As an interior design tastemaker I share my decor do’s and don’ts
"Cringe," a contentious and widely discussed term of criticism, has sparked fervent debates across the internet, and the design world is not immune to its influence. While numerous influencers, trendsetters, and content creators within this domain openly express their adoration for various elements, there are just as many who are unreserved in sharing their disapproval for particular home decor trends. Nonetheless, we continue to seek guidance from those with a keen sense of style. Although we may consider ourselves well-versed in the field, we believe that no one is better suited to enlighten us on the home decor trends that ought to be discarded this year. Thus, here is my straightforward assessment of the most lamentable and cringe-worthy home decor trends currently in vogue.
1
FAST FURNITURE
Rapidly produced furniture that transforms your home into an impersonal catalogue display.
Fast furniture and mass-market retailers are a slippery slope to spending money unwisely. My first concern is lies in sustainability, durability and responsibility, instead of investing in items meant to be cherished for an extended duration. Look at brands that are good quality and Discovering vintage furniture pieces that are still in excellent condition and actively searching for them.
bothered by consumers who are overly influenced by the displays in mass-market retailers and aspire to mimic catalog-style homes. It's too impersonal, far from curated. I emphasise how a sustainable approach can also be the most stylish and I recommend acquiring secondhand items, embracing resourcefulness, and exploring unique or pre-owned treasures in various locations.
2
DESIGNER DUPES
That feel even worse than they look good
With the widespread access to design, courtesy of social media, the temptation to desire and covet "It" furniture items is quite common. Furthermore, affordable replicas of designer pieces make this temptation even more enticing. However, many of the content creators we consulted have grown tired of this trend.
While I appreciate the idea of making design accessible, I'm not a fan of poorly executed reproductions of iconic pieces that feel like a distorted version of the beloved Ultrafragola mirror. Additionally, a significant number of these furniture replicas are surprisingly uncomfortable. Instead of opting for a knockoff of a designer item, consider finding a well-crafted piece from the same era or something inspired by that bulbous Camaleonda sofa you adore, even if it's not an exact match.
If you're enamoured with a high-value investment piece, use it as inspiration to explore lesser-known designer items, delve into vintage options, or wait until it goes out of style to snag a deal. Prioritising personal style over trends is key, as I firmly believe that the most cringe-worthy thing is blindly following trends rather than embracing what genuinely brings you joy and resonates with you. What I may not like might not matter if you genuinely love it. My motto is simple: If you love it, showcase it in your home; after all, you have to look at it and derive joy from it." We couldn't agree more!
3
CLUTTERCORE
The new “hoarder without the mould” maximalist
Excessive indulgence in maximalism, purely for the sake of it, can lead to an overwhelming amount of objects in a room, giving off the impression of hoarding without the associated issues. The challenging upkeep of such spaces is a compelling reason to reconsider the maximalist trend. One must be strategic in item placement to maintain an aesthetically pleasing look while ensuring there's still space for everything else. To steer clear of getting too deeply entrenched in a cluttercore aesthetic, incorporate small elements from current trends that genuinely excite you, all while retaining cherished elements from your past tastes and projects.
4
MONOCROMATIC
Designs lacking in individuality.
Similar to maximalism, an excessive reliance on a single colour can become excessive, a monochromatic design that lacks variety in terms of saturation and pattern doesn't satisfy people's desire for diverse aesthetics. The era of all-white designs is a thing of the past.
5
POINTLESS PAINT-FLIPPING
For no good reason
This unbearable trend originated from the practice of furniture flipping. Numerous DIY videos showcase individuals refurbishing wooden furniture. They strip it down, and then paint it in peculiar, even grotesque colours like lavender or gaudy shades of green with brass accents, and the end result isn't aesthetically pleasing. In my view, with proper context and research, they could transform these pieces into something timeless and contemporary, rather than engaging in a passing trend just for Instagram, which often involves altering or even ruining a previously beautiful piece. Additionally, attempting to conceal the natural wood's craftsmanship is particularly cringeworthy – we end up losing the distinctive wood grain and the warmth it brings to the piece
6
WEIRD & BLOBBY
Reserve the awkward, amorphous furniture for the amusement park
An abundance of highly curvaceous statement pieces in a room can result in an excessive lack of structure, evoking the feeling of a funhouse. Achieving a sense of equilibrium is crucial by harmoniously blending these organic designs with sleek lines, thus crafting something that is both captivating and dynamic, yet well-defined. Moreover, many of these furnishings tend to lack ergonomic comfort, a concern highlighted by the recent popularity of inflatable furniture. While it might have a place in a teenager's bedroom, it doesn't harmonise with upscale and refined interiors. Dealing with curved designs presents an entirely new set of challenges.
If you're gearing up for a renovation project in the upcoming year and require interior design support, feel free to reach out to us. At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch.
Katie
Katie Longshaw-Pye
Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors
Ribble Valley