Avoid these fading Trends- Don't be the home owner that "didn't get the memo!"
- Carrie Lucke
- Jun 1
- 6 min read
1. Cool Gray Everything
Let’s be honest—cool gray had a long run, and we needed a palette cleanse. While gray can still work in moderation, the overuse of icy, blue-toned shades left many spaces feeling sterile and flat. 2025 is all about warmth, depth, and richer hues that invite you in.
The Cool Gray Fade-Out
Cool gray tones have dominated interiors for well over a decade, rising to prominence in the early 2010s. Spurred by the minimalist movement and the rise of Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics, shades like icy silver, dove gray, and slate were celebrated for their sleek, modern appeal. They offered a neutral backdrop that designers and homeowners could easily pair with virtually any accent color, making them a safe and stylish choice. Gray walls became the hallmark of “tasteful” interiors, appearing in everything from real estate staging to glossy magazine spreads.
But as with all trends, ubiquity often breeds fatigue. What once felt fresh and modern has started to feel sterile and impersonal. The pandemic years accelerated this shift, as people spent more time at home and began craving warmth, comfort, and individuality in their spaces. Cool grays, once prized for their neutrality, are now criticized for making rooms feel cold and uninviting. As a result, many are turning to warmer, earthier hues—beiges, creams, taupes, and even rich, nature-inspired greens and terracottas—to inject life and coziness into their homes.
Today, a home swathed in cool gray can quickly date itself. Much like the Tuscan reds and golds of the early 2000s, cool grays now signal a specific design era—one we’re moving past. While they’re still functional in some modern or industrial contexts, their broad use as a default neutral is passed. If you're updating your space, swapping out cool gray for a warmer neutral is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel current and more connected to today's softer, more human-centric design ethos.
Gray isn’t gone for good—it’s just evolving. In today’s design aesthetic, the key is shifting from cool, steely grays to warmer, more nuanced shades like greige, mushroom, and taupe-gray. These tones bring a sense of calm and sophistication without the starkness of their cooler counterparts. Instead of making gray the star of the show, it works best now as a supporting element: think soft gray upholstery, textured rugs, or cabinetry that acts as a grounding backdrop for bolder choices. Pairing warm grays with natural materials, layered patterns, and accent colors—like ochre, olive, or blush—instantly updates the look, making it feel intentional and fresh rather than default and dated.
2. Black and White
Minimalism had its moment, but the stark black-and-white aesthetic is feeling tired. Design is leaning more toward layered, lived-in looks with softer contrasts and tonal warmth. That high-contrast drama? It’s starting to feel more like a formula than a feeling.
Few design styles have been as widely embraced—and as quickly saturated—as the modern farmhouse look, especially in its stark black-and-white form. Popularized in the mid-2010s by Chip and Joanna Gaines through their hit show Fixer Upper, the aesthetic brought rural charm into suburban and urban homes alike. Signature elements like board-and-batten siding, matte black light fixtures, white shiplap walls, and of course, those ubiquitous black-trimmed windows became hallmarks of a trend that felt equal parts cozy and clean-lined.
Initially, the black-and-white farmhouse felt like a refreshing antidote to the overly ornate or beige-heavy interiors of the 2000s. It offered contrast, simplicity, and a hint of rustic authenticity that resonated with a wide audience. But over time, this high-contrast, hyper-styled look became too predictable. Entire neighborhoods started to resemble carbon copies of one another, and the charm that made farmhouse feel special started to feel manufactured. What was once a fresh aesthetic is now starting to feel like a dated formula—especially as trends move toward more eclectic, personalized spaces.
One of the most enduring symbols of this fading trend is the black window frame. While undeniably striking, black windows are a commitment—and not always a wise one. They can dramatically limit your future design flexibility, locking you into a certain palette or style. Worse, they may overheat in sunnier climates, affecting energy efficiency. As preferences shift toward warmer, softer, and more timeless elements, features like black windows—once seen as edgy and modern—can quickly date a home.
If you still love aspects of farmhouse style, there’s no need to abandon it completely. Instead, consider softening the contrast. Opt for warmer whites, natural wood tones, and subtle textures over stark black-and-white juxtapositions. The goal now is less about replicating a look and more about creating a home that feels collected, personal, and quietly enduring.
3. Open Kitchen Shelving (It's Just Not That Practical)
Open shelving looks great in photos, but let’s be real—it’s not for the faint of heart. Unless you're a minimalist who owns matching dinnerware and zero clutter, the open-shelf look often created more stress than style. Cabinets with doors are back, and with them, a sense of sanity.
The Rise—and Reality—of Open Kitchen Shelving
Open shelving in the kitchen exploded in popularity over the past decade, touted as a fresh alternative to bulky upper cabinets. Inspired by the clean, airy look of European cafes, rustic farmhouses, and minimalist design, open shelves promised to make kitchens feel more spacious, curated, and approachable. As more people embraced open-concept living, they also craved kitchens that felt visually lighter and more connected to the rest of the home—and open shelving seemed like the answer.
But here’s the truth: unless you’re deeply committed to styling your shelves and comfortable with a bit of visual exposure, open shelving might be more of a hassle than a help. Unlike closed cabinets, where you can stash a mismatched mug collection or overstock of pantry staples, open shelves demand a level of order and aesthetic consistency that not everyone has time for. They can quickly look cluttered or dusty, and if your everyday dishes aren’t display-worthy, the whole look can fall flat.
That said, for the right kind of homeowner, open shelving can be both beautiful and functional. If you have a collection of handmade pottery, matching dinnerware, or vintage glassware, open shelves give you a chance to showcase your style while keeping essentials within easy reach. They’re also a budget-friendly option during a remodel—cutting down on cabinetry costs while allowing for a more customized arrangement. The key is being honest with yourself: do you enjoy keeping things neat and curated, or will it turn into visual chaos within a week?
As with many trends, open kitchen shelving works best when it fits your lifestyle—not just your Pinterest board. If you love the look but aren’t sure about full commitment, consider a hybrid approach: keep upper cabinets where you need closed storage, and reserve a smaller area for open shelves to display your favorite pieces. That way, you get the best of both form and function.
So - Bring on the pattern and color. Think about how you live and if you are capable or interested in keeping open shelves tidy. And - don't go too far with stark contrasts like Black and White. Think Warm, Think subtle, rich and muddy colors. Layer of design that make us feel enveloped . All these design moves are timeless and always pleasing when done well and in a personal way. If you make you home uniquely you there is far less concern about it looking off trend in the years to come. The best way to keep your home timeless is to avoid any trend all together. Make you home full of layers of pattern and color that reflect your life and it will, quite literally, never go out of style!!
Need help making your place reflect your personal style - get in touch with me here to discuss your next project. Get in Touch Here https://www.carrieluckedesigns.com/contact
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