As an interior designer, staying on top of the latest home trends is part of the job. However, not all trends are loved by designers. We asked three interior designers – 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) – to share which popular design choices they would skip in their own homes.
Black and White Kitchens The classic combination of black and white in kitchens may not be a hit with all designers. Zak Gilby sees the appeal but prefers to avoid the maintenance headaches. White kitchens show every mark and stain, and black kitchens highlight scratches and dust, making the space feel smaller unless it’s a large, open-plan room. Gilby suggests choosing softer creams, beiges, and light greys instead of white and adding a contrasting accent color with appliances. For a bolder look, sage green or clay with terrazzo finishes can be modern and inspiring. Open Shelving in Kitchen Designers generally like more shelving in the kitchen, but not open kitchen shelving. Jennifer Jones says it looks beautiful in magazines but not in real life. Gilby likes the look but prefers to combine it with closed cabinetry for cleanliness and organization. Open shelving should be limited to items willing to be displayed and dusted regularly. If you collect mugs or Tupperware, closed storage is a must. Wallpaper in a Full Bathroom Wallpaper is a retro trend loved by many designers for transforming rooms easily. But for Jones, wallpaper in a full bathroom is a no-go as wallpaper and moisture don’t mix. Stick to wallpapering your powder room. There are water-resistant wallpaper options for high-moisture environments but choose wisely and install carefully. Lacquered Flooring Designers like their spaces to shine but some are wary of overly shiny floors.When it comes to home design, professionals like Rotem Eylor, CEO and Founder of Republic Floors, have their own preferences. Eylor admits the allure of bold, lacquered floors, such as black-and-tan striped foyers, but confesses she would never opt for such a look in her own home. These patterns can be overwhelming in smaller spaces and may clash with other design elements. The ongoing maintenance to keep such floors in pristine condition is a significant deterrent for many designers. Eylor believes that ‘Bold floors make a statement, but sometimes less really is more when you’re living with it every day.’
Mirrored walls, a trend that’s making a comeback, are another design choice that some designers, like Gilby, would avoid. While they can make a room appear larger by reflecting light, the annoyance of fingerprints and the challenge of keeping them clean is a deal-breaker. Gilby states, ‘The fingerprints alone are enough to deter me! It’s a no-go for my own home.’ For families with children, the aesthetic of tiny prints on walls might not be desirable. However, for those seeking the illusion of space, small, strategically placed mirrors out of children’s reach could be a solution.
Small or mosaic tiles are another contentious design element. While they can create stunning visual effects, Gilby has a love-hate relationship with them. He mentions that intricate tile installations look best when done by experienced professionals. ‘Often, they’re challenging for contractors who aren’t tile specialists, and without that attention to detail, the results can fall flat,’ Gilby says. The maintenance required for grout cleaning with small tiles is also a concern. ‘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,’ he adds.