I'm a Home Editor And Here Are 5 Trends I'm Officially Done With

In the not-so-distant past (aka, less than a year ago by decor trend standards), we were all about midcentury modern silhouettes, bouclé textures and fluted wood accents—a result of the post-pandemic shift from modern farmhouse to ‘70s minimalism. But as I look ahead to 2025, I’m noticing these trends leave a stale, sterile taste in my mouth. The structured curves of bouclé may look chic, but they lack comfort (and practicality). And while fluted details and matte cabinetry have reigned supreme in the kitchen, these elements have soured from buzzy to banal. Too predictable and one-dimensional—and, on the practicality front, those gloss-free, crevice-laden finishes can be a pain to clean.
This year, it’s all about injecting warmth and depth into our spaces. Think: burlwood furniture with rich, swirling grains or New England-inspired scallops that bring a playful yet sophisticated edge. We’re also moving away from cottagecore-beloved staples, like rattan and florals, and leaning into more textured, layered interiors that tell a story. So below, find five design trends I’m officially retiring, plus what to replace them with to make your space feel fresh as we close out 2024.

Shabby chic aesthetics, or cottagecore, exploded on TikTok and Instagram during the pandemic, thanks to DIY enthusiasts having too much time on their hands. Influencers aimed to transform their homes into dreamy, countryside retreats, featuring everything from whimsical floral curtains and embroidered pillows to faux fireplace mantels. Yet, while the DIY approach to this look may have started out of necessity (to spare us from going insane), the once-tranquil vibe now feels more like a museum of grandma’s attic. The overstuffed florals and invasion of homemade moldings now feel like overkill. It quickly turned into a case of too much of a good thing—and now these spaces feel more chaotic than cozy.

It’s time to elevate the charm of cottagecore with a more polished, thoughtful approach. You can keep some of the DIY spirit alive, but focus on quality over quantity (as in, DIY paneled moldings or a faux fireplace—not both). Stick to one standout floral element, whether it’s a mantle print or a vase of flowers, but ditch the full room of florals for a more streamlined look. You’ll also want to swap out gray and sage color schemes for more sophisticated tones, like burnt orange, burgundy or chocolate velvet. The idea is to keep the warmth and whimsy, but with a more curated, lived-in feel that’s far more sustainable heading into 2025.

Joanna Gaines was one of the biggest drivers behind the matte farmhouse trend, making it synonymous with clean, modern-yet-rustic spaces. Her use of matte blue-gray cabinetry and brick backsplashes on Fixer Upper became the go-to blueprint for anyone looking to replicate her signature farmhouse aesthetic. However, as we move into 2025, even Gaines herself has moved away from this once-beloved style. The combination of endless matte cabinetry and whitewashed brick creates a flat, almost lifeless space. Plus, while matte finishes may look sleek, they show every fingerprint and smudge (making them more trouble than they’re worth). Now, like many of us, Jo herself is favoring a more textured, personality-driven look—as evidenced in her latest Lakehouse flip.

This trend builds on the foundation of matte farmhouse but elevates it with a Mediterranean-inspired twist. Start by swapping those cool matte grays for earthy tones like taupe, terracotta and ecru. You also want to opt for glossy finishes and incorporate natural stone—like limestone backsplashes or Calcutta marble countertops—to introduce texture and depth. And instead of flat, matte-painted cabinetry, choose reclaimed wood or light oak to add warmth. The key is balancing sleek modern lines with organic textures, creating a more lived-in, inviting feel.

For the past few years, bouclé and curvy furniture have had a serious moment. With soft, sculptural silhouettes showing up in everything from sofas to armchairs, it became synonymous with a luxe, minimalist vibe—particularly in Scandinavian interiors. But while structured curves might be nice to look at on your feed, they tend to lack the comfort you want for everyday lounging. The overtly sculptural furniture feels limiting in terms of flexibility, and those curved, firm cushions are far from welcoming for a cozy family movie night. What’s more, bouclé fabric is notoriously difficult to clean, making it a high-maintenance option that many are ready to move on from. What was once stylish now feels a bit impractical, and it’s time to prioritize function without losing luxury.

If you’re looking to keep a bold, high-end aesthetic, leather is the new bouclé. This year is all about swapping structured bouclé pieces for sumptuous leather seating that combines style and comfort. Leather, especially in saddle and caramel tones, brings warmth and sophistication to a room—and unlike bouclé, it’s easy to clean and ages beautifully. (Picture: a dark brown leather channeled sectional that’s soft enough to sink into.) Throw in some sheepskin pillows and textured throws for extra coziness, and you have a living room that’s perfect for binge-watching Netflix while still prompting envious guests to ask where your sofa is from.

Four years ago, I called that fluted details would be huge in 2021—and they were. With their vertical lines and sleek, minimalist appeal, flutes brought a ‘70s midcentury modern vibe back into the spotlight. (Designers leaned heavily on this look to create a streamlined yet dimensional effect.) However, as we head into 2025, this style is starting to feel stiff and predictable. The rigid, repetitive lines create a sense of uniformity that, while sleek, lacks warmth and personality. The trend's minimalist roots also make it difficult to inject other forms of charm into the space, making rooms feel more like sterile showrooms than lived-in gathering spaces. With an emphasis on ultra-modernity, the look now feels devoid of character and disconnected from the cozy, inviting environments we’re craving.

The focus is shifting toward the soft, traditional interiors we saw in ‘90s New England homes (picture Nancy Meyers and The Family Stone). As seen in the right image above, scalloped edges on the kitchen stools and range hood offer a warm, playful injection. It’s a nod to classic New England interiors, bringing an element of nostalgia with an eclectic twist. To that end, you want to pair scalloped accents with natural wood tones and textured stone to create an elevated space that’s filled with personality. The scallops add a whimsical, detailed touch that contrasts the flutes harsher lines—making the whole vibe feel elevated yet approachable.

With its airy, natural vibe, it’s easy to see why rattan has gained major traction over the last few years. It was particularly popular in the bedroom, with woven, light oak headboards and cane dressers that were versatile enough to fit boho-chic and modern farmhouse aesthetics alike. That said, while rattan is simple and monochrome, it ultimately creates a space that feels flat and one-dimensional. The all-neutral palette can bring a sense of sterility, with little texture or warmth to make the room feel inviting. And as we move toward more layered, character-filled interiors in 2025, rattan now feels too minimalist and mainstream to serve as a focal point.

As seen in the right image above, burlwood brings an immediate sense of luxury and warmth. With unique, swirling grains and deep honey tones, the texture adds visual intrigue while maintaining a rustic, yet refined feel. Unlike rattan, a burlwood headboard can serve as a striking statement piece that feels unique and distinctive. It emphasizes dimension, depth and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship—offering the opposite of rattan’s commercial allure.