These 7 Home Décor Trends Are a Big Waste of Money, Interior Designers Warn

Your home décor is one of the bigger long-term investments you'll make, so it's worth thinking beyond quick fixes or cheap thrills. Sure, it can be tempting to buy a trendy discount piece or something mass-produced, but these things can end up costing you when you inevitably have to replace them.

Instead, designers suggest slowing down and focusing on timeless, high-quality pieces that add comfort, durability, and character to your space. These are the kinds of investments that don’t just fill a room, but actually elevate it. Here, interior designers share the trends to stay away from and what to do instead.

Paint Trends

Color drenching and vibrant hues may be all the rage now, but the look may not last. “I know everybody’s into it,” says Colleen Bennett, founder of CBB Design Firm, “but I’d recommend using them as minimally as possible. You’ll end up with a green wall, green tile, green floor, and be stuck with it.”

Instead: Designers recommend sticking to the classics—and natural materials like marble and wood never go out of style. Soft hues, pastels, and off-whites are always in. If bold shades are really your thing, then go ahead and commit to them—but think carefully before diving into a fleeting color trend.

Designer Throw Blankets

“That $2,000 logo throw might signal status, but it rarely adds true personality or warmth to a space,” says interior designer Cathryn Lindsey. “These pieces often become more about the label than the design, making them feel unoriginal ... and they can date quickly as trends shift.”

While certainly a conversation starter, these blankets aren't always the best investment—especially if the appeal is driven more by branding than craftsmanship. 

Instead: Look for textiles with lasting style and substance, like handwoven throws or unique artisan pieces. These add genuine texture and warmth to your space, while staying timeless long after the current “it” brand has faded from Instagram feeds.

“Opt for a cashmere or wool blend in a solid or subtle pattern,” says Lindsey. “It will feel just as luxurious for a fraction of the price, work seamlessly with your palette, and remain timeless."

Faux Plants

These will never be elegant. Beyond being plastic dust collectors, faux plants almost always look fake, no matter how much you spend. They don’t bring the same energy, texture, or natural variation that real greenery adds to a room, and over time, they just take up space. Real or preserved, plants should feel intentional and organic—not mass-produced.

Instead: Opt for pet-friendly plants, low-maintenance succulents, or statement greenery that can thrive in your home’s light conditions. Dried arrangements or preserved bouquets are another great option.

Disposable Furniture

No matter how tempting the price tag, low-grade, disposable furniture is rarely worth it. “It’s filling landfills, it’s poorly made, and it’s not custom,” says Bennett. While these trendy pieces may seem like a smart short-term solution, they often have an equally short shelf life, both in style and in construction. Within a few years (or months), they can look worn or break down.

Instead: Investing in fewer, better-quality pieces made from solid wood, metal, or other durable materials pays off over time in terms of aesthetics and environmental impact.

“Get pieces that fit your space. If you can’t afford fully custom, then there are always customizable options in your price range,” says Bennett. Vintage furniture is another smart choice, providing durability, character, and a timeless look.

Themed or Seasonal Décor

“Rooms built entirely around one character, motif, or hyper-specific trend can feel exciting in the moment, but they drastically limit a space’s longevity—especially when it comes to kids' rooms or TikTok-fueled fads,” says Lindsey.

Tastes change quickly, and redoing an entire room can be costly and time-consuming. Instead, incorporate small, changeable accents, like swapping out seasonal flowers, rather than completely overhauling your décor.

Instead: Build a timeless foundation with color, texture, and quality pieces, then weave in small, flexible nods to the theme. This way, you get the personality and fun now—along with the freedom to evolve the space later.

Overdone Gallery Walls

Gallery walls and bold accent walls have been repeated so often in recent years that they can feel more like default design choices than intentional ones. They can also dominate and overwhelm a room.

“As with any trend, interior design styles can lose impact when overdone,” says Danielle Castagna, interior design expert at online custom framing service Level Frames. “From paneling to accent walls, what once felt like a fresh home upgrade can quickly start to look dated.” 

Instead: “You can achieve the same visual impact with a fresher look by hanging a single, large statement piece of art, or even multi-panel artwork to fill the span of a wider space,” Castagna says.

A seasonal art rotation is another option, allowing you to switch up styles, moods, and colors throughout the year without repainting or re-wallpapering.

Hidden Tech

Not all those hidden gadgets and ultra-discreet features are worth it.

“Built-in TVs that drop from the ceiling or invisible speakers embedded in walls can be wildly expensive, and in just a few years, the technology is outdated or difficult to repair,” says Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D. “You’re essentially paying for a magic trick that doesn’t age well.”

Instead: Opt for stylish, high-quality, visible tech with a timeless design. A well-framed, wall-mounted TV, for example, can blend seamlessly with your décor, while remaining easy to update, maintain, or repurpose.

This approach keeps your space functional, future-proof, and free from expensive surprises.