7 Wall Art Styles That Designers Are Leaving Behind This Year For Good

The article explores the transient nature of interior design trends, gathering insights from 17 designers across the country on which trends they believe should be permanently retired. While some designers, such as David Scott, argue that trends can become classic in the right context, others, like Malene Barnett, advocate for timeless individual style over fleeting fads. The article emphasizes that not all trends are worthy of longevity or resurrection, particularly those that evoke a sense of datedness or lack of originality. It then delves into specific trends identified by various designers as needing to disappear. Young Huh targets neon signs as art, suggesting their appeal is compelling but ultimately warrants removal. Francis Sultana expresses strong disapproval for the 'airport-lounge' aesthetic, criticizing its faceless, soulless, and generic feel that lacks a sense of place. Drew McGukin points out macramé, associating it with an 'army-of-sameness' in Brooklyn design. Shana Sherwood of Sherwood Kypreos argues against decor that mimics other materials, such as porcelain tile imitating wood, advocating for authenticity. Miles Redd succinctly states his aversion to chenille, finding it unpleasant to the touch. Fern Santini advises against matchy-matchy furniture suites, suggesting that complementary but not identical pieces create a more personal and accumulated look that resists dating. Tiffany Zhou of Studio Zhou is over IKEA brass handles and white subway-tile backsplashes due to their ubiquity. Robert Couturier critiques 'soulless art collections' acquired without genuine appreciation. Ashley Hicks and Mally Skok both target feature walls and wallpapered ceilings, respectively, for disrupting spatial harmony and suggesting ceilings should be uniformly colored. Ashley Hanley calls for the end of 'fast furniture,' advocating for conscious material use and the repurposing of secondhand or antique items to create unique pieces. Chandos Dodson Epley highlights bouclé and shearling as impractical for families with children and pets. Caleb Anderson and Chad Graci both express strong disdain for barn doors, describing them as cumbersome, awkward, and detrimental to interior aesthetics, especially in non-barn settings. Natalie Kraiem finds Edison light bulbs outdated, despite her appreciation for retro-inspired fixtures. Mally Skok also rejects waterfall counters, seeing them as an unsuccessful attempt at modernizing kitchens. Chandos Dodson Epley further warns against 'cutesy millwork' with scalloped or fanciful flourishes, noting that such trendy details can quickly age a home and be costly to replace. Veronica Valencia is surprised to still see granite countertops paired with mosaic-glass backsplashes, advocating for more cost-effective alternatives. Finally, Martyn Lawrence Bullard offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the transient nature of trends but advising designers not to blindly follow them, but rather to be open to both old and new influences and to unknowingly create trends themselves. The article concludes by encouraging designers to remain open-minded and constantly evolve in their approach to design. #InteriorDesignTrends #DesignCritique #HomeDecor #TimelessDesign #DesignerOpinions #ResidentialInteriors #AestheticPreferences #DecoratingAdvice

The year 2024 saw a resurgence of bold and enthusiastic approaches in designer wallpaper and fabric launches, moving away from the quiet luxury aesthetic. This shift was evident from events like Paris Deco Off, showcasing vibrant palettes and daring colorways. The trends observed included heritage brands reinterpreting archival prints and contemporary labels embracing psychedelic influences. One prominent trend was the celebration of Japanese design principles, known as 'Travels to Japan.' This included homages to wabi-sabi, Japandi fusions, and kanso, which manifested in textiles as love letters to Japan's natural landscapes and artistry. Collections like De Gournay's Byōbu and Fromental's New Gilded Age, with its Kiku Garden and Haiku designs, drew inspiration from the Edo Period and traditional Japanese painting. Designers Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen referenced Imari porcelain, while Pierre Frey's Soleil Levant collection incorporated ukiyo-e woodblock prints and silk obi patterns. Clarence House's À La Japonaise collection featured prints inspired by ink painting, Nara's