They say that style trends, especially in fashion, come and go. But for fresh, inventive interior design, experts say that some trends should just stay in the past. Interior designers reveal the worst trends homeowners used to obsess with throughout the ages, and now they’re just thankful that these ugly designs have come and gone.
Popcorn ceilings
Interior design experts agree that popcorn ceilings are a lazy excuse to incorporate texture into the room. Their rough finish throws off the feel of an otherwise clean and fresh vibe. Designers say that if you want to add texture to your ceiling, a good alternative would be to treat it like a fifth wall and paint it a solid color. This way, your ceiling would still be eye-catching minus the weird surface.
Not only are they hideous, popcorn ceilings can also be dangerous. Many houses built in the late ’30s through the ’90s have popcorn ceilings. This was a time when asbestos was a popular material in residential construction. Exposure to large quantities of asbestos can cause lung cancer and other diseases of the lungs. This continued until the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of asbestos in textured ceiling paint in 1977.
Tile countertops
Tiles became popular during the late ’70s until the ’80s. Most houses built in this era used tiles extensively in bathrooms and kitchens, primarily because they’re cheap. But today, plenty of materials have surfaced that are much more aesthetically pleasing than tiles, such as quartz and marble slabs.
On top of its outdated look, tile countertops are harder to maintain and prone to breakage. And if you don’t clean them properly, they can easily be breeding spots for germs and mold.
You can still use tiles if you prefer a cheaper material for your countertops. But instead of individual square tiles, pick ceramic slabs or panels, which look sleeker and are easier to clean.
Floral everything
The ’80s loved florals, so they ended up on almost every part of the room. The ’80s was the era of floral furniture, floral wallpapers, and matching floral beddings, but interior designers agree that this aesthetic screamed “grandma’s house.” Instead of designing your house as if it exploded with flowers, use flowers only as an accent for a classier look.
Carpeted walls and bathrooms
In the late ’70s and ’80s, people covered their floors and walls – even their bathrooms. Perhaps you still remember those carpet toilet bowl covers and matching rug sets in the bathroom of your childhood home. Design experts say that on top of looking tacky, wall-to-wall carpeting is hard to clean, promote dust and allergens, and are obvious fire hazards.
Carpets in bathrooms are an unhygienic idea as well. They’re prone to water splashes that can encourage mold growth. Amounts of urine and fecal matter can also easily splatter on the rug, which attract bacteria and germs.
Inspirational Phrases and Letter Blocking Artwork
Interior designers agree that “Home Sweet Home” wall artworks are, at best, cheesy and, at worst, gaudy. If you want your interiors to send a message, you can do so by creating context with different design elements. Use photographs, colors, and patterns, and other decorative pieces.
For example, if you want your guests to feel at home, create a cozy atmosphere with plush throw pillows, have wide, open windows, soft lighting, and warm colors.
Thankfully, plenty of design styles have popped up over the years that are more pleasing to the eye. And if you want to avoid these design blunders, you can always seek the advice of an experienced interior designer. But keep in mind that your house is still your home. Don’t be too focused on what style is trendy that you end up compromising comfort and your personal taste.