, and easy to pair with just about any color scheme. But as time passed, many designers found themselves regretting the investment. Acrylic can feel cheap, scratch easily, and isn’t nearly as durable as timeless materials like wood or metal.

In retrospect, many designers wish they had spent the money on more substantial pieces—antique or otherwise—that would stand the test of time. The lesson here? Fast furniture may be convenient, but investing in pieces with longevity will always be the smarter choice. Furniture should be both beautiful and durable, offering years of use without feeling disposable.

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Barn Doors: A Sliding Dilemma

Sliding barn doors became a hallmark of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, and for a while, they were everywhere. These doors certainly made a statement, but designers quickly discovered that they weren’t always practical. Barn doors are notorious for not being level, which can lead to problems with them sliding open and closed smoothly. Moreover, they can easily damage the surrounding walls, leaving a headache of repairs in their wake.

While they look great in photos, their functionality (or lack thereof) often leaves much to be desired. A traditional door may not be as trendy, but it’s far more reliable and easier to maintain. Ultimately, trends that prioritize aesthetics over practicality tend to fade out quickly, as homeowners discover that ease of use is just as important as appearance.

Vertical Stripes: Hard to Live With in Small Spaces

Accent walls have long been a way to inject a bit of personality into a room without going overboard. However, designers who opted for grey and white vertical stripes on accent walls are now feeling the regret. While the stripes may have initially seemed like a playful touch, they proved difficult to live with, particularly in small spaces.

Vertical stripes can elongate a room, but they can also feel a bit oppressive in smaller rooms, making the walls feel like they’re closing in. This design choice is a perfect example of how trends that look great in magazines don’t always translate well to everyday life. For anyone considering bold stripes, a word of caution: they might age faster than you think, especially in compact spaces.

Short-Lived Shiplap: The Fad That Fizzled

Shiplap took the interior design world by storm, becoming a signature look of the farmhouse aesthetic. It offered a rustic, homey feel and added texture to walls that might otherwise feel flat. But while shiplap was adored at first, its popularity didn’t last as long as many had hoped. Designers who spent time (and money) installing it now wish they hadn’t bothered, as removing it proved to be just as laborious.

In the end, shiplap is one of those trends that, while charming, simply didn’t stand the test of time. If you’re considering a design element that requires significant effort to install and remove, it's wise to ask yourself: will I still love this in five years? If the answer is no, it might be best to skip it in favor of something less permanent.

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A Final Thought on Trends and Timeless Design

As we’ve seen from these nine examples, even the most popular trends can lose their luster over time. Designers, like all of us, are susceptible to the pull of the latest and greatest styles, but as Dealnew advises, it’s important to think critically before diving headfirst into a trend. While it’s tempting to follow what’s hot in the moment, it’s worth considering whether those choices will still bring you joy in the years to come.

When it comes to home design, timelessness and practicality should always play a leading role. Trends may come and go, but a well-thought-out space—one that reflects your personality and needs—will never go out of style. So, before you install that barn door or upholster your headboard in a bold print, take a step back and consider how those choices will age. Your future self will thank you!