deer, and Noh theatrical costumes. The 'After Dark' trend showcased neo-Victorian influences, with British brands like House of Hackney and Soane introducing striking floral prints on dark backgrounds. Soane's Violas and Mabille, for example, presented dynamic large-scale designs. Pierre Frey's Sceaux fabric in Nocturne evoked famille-noire porcelain, and Casamance’s Xalapa offered a tropical feel. Élitis’s Arabesque contributed to this trend with abstract, pulsating shapes, creating an invigorating high-contrast aesthetic. Another theme, 'Day at the Museum,' drew inspiration from art and cultural institutions. S. Harris's Identity collection channeled Abstract Expressionists and Color Field painting. Harlequin’s Onburo wallpaper offered Rothko-like meditative stripes. Breegan Jane's collection for Clarke & Clarke transformed African wildlife into Pop art and painterly fabrics, with Malindi wallpaper featuring graphic repeats reminiscent of Warhol and Nairobi wall covering evoking Monet's waterlilies. Aux Abris’s Woodlands collection featured floral prints in the style of Sonia Delaunay's 1930s drawings. Pierre Frey’s Azuma wall covering depicted furoshiki, with bundles resembling Yayoi Kusama’s gourds. Other art-inspired releases included S. Harris's Cubist print for Georges Braque and Maharam's collaborations with artist Jacob Hashimoto. The 'Acid Trip' trend highlighted designers' embrace of bold, psychedelic colors. Élitis’s Excentrique line and Morris & Co.’s Bedford Park collection reimagined archival prints in vibrant new colorways, such as Strawberry Thief in fuchsia and turquoise. Rubelli's Formafantasma adopted a Lite-Brite palette in the Gardens collection, while Sahco's 2024 collection featured delicate, disparately arranged petals in scintillating cranberry, citron, frothy orange, and turquoise. Dedar’s Jamu Jungle and Déjà Vu Jamais showcased kaleidoscopic labyrinths in vivid hues like flamingo pink. Maharam also planned to introduce Nova by Sander Lak, featuring a pattern that captures the flow and movement of color. 'Woodland Embarking' focused on arboreal themes, with chic tree designs appearing throughout 2024. Sahco’s Art Deco–esque Sariska print, Arte’s Riverbank jacquard, and Aux Abris’s Sheltering Pond mural took inspiration from forests and natural landscapes. Dedar’s Il Giardino In Una Stanza and House of Hackney’s Trees Please print offered magical, storybook-like imagery. Larsen debuted a leaf-like printed fabric as a versatile alternative to palm prints. The 'Stamp of Approval' trend saw brands putting twists on stamped motifs, from delicate florals to bold geometrics. Fermoie’s Ruffle and Rapture & Wright’s Pablo’s Polka were abstract highlights. Textile studio Otea launched offerings inspired by block prints and folk art. Maison Venu, Schuyler Samperton Textiles, Peter Dunham Textiles, and Nina Campbell incorporated pops of color through printed petals, embracing the imperfections of handmade crafts. 'Dialing Up the Charm' featured novelty prints that brought personality to interiors. Nina Campbell’s Dallimore collection for Osborne & Little included the Tudeley fabric with jubilant potted plants. GP&J; Baker’s collaboration with Kit Kemp reimagined archival imagery and included Robina’s Dinner Party with animal-emblazoned plates. Ralph Lauren’s Boatyard print offered a nautical twist, while bows and berries appeared in releases from Schumacher and Molly Mahon. Animal novelty prints continued with Schumacher’s A Country Life collection and Teil Duncan’s whimsical creatures. De Gournay’s Celestial Atlas provided a unique offering with a Zodiac ceiling mural. 'Blue Is the New Neutral' observed the prevalence of dusty, icy cerulean shades as an antidote to electric hues. Ronsard, a tapestry-inspired floral from Quenin 1865, was revived by Lelièvre. The Vale London’s Shaw and Noreen patterns, with hibiscus flowers, epitomized the coastal-grandmother aesthetic. Schumacher and Caroline Lizarraga for Parete created distinctive blue patterns. Flora Soames’s Stockton fabric infused blue into a historic Jacobean-inspired print, and Loro Piana Interiors’ Hebrides offered a deep cerulean herringbone tweed. French blues also appeared in collections from Elliston House and Weitzner. 