The Outdated Design Trends We’re Ready to Say Goodbye to in 2023

The thing about design trends (or trends in general, really) is that at some point, a lot of them eventually go to an “outdated” and “overplayed” graveyard. Sure, there are some trends that have managed to become “timeless,” but more often than not, at some point when the craze dies down, most eventually are seen as passé. (But if you wait a few years or decades, they’ll eventually come back—“what’s old is new again” is truth.)

Recently we polled some of our favorite designers from the West to get their thoughts on what design trends will be big in 2023, but as a follow-up question, we asked them what will be “out” in 2023, too. Some of them didn’t hold back—you’ll see in their responses below.

Ultimately, though, decisions about a home’s design are up to the person who actually has to live there. Why follow a “trend” if it doesn’t match your own style or aesthetic? Or why throw out a piece you love because a designer says it’s over? So keep that in mind as you’re browsing what’s in and what’s out.

1. Cookie-Cutter Design

“I think we will be seeing less and less cookie-cutter designs and more bespoke, thoughtful, and individualized design projects,” says Justina Blakeney, founder and creative director of Jungalow. “I also think that designs that feel too harsh, stark, brutal, or ascetic will be ushered out the door!”

2. Mirrored Furniture

Paul Bradbury

“It’s always been around, but mirrored furniture is really looking dated and can skew towards being a bit tacky and unstylish,” explains Linda Hayslett of L.H. Designs.

3. White Everything

Nicole Peacock/EyeEm/Getty Images

“Don’t get me wrong, neutrals will have a mainstay always, but all white walls, kitchens, etc. are out,” says Corine Maggio of CM Natural Designs. “White can feel sterile and impersonal. I often hear people describe an all-white space as feeling staged/impersonal, boring, or cleaned up for resale. People want spaces with personality, comfort, and warmth.”

4. Terrazzo

Andrey Abryutin/Getty Images

“The new year will usher out terrazzo, and I think it’s time,” predicts Breegan Jane, designer, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert. “Terrazzo is very durable, but it can be costly. Replacing it with manufactured and natural stone will definitely be an upcoming trend we will see more of in 2023.”

5. The Minimal Neutral Look

Nicole Peacock/EyeEm/Getty Images

“Neutrals are great and can be done in an interesting way, but the minimal look that has lack of any substance can make a room feel general,” Hayslett explains. “For instance, the look of a cream/white sofa paired with a walnut coffee table and two sitting chairs in a solid, soft color for a living is not very interesting when there’s no texture or patterns breaking up the look. It may seem calming, but after a while will feel like something is missing, which is lack of personality.”

6. Zellige Tile

Gina Fiorito/Getty Images

“This is going to be controversial but I really think that zellige tiles are going to fall out of fashion in the new year,” Maggio predicts. “I love a beautiful handmade tile as much as the next person but it has been so popular to the point of being overdone. Rare is the client who doesn’t request this style of tile and so, like music and fashion, it will soon saturate the market and lose its novelty appeal.”

7. Lack of Substance

“People are starting to think that designing a space is getting some cute furniture pieces and getting random pillows and artwork to just have a room look like it’s done. But running out and just buying things for the sake of buying things doesn’t make a room come together and have soul,” Hayslett says. “People are realizing that in order for a room to resonate it’s not just buying something to fill the space; items should have meaning.”

8. Houseplants Everywhere

FollowTheFlow/Getty Images

“Plants have always been an important element in interiors, but during the pandemic, indoor plants had a particularly strong heyday,” Maggio explains. “People were home to take care of them and many people were looking for additional hobbies. Plants can be expensive but they can also be a relatively low cost form of joy and entertainment when you’re stuck at home all the time. But now that we’re all back out into the world, there is less time and attention to give to these leafy companions and so instead of a room full of them, I believe we’ll be seeing a more sensible, pared-down quantity of houseplants.”

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