Trends home design pros are glad to leave behind

December 28, 2021



Architectural Digest Magazine recently polled architectural and design professionals on the housing design trends they would gladly leave behind as the pros begin a new year.
Here are some of their comments:
Stripped-down interiors
“I’m tired of seeing pared-down interiors obviously styled by real estate agents and stagers who feel that the only homes that sell are those that are basically empty and devoid of personal effects. Sadly, I think this look trickles down to a lot of editorial and advertising in the design world and DIY’ers who think this is what is on trend. Actually it’s the opposite, and I’m much more keen to see a place that has been lived in and loved that tells a story!” —Frank de Biasi, Frank de Biasi Interiors
Black kitchen and bath hardware
“A design trend I am ready to see go upon the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve is black kitchen and bath hardware. I know I will likely be slayed for this. As a lover of classic unlacquered brass, silver, and good-quality nickel, black hardware will forever feel trendy to me. Wesley Snipes famously said in the film Passenger 57, ‘Always bet on black.’ But he wasn’t referring to kitchen and bath fittings.” —Joy Moyler, Joy Moyler Interiors
“Modern barn” design
“Banal in both exterior and interior, the vaguely barn-like structures with all-white walls, black windows, bleached wide-oak flooring, and abstracted greige carpets inspired by the galaxy or jellyfish or other sea life in mauve-y, earthy color schemes. They look like depressing medical scans. Also, the black-and-white photography on the walls of horses, or sad gray days at the beach!” —Patrick Mele, Patrick Mele
Open floor plans
“With more people spending time at home during the pandemic, many are starting to realize that the separation of space is useful. No one wants to be on competing Zooms in the same kitchen/living/dining room. Having distinct spaces also allows each zone to have its own character, and having everything connected can make a space feel too cavernous when you are not entertaining. Defined, intimate spaces that offer everyday coziness will start to take priority over the once-a-year giant party.” —Rachel Bullock, LAUN Los Angeles