Hideous Design Trends That Shouldnt Have Taken Over The World

You may find yourself (or your former self) guilty of some of these majorly outdated décor trends…

Some things, like super-wide-leg jeans and chunky hair highlights, should never resurface. But it’s not just fashion faux pas that have us cringing. These are our picks for home design trends we hope to never, ever see again.

Tufted headboards

The tufted headboard is a bourgeois nod at presumed luxury, but it just comes off all wrong. Vaguely reminiscent of the inside of a padded cell, why would you want this as part of your bedroom décor?

Yes, it’s very easy to overdo it on the pastels. Too much peachy pink and serenity blue can ruin even the best décor. Also, while we’re on this discussion, can we say goodbye to millennial pink? It’s had its time in the limelight already in 2017. Let it go.

Everything in black and white

This year is all about color—and lots of it. We have an entire spectrum of the rainbow to mix, match, and use strategically—so why limit yourself to just black and white? Try a bold jewel tone, vibrant greens, and touches of beige instead. Other tones and colours are just as “chic” as black and white.

Those weird blow-up bubble chairs

If you grew up in the ’90s, you know exactly what I’m referring to. Why was everyone obsessed with these blow-up chairs anyway? They were vastly uncomfortable, made a strange sound every time you sat down, and were just aesthetically ghastly (i.e. the opposite of cool). Maybe it was the neon colors they came in that convinced people to buy them but, either way, this trend needs to stay in 1998.

Inflatable blow-up chair by Rhode Island Novelty

Stark concrete walls and floors

Brutalism gets a bad rap, but it has its merits as an historically significant (mid-century) architectural style. For interiors, however, it’s not ideal. Cold concrete floors and stark grey walls may aim for an ascetic, minimal look, but the results feel impersonal and not conducive for everyday living.

Hello Kitty-themed décor

Unless you’re an eight-year-old girl, you should never, under any circumstances, have Hello Kitty décor. Ever. Please stop with the pink cat already, we’ve seen enough.

Mirrored or glass coffee tables

Mirrored coffee tables are not only dated, they don’t really work well in a living room unless there are other mirrored objects around to complement them. And who wants a bunch of mirrored objects around you while you binge-watch Black Mirror on Netflix? Also, there’s something very irritating about setting down a mug or a glass on a glass table. Save your ears and nerves and buy a wooden table instead.

Overly embellished throw pillows

Throw pillows should never have any of the following: glitter, sequins, or charms of any kind. We get that it’s for show, but a pillow is still a pillow—it doesn’t need to double as a stand-in for a ’90s pop singer, too.

Side note: Any décor with the words “Live,” “Laugh,” or “Love” should also be thrown away—immediately.

Plants that aren’t real plants

If it’s made from silk or synthetics, it shouldn’t be in the form of a plant. Faux flowers in the house not only look tacky, they collect dust and are just outdated. Plus, with all the health benefits to real plants, why bother with the fake ones?

Want more design stories? Check out these 13 ways to instantly de-stress your home.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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