9 Decor Trends That Quietly Disappeared Last Year

Trends come and go so frequently, it can be hard to keep track of them all. In fact, we’re usually so focused on the next big thing that when a certain color or style bows out gracefully, we don’t even notice. According to three interior designers, these are the trends that faded fast in 2025 and are no longer showing up in their Southern clients’ homes.

Overly Precious Spaces

We can vouch for the fact that styled shoots in magazines are just that—styled. Even those who design and live in those spaces don’t keep them looking that good, and you shouldn’t feel pressure to keep yours picture-perfect either. “Families want rooms that can handle everyday life with kids, pets, gatherings, and messes—a home should feel welcoming and usable first, beautiful second,” insists Jessica Whitley, an interior designer in Athens, Georgia. “A home should feel welcoming and usable first, beautiful second.” This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice form for function: livable fabrics, durable finishes, and thoughtful layouts can all ensure your home remains both low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing.

White Shiplap

Even in coastal vacation home projects, Heather Chadwick, senior designer at O’Hara Interiors in Austin, Texas, still isn’t seeing white shiplap as often. “Instead, if it’s used, we’re more likely to use shiplap as a wainscotting that lines up with a chair rail height,” she explains. “It’s a different take on a traditional beadboard finish detail.” Of course, shiplap that came with the house, so to speak, is an exception—original character will always be in style.

Black Fixtures

According to Dusti Jones, an interior designer in San Antonio, Texas, black fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens are in less demand now than they were over the last 10 years. After reaching peak market saturation, interest is tapering off. “People have gladly moved past basic black to metal finishes like coppers, golds, and even polished nickel,” she says.

Open Shelving

While Esther Ellard, founder and principal designer of Georgia-based Effortless Designs, advocates for how striking open shelving can be when strategically placed within the home, she also admits it can sometimes be unrealistic. “Many are finding that the lack of hidden storage is pretty much impractical for daily living,” she explains.

Chadwick agrees, adding that “design continues to move toward a more pared-back aesthetic,” and that “concealing everyday items helps spaces feel calmer and more organized,” which ultimately makes them more refined.

Kitchens Without Function

We all dream of having a beautiful kitchen, but the trend of prioritizing aesthetics without considering where kids do homework or guests naturally gather is being rethought. “When gathering and cooking zones overlap poorly, kitchens feel chaotic,” Whitley says. “The best kitchens support family life, conversation, and togetherness without interrupting function.”

Wet Rooms

A bathroom with both a curbless shower and a separate tub, proponents of wet rooms often talk up their spa-like vibe, but according to Jones, they don’t have as many fans as they once did. This is likely because of how much more expensive they can be, due to the tiling and waterproofing required. That said, Jones notes that there are times when they can make most sense for a layout or provide the opportunity for aging in place.

Homogeneous Design

“Homes that are designed around one single theme are starting to fade,” says Ellard. “Instead, people are gravitating to homes that blend styles and themes to reflect a homeowner’s lifestyle.” Not to mention, they tend to be much more visually interesting, which is one of the reasons why matching furniture sets are also on the outs, according to Whitley.

“They simply don’t reflect the way families actually collect and use pieces over time,” she describes. “Mixing heirlooms, antiques, and comfortable upholstered pieces creates spaces that feel personal and timeless.”

Bouclé

While clients still very much desire texture, Jones is seeing fewer requests for bouclé. “Today, the trend is translating into textiles with pattern on pattern, curtains, and accessories, as well as furniture with trims, fringe, tassels, and piping,” the designer lists. While bouclé was fun for a moment, people are moving on to even more unique options now.

Single Finishes

Selecting just one metal finish in the bathroom or the kitchen used to be a no-brainer, but Jones says that it’s no longer the standard. Today, more fun is being had with combinations like unlacquered brass and polished nickel. “Using two metal finishes in a kitchen or a bathroom needs to be done with planning and balance, but when done well, the result is a space that feels elevated and bespoke,” she insists.