Interior Designers Are Saying Goodbye to This Home Trend for Good

Our homes have always reflected what we value. Right now, authenticity tops the list. These days, homeowners are pushing back against the artificial—whether it's a countertop that looks like marble but feels too smooth, or a vinyl "wood" that doesn't creak underfoot. Instead of imposter materials and faux finishes, we're craving the real thing.

People are now drawn to the warmth and honesty that natural materials bring, and are embracing their imperfections. Interior designers are welcoming the twilight of fake materials, too—and hope that they don't come back in style anytime soon.

Why the Trend Caught On

At one point, faux finishes felt like a clever hack. When décor costs spiked during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, homeowners reached for imitations to get the high-end look on a budget, according to Julia Newman, founder of Julia Adele Design.

However, instead of stretching your budget or reaching for an imitation, she suggests looking for natural materials within your price range.

The Psychological Impact

“Neuroscience shows that our sensory systems respond to the micro-irregularities and tactile depth of natural materials,” says Anita Yokota, a home designer, licensed therapist, and author of Home Therapy. “Real wood, stone, linen, and clay all have subtle variations that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping our brains feel grounded and safe.”

Faux materials, however, can throw that balance off. “Vinyl planks or printed quartz might look convincing, but the brain picks up on the discrepancy,” she says. “There’s a kind of micro-dishonesty in texture and temperature, a mismatch between what we see and what we feel, that can create low-grade stress over time.”

Yokota believes the decline of faux finishes is part of a larger wellness shift. “People want homes that feel alive, not staged,” she says. “Natural materials breathe and age alongside us. That evolution supports emotional regulation and a sense of belonging."

Why the Trend Shouldn't Come Back

Not every trend deserves a second chance. According to Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, poorly executed imitation materials have no place in a thoughtfully designed home. "90 percent of vinyl plank flooring should never see the light of day again," she says.

The same goes for faux brick. “Brick veneer walls or backsplashes can look great if you’re investing in a high-end product, but most of what’s out there just looks cheap and forced," she adds.

Barber’s rule of thumb: if a material is pretending to be something it’s not, think twice. “You’re better off choosing something honest about what it is,” she notes. “Authenticity always reads better than imitation.”