'Better With Age' explored the English country house aesthetic, featuring moody faded florals and withered roses. Ralph Lauren’s Dorset Garden fabrics included plaids, damasks, and floral prints in muted hues, with Espalier Vintage Rose being reintroduced. Guy Goodfellow, Leah O’Connell Textiles, and Sanderson also presented blossoms on cream and beige grounds. Zak+Fox and Colefax and Fowler gave plaids and stripes a settled-in effect, and Amber Interiors drew inspiration from shibori for her line with Studio Four NYC. Linen grounds were popular for imbuing fabrics with subtle age and lightness. 'To Be a Dragonfly on the Wall' highlighted the enduring charm of dragonfly motifs in novelty prints. Clarence House’s Tonbo print referenced Japanese woodblock prints and folk art, symbolizing victory and agility. Aux Abris’s Kelmscott collection included a kaleidoscopic Dragonfly paper. Harlequin’s Demosille design and Teil Duncan’s Dragonfly Stripe offered modern, candy-colored updates. S. Harris reintroduced Bugskins with colorful embroidered insects on a dark linen-blend ground. Finally, 'Nature-Made' showcased sophisticated textured wall coverings crafted from natural materials. Straw, wood, and other elements were adapted by artisans, leading to experiments in pattern-making. Arte’s Hawaiian-inspired Lanai collection featured hand-crafted rattan and raffia elements. Weitzner and Omexco harnessed natural materials in their Imprint and Intuition collections. Osborne & Little integrated color into wovens using age-old paper-weaving techniques, as seen in the Papyrus wall covering. Phillip Jeffries’ Enchanting Planks created a geometric collage from banana leaves, and CMO Paris’s Sisal Murals offered eye-catching neutral tones and marquetry. These trends collectively represent a dynamic and enthusiastic year in designer wallpaper and fabric, emphasizing diverse cultural inspirations, artistic influences, and a departure from subdued aesthetics. #WallpaperTrends #FabricTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #JapaneseDesign #ArtInspired #ColorTrends #NaturalMaterials #ArchivalPrints #NoveltyPrints

In home design, distinguishing between timeless elegance and fleeting trends is crucial. Interior designer Megan Khahil highlights several decor items that, despite their initial popularity, can detract from a home's overall aesthetic and make it appear dated or tacky. This perspective emphasizes the importance of thoughtful selection and long-term design versatility over temporary fads or budget shortcuts. One common culprit is industrial pipe shelving. While once considered a cutting-edge design element for its raw, urban appeal, its widespread adoption has led to overexposure, diminishing its novelty and impact. Khahil suggests that true industrial style should be intentional and polished, recommending cold-rolled steel floating shelves paired with authentic brick or stone accents instead of faux finishes. This approach introduces tactile materials purposefully, avoiding the generic appearance often associated with mass-produced pipe shelving. Another item to avoid is peel-and-stick decor, including tiles, wallpapers, and decals. While these products promise quick and affordable transformations, they frequently bubble, lift, and peel over time, revealing their temporary and inexpensive nature. Such shortcuts undermine quality and craftsmanship, ultimately cheapening the room's design. Khahil advocates for investing in authentic and durable materials like patterned tiles, natural stone, or high-quality wallpaper, asserting that a bit more effort results in a lasting and refined space. Plastic picture frames also fall into the category of tacky decor. Khahil points out that glossy plastic frames, especially those attempting to mimic more luxurious materials, often warp, scratch easily, and devalue the artwork or photos they contain. She advises using more substantial frames made from metal, wood, or high-quality resin. Mixing different frame styles and finishes thoughtfully can create visual depth and interest, enhancing the room’s aesthetic rather than detracting from it. Fake plants, despite their low-maintenance appeal, rarely replicate the life and vibrancy of real foliage. They gather dust, fade, and can signal neglect rather than style. Khahil recommends incorporating low-maintenance real plants such as snake plants, pothos, or monstera to bring authentic life, improve air quality, and add warmth to a space naturally. Animal print, when used excessively, can also make a room feel cluttered and loud. While a subtle touch of animal print can add personality, an overload crosses the line into tackiness. Khahil suggests using one or two statement pieces, like an accent chair or a throw