The 15 Most Overused Home Decorating Trends That You Won’t See in 2019

By: Amanda Harding

Every year, design experts predict which home trends have staying power and which won’t last long after you pop the cork for your New Year’s Eve champagne toast. It’s good news for people who can’t stand shiplap and bad news for anyone who spent thousands trying to perfect the modern farmhouse: no trend can last forever. Sorry, Joanna Gaines.

Think about it. There was once a time when people thought it was a good idea to put carpets over hardwood floors. Seriously! Every trend has a beginning and an end. And while not every home décor idea will come back in style (we can probably let inflatable furniture go forever), there are many that will go out and come back in again. Who would have thought midcentury modern would become cool again? Besides Don Draper?

1. The modern farmhouse

It’s time for all those farmhouse fans to branch out and try a new aesthetic.

Next: People are overspending on this.

2. Expensive furniture updates

According to Modsy, an online design firm, more customers lately are interested in updating cheaper accessories rather than big ticket items. Pillows, rugs, lamps, coffee tables, and other smaller items can make the whole house feel fresh and won’t cost a fortune.

3. Millennial pink

According to Modsy, blues and neutrals are more popular now, but pastels (which is technically the umbrella millennial pink falls under) is one of the least desired options.

Next: Using too many of these is a mistake.

If your living room resembles a tropical jungle or your windowsill is so covered in succulents you can’t see it anymore, it might be time to scale back.

Next: This cheesy trend has been dying for a while.

5. Word art

Rifle through the décor section of your local craft store or Target and no doubt you’ll find plenty of word art signs emblazoned with words or phrases. Joanna Gaines is notorious for using this kind of décor in her remodels and helped popularize word art, especially farmhouse inspired signs.

But sometimes you can say more with a photo than you can with words. A lot of word art is trite, which is why so many people are moving away from this overplayed decorating trend.

6. Bold graphic wallpaper

Wallpaper might still be trending, but as for those over-the-top palm leaf prints, it’s time to let them go.

7. Gray walls

Neutral colors will always have a place in your home, but gray is on the decline for 2019.

Next: They say this will never go out of style, but it’s a little boring.

8. Subway tile backsplashes

Subway tile is one of those design elements that will always be popular because it’s cheap and easy to incoporate just about anywhere. But it also makes your home look like everyone else’s. In 2019, home trend experts predict that more colorful, unique backsplashes will take the place of plain subway tile.

Next: This 70s style decor was cool again for about 10 minutes. 

9. Macramé art

Speaking of trends coming back in style… macramé wall art made a big comeback in 2018 and started gracing all the trendiest homes. But as popular as macramé was for a moment, it’s now becoming oversaturated. Rather than choosing trendy art, pick pieces that mean something to you personally instead.

Next: It’s OK to own more than one single chair. 

10. Extreme minimalism

Getting rid of clutter is always advisable. But paring the room down too much makes your home appear sterile and uninviting. Colorful accessories, layered looks, and comfortable spaces are trending for 2019. It’s a lot more realistic and livable than the extreme minimalist looks of last year.

Next: Branch out on the finishes you’re using.

11. Copper everything

Next: You might think this is necessary for your living room, but it’s not.

12. Accent walls

Next: The kitchen is changing for 2019.

13. Cherry cabinets

Next: This is an unexpected change for countertops.

14. White countertops

In 2018, the solution to every design problem seemed to be the same: Make it white! Countertops were no exception. No matter what the material, everyone insisted on choosing lighter-hued counters in kitchens and bathrooms.

But that might change now. Design analysts predict that dark countertops will come back in style for 2019.

Next: This style of furniture is overused.

15. Mid-century overload

Mid-century modern fits in with the minimalist aspect that’s so popular right now. However, design experts recommend mixing different types of furniture rather than having every single piece fit into one single genre.

It’s ok to intersperse those MCM chairs with something traditional — promise.