4 Interior Design Trends We’re Over and What to Do Instead
Let’s be honest. Some design choices make us cringe a little. We’re an interior design studio here to make your vision become a reality, but we still have our opinions! Whether you’re designing a living room, planning a bedroom makeover, or choosing flooring, here’s how to avoid common decorating methods that can waste money and keep you from creating a timeless, intentional home.
1. The Matching Sofa & Side Chair (or the Entire Bedroom Set)
Ah yes, the good ol’ coordinated-to-death furniture set. Nothing says furniture showroom chic like a perfectly matched sofa and side chairs or an entire bedroom suite that looks like it was copy/pasted from a catalog.
Why It’s a No-Go:
A matching set can feel predictable, uninspired, and—dare we say it?—downright boring. It lacks depth, personality, and the layered look that makes a space feel collected over time.
What to Do Instead:
- In the bedroom, break up the monotony with mismatched nightstands or a bed frame that doesn’t scream “I came with the dresser and armoire!”
- Mix materials! A fabric sofa with leather chairs? Yes, please.
- Introduce different silhouettes—pair a structured couch with a cozy, curved chair.
2. The Patchwork of Real Wood & LVT Flooring
Look, we get it. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has come a long way. It’s durable, cost-effective, and a solid choice for homes with kids and pets. But mixing it inconsistently with real hardwood? That’s where things go south.
Why It’s a No-Go:
It’s like wearing a tuxedo jacket with gym shorts—it just doesn’t flow. The transition points often feel abrupt, and instead of blending seamlessly, they call attention to the fact that one material is trying really hard to be the other.
What to Do Instead:
- If budget allows, stick with one flooring type for a cohesive look.
- If you must mix, be intentional! Use LVT in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms, while keeping wood in the main living spaces.
- Consider using a distinct transition piece, like a threshold or border, rather than an awkward butt-joint.
3. The Area Rug That’s Two Sizes Too Small
You know the one. The postage stamp rug floating in the middle of a room, leaving all the furniture stranded like a deserted island. Nothing shrinks a space visually quite like a rug that doesn’t do its job.
Why It’s a No-Go:
A small rug makes a space feel disconnected and choppy. It can also make your carefully curated furniture look like it’s awkwardly tiptoeing around the room instead of being grounded.
What to Do Instead:
- In a living room, the rug should be big enough that at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it.
- In a dining room, it should be large enough to accommodate pulled-out chairs.
- In a bedroom, it should extend beyond the bed by at least 24 inches so your feet land on something soft when you wake up.
4. Exposed Light Bulbs
We love a good industrial moment, but let’s be real—if you can see the lightbulb, chances are your retinas are suffering.
Why It’s a No-Go:
Exposed bulbs can be harsh, unflattering, and straight-up blinding. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being interrogated at their own dinner table. Plus, it can make a space feel cold and unfinished rather than cozy and intentional.
What to Do Instead:
- Opt for frosted or diffused bulbs to soften the light.
- Use fixtures with shades, globes, or fabric diffusers to create a more ambient glow.
- If you love the industrial look, choose Edison-style bulbs with a warm, dimmable glow rather than stark, blue-toned LEDs.
The Bottom Line
Avoiding these common interior design mistakes can help create a home that feels intentional, balanced, and uniquely yours—not like a furniture showroom, a DIY flooring experiment gone wrong, or a rug that shrunk in the wash.
If you’re ready to transform your space with expert guidance, let’s chat! At Jackie Barnes Design, we specialize in thoughtful, mindful interiors designed for real life.
