The calendar has flipped—and your decor just might follow.
Lots of homeowners long for a different rug or some fresh paint when the seasons change or in a new year, but sometimes the thought of making the wrong move can be paralyzing.
We’re here to say that taking on a refresh of your rooms is a worthy project that doesn’t have to give you angst.
In fact, our experts say it’s easier to simply skip certain styles and shades rather than strive to be on trend all the time.
As you look ahead this winter (and to spring!), don’t fall for the same old designs. By ditching these six looks, you’ll be on your way to a very stylish 2025.
1. Intense pattern and colors
A busy room is a lot to take in. Swirling designs on both the rug, pillows, and the ceiling conspire to hit on the first no-no of 2025, says Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D.
“Overly trendy, fast-moving patterns and excessive use of neon or super saturated colors can quickly date a space,” she explains. While bursts of color are exciting and fun, pairing them with a riot of dots and florals leads to circuit overload.”
A better bet: “Focus on classic palettes that allow your home to feel fresh and timeless.”
2. Mirrored pieces
Art deco decor from the 1920s and 1930s is a stylish look, but right now it feels out of date, reports Stephanie Carls, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot.
Mirrored pieces, like the cabinet seen above, are fading out, she says.
“With timeless materials like wood and velvet taking center stage for a more classic, versatile look.”
Plus, if you’ve got a slobbery dog or a toddler in the house, you know how annoying smudges on mirrors are (set yourself free!).
3. Gray on gray
Gray, beige, and a mix of the two (greige) will probably never leave us, but for 2025 the pros are suggesting we give these snoozy shades a rest.
“Gray-dominated interiors, once a staple of modern design, are starting to feel cold and uninspired,” says Carls.
Instead, turn toward earth tones for warmth—we’re going to need it in the coming months.
4. Open shelving
Truth: We’re praying this is the final word on open shelves in the kitchen. Sure, there’s one pro to the look—the trendy design is cheaper than actual cabinets—but the cons really sink it for good (hard to clean, some look cheap as heck, and you’re forever straightening them).
“In the kitchen, open shelving is being replaced by closed cabinetry that feels more streamlined and practical,” notes Carls. Your goal for 2025 should be to “create spaces that feel warm, functional, and uniquely yours,” she adds.
5. Boho chic
Intentional clutter is a thing, we’ll admit, but bohemian rooms still feel messy, say the pros. In fact, this look “can easily become cluttered and hard to maintain,” admits Moszczynski.
“Boho chic is on the way out thanks to its overuse of layered textures, tassels, and eclectic elements,” she continues.
But this doesn’t mean you have to toss all of your collections and special finds. Instead, make do with a little less in 2025.
Corral like items (vases, bowls, hats) into a streamlined tableau while storing others that don’t match. When you’re tired of the look, swap it out—and this way, you can rotate your things and give each grouping a moment to shine.
6. Enormous couches
Sure, everyone wants a big comfy place to flop and watch the big game or read a juicy novel. But huge sectionals can quickly look downtrodden after multiple people have napped and stretched all over them (think crushed pillows and sagging cushions).
And Moszczynski notes that the advantages of lots of seating are outweighed by other drawbacks, too.
“Oversized, cumbersome furniture that dominates, rather than compliments, a room’s flow is just not worth it,” she says.
If you’re having trouble squeezing around your sofa to get out of the room, it’s way too big.
Originally posted to Realtor.com by Jennifer Kelly Geddes
