4 design trends I hope disappear in the near future (and three that can stay forever)

Boy am I sticking my neck out for I know I will get a lot of “hate” mail for some of the items on this list.  Don’t get me wrong….I love a good trend and I admire those who introduce trends into their home’s decor.  But some trends catch on so quickly and so vastly that I see them in every single blog post, pinterest photo, houzz ideabook, magazine cover and model home.  Let’s see if you agree with me (and don’t be afraid to tell me if you don’t…I can take it because I plan on reading the comments with a bottle of my favorite chardonnay nearby to kill the pain).

1. Fiddle leaf plants.  I love plants and fresh flowers and all living things but this humongous plant seems to be multiplying as fast as a rabbit and appearing in every single room setting I see lately.
2. Chevron.  Oh, I can hear the screams now!  But I am so over chevron patterns on everything from throw pillows to window treatments to floor patterns to upholstered furniture to dishware to glassware to painted furniture to …see what I mean.
3. Orange and turquoise color scheme.  Another colorful trend that seems to be enjoyed by many.  While I like both colors and, in some instances, together, I prefer to use them in my jewelry and summer barbecue outfits.  A hint of one or the other is fine but an entire room….not so much.
4. Chalk paint.  While this is not one of my favorite looks I do appreciate it when used properly i.e. in Rachel Ashwell’s home.  But I am a little bored with Grandma’s dining room server with a coat of chalky white paint and hand-rusted hardware.  It was already an antique, why make it look even older and more distressed?

And the three trends I hope are around forever?

1. Glass tiles.  These little works of art offer such a luminous glow to any kitchen or bath and the color combinations that are available are truly stunning.
2. Black accents.  I don’t care how it is used, I have always felt that a touch of black is necessary in every well-decorated room.  It could be a lampshade, picture frame or vase or something larger like window moldings or upholstery fabric…..it just works.
3.  Animal prints.  This classic pattern has been popular for centuries and remains so to this day so I guess I do not have to worry about it going out of style.  I am not talking about a safari themed room here…I am referring to the chic animal prints that appear in carpeting, on upholstery fabrics and even home accessories.

I said three but I can think of many more–edison bulbs, subway tiles, wood floors, nesting tables, sisal rugs, mid-century furniture, the color red in any form, gourd lamps, gallery walls, custom anything.  What are your three favorite and least favorite (you know you have one) design trends?

OK, I have said my piece.  If you are hanging on to one of the trends that just might be a bit over-used, as Queen Elsa sings in “Frozen“–let it go.  Scale back or replace them completely with something new and unique.

Speaking of Queen Elsa, if you have anyone in your home under the age of 10, then you already are familiar with the popularity of this movie and song.  And my 2 year old granddaughter is here to prove it (when she put on this costume she thought she was stunning and said “I really am a princess now”.  Melt my heart!!