9 Design Trends We're Tired Of + What's Next
It's a new year, and we're ready for some new design trends to come our way. I asked some of our editors to list a trend they'd like to see evolve in the coming months, and their answers did not disappoint. Check out what they had to say, plus some fresh alternatives they'd love to see this year.
David: Cutesy Wall Sayings
"This was fine when you just saw it occasionally, especially if the saying was particularly clever, but as a motif, it’s gotten a bit out of control."
Our Alternative: Photo Murals
HGTV Dream Home 2016 Living Room Mural
HGTV Magazine offers an inside look at HGTV Dream Home 2016's beachy-beautiful living room. This splashy wall-spanning photo, taken in the 1970s, shows surfers hanging ten at a nearby beach. The image was blown up by a vinyl company, then applied like a giant decal. The paint color throughout the rest of the room is Quiet Rain by Glidden.
Photo by: Lisa Romerein (styled by Elizabeth Demos)
Lisa Romerein (styled by Elizabeth Demos)
Wall sayings aren't all bad, but they can easily go from inspirational to juvenile. The living room in Dream Home 2016 features a huge black-and-white photo from the 1970s that definitely makes an impact without looking like it belongs in a college dorm room.
Tour the Living Room
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Deanne: Books Displayed Backwards
Dovetail Furniture
"I miss seeing titles and authors and jacket designs."
Our Alternative: Hanging Art Directly to Bookshelves
Brian Patrick Flynn
We’re all about adding interest to the bookshelves, but flipping the books around seems a little counterproductive. How about hanging a favorite picture or object directly to the shelf instead?
Liz: Granite Countertops
Nick Daunys; Design By: DW Design & Decor
“I know, every person on House Hunters wants them, and sure, it’s a quality material. But variety is the spice of life, guys!”
Our Alternative: Concrete Countertops
Isaac Turner
“I’d love for equally-useful and durable materials like quartz and concrete to get their moment in the sun.”
Liz (Take Two): Color-Coded Wedding Candy
Cristina Riches, Bird's Party
“Another trend I’m hoping will evolve this year? Color-coded candy and dessert buffets for weddings and parties.”
Our Alternative: DIY Crafty Favors
Something Turquoise
“This year, try swapping it in for a more unique or more delicious DIY favor, like a personalize-your-own craft station or a trail mix bar.” Learn to make these glitzy spoons at Something Turquoise.
Kelly: Chalkboard-Painted Walls
Benjamin Moore
“I’m really tired of chalkboard-painted walls."
Our Alternative: Cork Walls
"I’m intrigued by the alternative of covering a wall with cork and painting it so it’s seamless with the rest of the space, but I also like leaving them plain.”
Chelsea: Mason Jar Decor
“As summer drinkware, they're great. For storing homemade jams, even better! But as a soap dispenser? Nah.”
Our Alternative: Milk Glass
Corner Milk Glass Display in White Country Kitchen
Corner shelves maximize space by storing and displaying a milk glass collection in this small kitchen. Fresh flowers, fruit and eggs bring bright, natural color that pops against the stark white background. A tarnished watering can used as a vase and a natural wood cutting board are beautiful country touches.
Photo by: codyulrich.com
codyulrich.com
“Let me propose a swap. Milk glass is equally as rustic and charming (and inexpensive!) but with a timeless, vintage look that Mason jars just can't achieve.”
Farima: Fake Moustaches
“I will not be sad if I never see a mug with this print on it again. It was cute for maybe two months, but here’s hoping we only see them on men in 2016!"
Our Alternative: Memphis Design
Design Goals - Memphis Design Lovefest 04:46
We get it. An over-the-top fake moustache print can add a fun, quirky vibe to just about anything. But maybe it's time to move onto something new. We think Memphis design is going to be huge for 2016. Think of it like fake moustache's older, cooler brother. Pair this retro print with modern accents for a look that screams 2016.
Camille: Neon Kitchens
Photography by Suki Medencevic
“As a lover of color, it pains me to say this but (I'm over) neon anything in an interior. Thankfully it was a short-lived trend that never caught on with the majority of Americans.”
Our Alternative: Bold Pops of Color
Jean Allsopp
“Instead of overloading a space with over-the-top colors, take a more measured approach and pop in a few high-energy hues balanced by neutrals and softer shades.”
Kayla: Matchy-Matchy Elaborate Parties
“I’m ready to see elaborate party themes for both kids and adults with matchy-matchy decor and printables galore go back to basics.”
Our Alternative: High/Low Mix and Match
“Pull a party together using repurposed items combined with store-bought pieces, dressed-up everyday foods and signature cocktails.“
Shannon: Stainless Steel Appliances
HGTV fan young2by2
“I’m over stainless steel appliances for 2016. I used to like them, but after seeing them in every single kitchen for so many years, I’m ready for some new finishes to emerge.”
Our Alternative: Retro-Inspired Designs
“I personally love colorful, retro-inspired appliances, but for a more neutral look, I also like darker, brushed-metal appliances that are fingerprint resistant and sleek, white appliances inspired by smartphone design.
