Interior Designers’ Opinions on Avoided Home Trends

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for interior designers, but not every trend makes it into their personal homes. We’ve gathered insights from three experts on which popular design choices they would skip.
Meet the Experts


Zak Gilby, managing director and cofounder of DeVis Architecture, Jennifer Jones, principal designer and founder of Niche Interiors, and Rotem Eylor, CEO and founder of Republic Floors, share their thoughts.


Black and White Kitchens


While black and white kitchens are a classic choice, not all designers are fans. Zak Gilby appreciates the appeal but would avoid the maintenance issues. He notes, “White kitchens show every mark and stain, and many ‘durable’ white worktops fall short over time. Black kitchens highlight every scratch and speck of dust, making the space feel smaller unless it’s a large, open-plan room.” Gilby suggests softer colors like creams, beiges, and light greys with contrasting appliances for a modern look. “For a bolder more creative look, sage green or clay with terrazzo finishes can be both modern and inspiring,” he adds.


Open Shelving in Kitchens


Jennifer Jones from Niche Interiors is not a fan of open kitchen shelving. “It looks beautiful in magazines but not so much in real life,” she says. Gilby, on the other hand, prefers a mix of open and closed shelving for cleanliness and organization. “Open shelving should be limited just to items willing to be displayed and dusted regularly,” he advises.


Wallpaper in Full Bathrooms


Wallpaper is a popular choice for easy room transformations, but its use in full bathrooms is controversial. Jones warns, “Wallpaper and moisture do not mix. Stick to wallpapering your powder room.” However, there are moisture-resistant options for high-moisture areas if installed carefully.


Lacquered Flooring


Shiny floors are in vogue, but some designers are cautious. While they like a space to shine, they’re wary of overdoing it with lacquered flooring.


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Bold Lacquered Floors: The Appeal and Limitations


Rotem Eylor, CEO and Founder of Republic Floors, appreciates the bold appeal of lacquered floors, such as black-and-tan striped foyers. However, she admits she would not choose this look for her own home due to its overwhelming nature in smaller spaces and potential clashes with other design choices. Additionally, the constant maintenance required to keep these floors looking their best can be a deal-breaker for some designers. Eylor suggests that ‘Bold floors make a statement, but sometimes less really is more when you’re living with it every day.’


Mirrored Walls: A Trend with Drawbacks


Mirrored walls are making a comeback, with some designers praising their ability to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. However, Gilby disagrees, citing the impracticality of maintaining the mirrors, especially with children around. He says, ‘The fingerprints alone are enough to deter me! It’s a no-go for my own home.’ For those seeking the illusion of space, Gilby recommends using small, strategically placed mirrors out of children’s reach.


Small or Mosaic Tiles: A Designer’s Dilemma


Designers often have mixed feelings about small or mosaic tiles. While they can create stunning visual effects, Gilby points out that their installation requires the skill of an experienced professional. He warns that without attention to detail, the results can be disappointing. Additionally, the maintenance required for these tiles, due to the large amount of grout involved, can be a significant drawback. Gilby states, ‘While a broken tile is easier to replace in mosaic, I’d personally steer clear in my own home—unless I wanted endless conversations with the builder.’



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