pillow, combined with neutral colors or textures to balance the visual impact. Barn doors, once a symbol of farmhouse chic, are another decor item that has become overexposed. Their strong rustic character limits design flexibility and can quickly date a home. For privacy and space-saving solutions, Khahil recommends sleek pocket doors, which offer greater long-term versatility. Alternatively, open-framed entryways can create a classic architectural statement without committing to a restrictive trend. Finally, cheap souvenirs, often mass-produced and lacking authenticity, contribute to clutter without offering functional or aesthetic value. Khahil advises curating meaningful, handcrafted items from travels that serve a purpose or transforming travel photos into gallery walls or coffee table books to incorporate memories stylishly and purposefully. The overarching message is to prioritize thoughtful selection, quality materials, and timeless design over fleeting trends and inexpensive fixes to create a sophisticated and enduring home environment. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #DesignTrends #TackyDecor #HomeStyling #DesignAdvice #TimelessDesign

Interior design trends, much like fashion, are constantly evolving, with certain elements falling out of favor to make way for new and exciting approaches. One trend that designers are now moving away from is the accent wall. According to experts, the practice of painting a single wall a contrasting color is considered outdated, with California-based interior designer Kristen Peña advocating for bolder, more comprehensive color applications. The emerging trend centers on the often-overlooked 'fifth wall' – the ceiling – transforming it into a focal point for design. Designers are now embracing various techniques to bring visual interest and sophistication to ceilings. Sara Malek Barney, an Austin, Texas-based interior designer, views the ceiling as an integral part of a room's overall balance. She suggests using wallpaper with subtle colors and unique patterns on the ceiling and extending it a few feet down the walls in rooms with high ceilings to create a less overwhelming, more intimate atmosphere. This approach also serves as an expression of personal style through understated color incorporation. Another favored technique is color-drenching, championed by designers like Kristen Peña. This method involves applying a single color to all walls and the ceiling, creating a cohesive and immersive environment. Peña encourages clients to embrace this bold approach fully, using materials such as lime paint, wallpaper, or plaster to achieve a confident and unified look. Color-blocking offers an alternative for those seeking a more dramatic effect. Emilie Munroe, a San Francisco-based designer, highlights accent ceilings as a powerful tool for defining spaces and adding unexpected mood. She recommends using two complementary, often opposing, hues from the color wheel to achieve a striking color-blocked effect on the ceiling. Wallpapering the ceiling is another popular method, seen as a more purposeful and complete design choice than a single wallpapered accent wall. Jeanne Barber, a West Hartford, Connecticut-based designer, notes that a wallpapered ceiling draws the eye upward, adding interest and creating an illusion of height in any room. She advises choosing patterns that command attention rather than subtle designs. For a sophisticated and dramatic interior, designers like Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories in Denver suggest a dark and moody palette for ceilings, often incorporating metallic elements. Black can create a modern vibe, while silvers, golds, or warm tones can bounce light and create a dynamic look that changes throughout the day. Metallic ceilings are particularly effective in catching light, offering an unexpected and elevated touch. Finally, creating architectural details with paint and wallpaper, particularly wraparound treatments, is gaining traction. Diane Rath of Fairfield, Connecticut, explains that this technique can mimic wainscoting or paneling, making the architecture feel intentional and sculptural. These painted lines can provide a timeless, grounded feel even in contemporary spaces, offering a stylish and simple alternative to a full renovation while calling attention to ceiling height changes. #InteriorDesignTrends #AccentWalls #CeilingDesign #HomeDecoration #ColorDrenching #Wallpaper #ArchitecturalDetails #ModernInteriors #DesignInnovation