The gap between timeless and tired is smaller than you think—and in decorating, it disappears quickly. What begins as a thoughtful, distinctive design move can come across as overplayed once it hits mass production. The moment a detail shows up in the window of every high-street furniture store or gets filtered through the algorithm of a thousand lookalike Instagram rooms, its charm fades.
Right now, a few formerly beloved features are beginning to feel all too familiar. Not because they were never good ideas, but because they’ve been everywhere. Consider this an inventory of the elements that no longer surprise and delight—and may, in fact, be quietly dating your home.
Bouclé
Once a byword for elevated texture, bouclé—especially in go-with-anything neutrals like cream and beige—has become a decorating default. What was a refined, tactile choice now appears on nearly every mass-produced accent chair from Santa Monica to Shoreditch. “You see it everywhere,” agrees Elizabeth Lawrence, partner at Williams Lawrence.
When investing in new upholstery, it’s a safe bet to steer toward textures that aren’t so overhyped. “I’m leaning toward cotton blends with a bit of linen—it feels fresh, unfussy, and wears beautifully,” says Lawrence. For those still craving the cozy appeal of bouclé, Timothy Corrigan suggests a subtler pivot. “Bouclé ticks the boxes—soft, textured, neutral—but chenille offers more versatility,” he says. “It comes in every color and pattern imaginable and doesn’t scream ‘2020s.’”
Fluting
When done well, fluted woodwork or stone channels the elegance of Deco-era interiors or ancient architecture. But lately, fluting, stamped on everything from sideboards to soap dishes, has become the fastest route to convey that something is modern. “When you start seeing fully fluted furniture at every home furnishings outlet, it’s time to move on,” Corrigan says. For Scott Sottile, partner at Ferguson & Shamamian, it’s more about restraint: “Fluted finishes are handsome, but should be used sparingly so they don’t lose their meaning or impact.”
Beware of fluting on architectural elements that can’t be easily replaced (think bathroom vanities, kitchen islands, or built-in millwork) where the risk of looking dated down the line is far greater. “Instead of flutes, consider playing with steps and beads. You can design your own language that is unique to your project,” Sottile offers. “Relief carving can add interest and dimension in a more enduring way,” Corrigan adds.
Scalloped edges
Scalloped details have gone from a whimsical accent to an expected visual formula, showing up everywhere from children’s beds to carved stone backsplashes. As David Nicholls aptly puts it, “Once a design detail reaches the point of being memeable, it might be time to step away.”
“Scalloped edges came back into fashion as a direct result of the pendulum swing away from the hard, crisp lines of minimalism,” says Corrigan. “In general, curves and more organic shapes will be here for a while. But ubiquity diminishes impact.” Still obsessed? Consider small decor that can be easily swapped out, like a lamp shade or set of napkins.
Rattan lighting
Rattan pendants and sconces rose in popularity thanks to their natural texture and quietly sculptural forms. Though use of the material has exploded in recent years, it’s hardly new. Rattan has been a fixture of British interiors since the Victorian era and remains a hallmark of craftsmanship for brands like Soane Britain, which still produces pieces by hand in the U.K.’s last remaining rattan workshop. But what began as a considered celebration of the handmade has veered into a mass-produced moment. “It started with an overdose of wicker lighting,” says Corrigan. “But now we’re seeing just about everything made in rattan—from columns to urns.” If you’re drawn to the look, opt for accents that aren’t hardwired to your home.
Unlacquered brass
Brass once cut through a sea of chrome and polished nickel with its warmth and antique allure. But the love affair is dwindling. At this point, even the most considered brass tap can feel like a Pinterest holdover. “You have to want to live with the patina,” warns Sottile. “If not, it will quite literally look tired and worn. Polished nickel is a safe bet for always looking fresh and bright.”
Corrigan notes the pendulum swinging once again: “For years it was nickel, nickel, nickel. Then things went to polished and brushed brass. Now, most companies are looking for a more refined look—aged brass and bronze. In the meantime, mixing metals is a way to straddle the trends.”
Statement marble
If everything is a statement, then nothing is. That’s the lesson of today's boldly veined, floor-to-ceiling marble installations, which often give off an energy that’s theatrical rather than thoughtful.
“I’m seeing—and encouraging!—a move towards more subtle stones,” says Lawrence. “Bold, statement marbles are wonderful when used sparingly in a small bar or powder room. In larger rooms, there is a more restful quality to calmer tonal stones.”
“Walls and cabinetry can be repainted, but marble is a precious material and should be chosen for a timeless feel,” adds Sottile. “No one wants to be ripping up marble every few years.”
Corrigan, who recently toured quarries in Italy and India, says the shift is already underway. “There is a definite move away from strong, statement marble used in large slabs. We’ll be seeing quieter stones and creating marble mouldings that mimic the effect of wall paneling.”
Chunky furniture
Sculptural, curved furniture had its moment, but those exaggerated silhouettes are starting to be interpreted as more clunky than cocooning. “It’s time for chunky furniture to hop on the Ozempic bandwagon and slim down,” jokes Corrigan. “Scale is so important, especially if you have small or normal-sized rooms. But I do think the curved silhouettes will be around a little longer.”
Colour-drenched rooms
Painting every surface in a single shade, from cornice to skirting, isn’t new. But recently, it’s become a kind of decorative shorthand for “daring.” Unfortunately, it tends to read as overdetermined. “The bold use of color is a direct reaction to the years of grey-beige,” Corrigan explains. “But we’re seeing a move toward more nuanced and subtle shades—light tones like Eau de Nil and blush are coming back strong.”
Smart tech
We were promised frictionless living: voice-activated lighting, appliances that think for us, wall panels with sci-fi interfaces. Instead, we received a pile of instruction manuals and a lot of troubleshooting. “Technology is amazing—until it breaks or something better comes along,” says Lawrence. “You also have to understand how to use it. Is there anything more frustrating than trying to turn on your lights or speaker system and the app crashes?” Sottile agrees: “Smart appliances almost always seem to turn out to be more trouble than they’re worth. The key is not to give these items a permanent space. It’s best to use tabletop devices that can be swapped out easily as tech evolves.”
Built-in charging stations
USB ports in drawers and charging pads embedded in worktops were previously heralded as cutting-edge conveniences, but standards change, cables change, even the idea of plugging in is changing. “The biggest challenge is keeping up with the ever-changing technology. The latest smart systems become obsolete once they’re installed!” says Corrigan.
Plaster hoods & open shelving
Some kitchen design choices may look striking at first glance, but ultimately reveal a renovation that prioritised aesthetics over longevity. “Features like plaster hoods over ranges and open shelves instead of closed cabinets have passed their sell-by dates,” says Sottile. “These particularly feel like trends due to their focus on aesthetics over function.” His advice? Choose utility over novelty. “A thoughtfully laid-out kitchen that is designed to fulfill all of your needs will never go out of style.”
