As Promised: My List of Bye… Gone…

I posted an article in November that encompassed what designers had concluded in Martha Stewart Magazine – the trends that we should allow to fade away. That article  “Designers Say: Leave These Trends Behind” is the perfect segue to this deeper dive into my own observations: Where we as a society are pulled, so doth designers go. Or something like that!

Ready? Here is a summary of the most common fading trends across the US:

Cool Gray Everything: The years of all-gray walls, gray flooring, and cool-toned color schemes are thankfully over. This palette is being replaced by warmer, richer, and more inviting colors like taupes, earthy neutrals, and even bold, moodier tones like deep browns and jewel greens.

Stark, All-White Interiors: The overly clinical, all-white kitchen and pure white minimalist look is fading. People want a home that looks lived-in, not a hospital or an art gallery.

Bouclé: The chunky, nubby fabric that became ubiquitous on everything from accent chairs to sofas is considered oversaturated. It became associated with a uniform, “fast-trend” look rather than a curated one. Designers are pivoting to richer fabrics like wool blends, mohair, and quality linens.

Ribbing and Fluting: The heavily textured wood or paneling (fluted designs) seen on kitchen islands, cabinets, and consoles is becoming overdone and is losing favor in favor of classic millwork or textured plaster finishes.

Too Much Marble: While marble is timeless, the constant overuse of highly polished, single-type marble (like Carrera) and mass-produced marble accessories is decreasing. Unique, more colorful, or high-texture stones like soapstone are taking its place (see MintyWorks portfolio kitchen with hickory cabinets and soapstone countertops).

The Modern Farmhouse Look: The rustic farmhouse aesthetic—including shiplap feature walls, rolling barn doors, and distressed wood—has run its course. The focus is shifting to cleaner, more transitional lines and incorporating character through collected antiques rather than rustic clichés.

Stark Minimalism: The extreme, bare-bones minimalist style that often felt cold and unwelcoming is evolving. The new focus is on intentionality and layering, where every item has meaning, bringing warmth and personality back into the space.

Matching Furniture Sets: The days of buying a complete, pre-matched living room or bedroom suite are out. Designers are prioritizing an eclectic, collected feel that mixes styles, eras, and textures for a more dynamic and personalized look.

Fast Furniture: There is a growing rejection of low-quality, disposable furniture in favor of investing in durable, well-made, and sustainable pieces—or sourcing unique vintage items.