7 Corny Interior Trends That You Need To Avoid
by Carlene Duffy
Posted: July 20, 2016
You know when something’s really hot that it’s going to die a sudden death. It happens in fashion (like with wedge high top sneakers) and interiors are not immune, writes The Block's Carlene Duffy.
Sometimes it feels like you have just worked up the courage to try out the latest interior trends and then it is gone and the next big thing has come along. It is all a matter of opinion and interior design is unquestionably a matter of tastes.
So take this to heart or with a grain of salt but here are my thoughts on seven done-to-death interior trends of the moment, which you probably need to avoid if you’re decorating your home this year.
1. Scandi (Scandinavian)

The combination of blonde timber furniture in clean, modernist forms, sheepskins, and pastels has become so popular and so mass-produced that even the $2 shops are stocking Scandi product. An all-Scandi interior has had its day, especially one done cheaply. It’s time to dirty things up.
2. Typography prints with cute sayings

Mass-produced typography prints are often seen hand-in-hand with a Scandi interior. Mass production here has also caused the death of this very popular trend of filling walls.
Every large department stores stock ready-made (sometimes framed prints with sweet phrases like, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” You know the ones. We can do better.
3. White on white

You can argue that white is a classic colour but I would argue it’s just safe. While it’s true that we all respond differently to different colours, many of us splash white on our walls because anything else takes a whole lot of faith and fat load of guts.
To be honest, the only time you should really restrict yourself to white walls is if you have immediate plans to sell and in this case, ‘safe’ is best to wide market appeal.
4. Feature walls

They have their place but I think we are all sick of seeing one wall painted a bold colour for no reason other than we are scared to paint all four walls a bold colour.
I do think TV walls should be painted a dark hue for the purpose of disguising the unsightly black TV but I implore homeowners to really think critically about why they are only painting one wall a colour they love. Why not try it out on the whole room?
5. Blush pink and powder blue homewares

It’s more the combination of these two pastel colours that I predict won’t stand the test of time. If we separate them and pair them with other colours we will get more longevity out of them.
6. Chevron

There was a huge chevron pattern movement a few years ago. It was everywhere; in cushions, in rugs, in décor. But this trend is passed the point of dying; it is dead.
Just another case of too much of a good thing.
7. Fiddle leaf figs

You’ve seen it; the decorator’s indoor plant of choice. We’ve killed it. It’s in every home, in every magazine, on everyone’s Instagram feed and the dream is over.
It’s a shame really because it is a pretty fantastic indoor plant, albeit way overpriced. I give you permission to opt for something more affordable and equally fabulous.
Want to learn more about a career in Interior Design? Read this career advice from Australia's leading interior design experts here.