As we welcome the new year and look forward to new beginnings, we are sure you might have some plans of refreshing your home interiors a little. With various new decor aesthetics in vogue in recent years, homeowners are looking forward to up their interior decor game. But the important thing to consider is, where to start? With so many ideas and styles, confusion is inevitable. What if you end up making a wrong choice? So in order to make your job easier and avoid errors, we have compiled a list of decor mistakes you should steer clear of while giving your home an upgrade in 2025.
See also: What is maximalist decor for homes?
Overusing AI-integrated smart decor
The 2020s is the decade of AI. And as AI makes its way to most spheres of life, filling up your home with tech-based items like smart mirrors, speakers, lighting and other appliances might seem an attractive option. However, excessive tech-integration can overwhelm the space and detract from the cosy atmosphere.
For example, a home filled with several voice-activated devices competing for attention can possibly result in overstimulation, functionality overload and tech malfunctions. Instead, it is recommended to only choose a few devices that integrate seamlessly and offer meaningful benefits. A smart thermostat or lighting system is more beneficial than AI art frames or mirrors.
Over-the-top maximalism
After a long period of millennials prioritising minimalist simplicity and functionality, maximalism is all set to make its comeback as a new generation steps in. But misinterpreting maximalism as an excuse to fill every inch of space with bold colours, clashing patterns and excessive decor would be a visual fiasco.
Avoid using brightly patterned wallpapers, oversized velvet furniture in neon colours and an overload of mismatched accessories in combination with each other. It is better to anchor the room tastefully with a neutral base, like white or beige walls, and add vibrant layers selectively. Bold furniture can be paired with monochromatic rugs and the patterns should follow a cohesive colour palette.
Neglecting biophilic design principles
Progress and modernity often tends to leave nature behind. Missing out on the benefits of incorporating natural elements into your home remains a key trend in 2025 for promoting wellness and reducing stress. A home without some indoor plants, natural light, or organic materials can feel uninspiring and disconnected from nature.
Make sure to incorporate ample greenery in your space with easy-to-maintain plants like pothos or snake plants. Furniture made from natural materials like rattan can add some textural depth and tactile element to the space. Swap heavy curtains for sheer ones to let in as much sunlight as possible.
Relying on fast furniture
In the era of constantly changing trends, fast furniture can be an appealing and inexpensive option, especially for new homeowners. But buying cheap, mass-produced furniture, solely for the purpose of adapting to trends can lead to increased waste production and environmental impact.
Purchasing a trendy piece of furniture made of low-quality materials that chips or breaks within a year is never a smart consumer choice. Instead, invest in timeless and durable pieces made from sustainable materials like solid wood or metal. If you are looking for more cost-effective options, you can explore secondhand or vintage thrift stores.
Ignoring multi-functional spaces
With more and more people opting for compact, easy-to-maintain homes, it becomes essential to make the most of every inch of space available. Designing single-purpose rooms without considering the growing need for flexible living spaces due to hybrid work lifestyles can prove unsuitable in the long run.
For example, if you have a spare bedroom that is used only for storage, you can convert it into a guest room by adding a sleek murphy bed or into an office by incorporating your work setup. Similarly, a dining room that sits empty most of the year can be equipped with an extendable dining table that doubles as a workspace as required.
Choosing overly “trendy” colours
In this age of social media, trends are dynamic and ever-evolving. Therefore, overcommitting to bold, trend-driven colours, such as magenta or neon green, especially for large surfaces, can make the space feel dated quickly. For example, if you had got your living room painted in Viva Magenta, that was 2023’s Pantone colour, it might no longer feel fresh or appealing in 2025. If you wish to incorporate bolder colours, make sure to do so in small doses, such as in throw pillows, vases or artwork. Walls and large furniture pieces are best kept in timeless hues like earthy tones, whites or greys.
Overlooking acoustics in open layouts
If you have an open-plan home, addressing echo and noise issues becomes pertinent in order to avoid the disruption of comfort of shared space. A common example of this can be a large living-dining area where conversations echo, or noise from the kitchen carrying over to the seating area.
Incorporating surfaces that absorb sound can help resolve this. Think area rugs, curtains, upholstered furniture, or even proper acoustic panels. Further, create quieter zones by placing room dividers with built-in storage.
Not considering curved furniture proportions
Opting for furniture with curves or rounded edges instead of the straight ones is a great way to optimise space. Nevertheless, adding too many of these without consideration of size can also pose a problem when it comes to maintaining balance in relation to the room’s architecture.
A small room with an oversized curved sofa and round coffee tables might feel cramped. It is better to pair curved furniture with straight-edge items to maintain contrast and proportion. For smaller spaces. You can opt for compact curved chairs rather than bulkier pieces of furniture.
Skipping vintage or pre-loved finds
If you have any preconceived ideas about the utility and quality of pre-used items, allow us to burst this bubble. While favouring all-new, store-brought items is a common tendency among homeowners, completely overlooking vintage or secondhand decor might result in the compromise of character and uniqueness.
A room full of mass-market furniture and decor looks generic and lacks warmth. Avoid this by embracing vintage and thrift store finds and mixing pieces of antique and modern decor to create an eclectic space. Moreover, this can also help overcome the generic appeal of “trendy” store-brought items and achieve a curated, timeless look.
Underestimating the power of texture
Texture not only enhances visual interest, but also provides a tactile element to the space for a holistic sensory experience. Therefore, if you are incorporating only smooth, sleek materials and high-gloss finishes into your space, you might be missing out on the depth and warmth that textures bring to the room.
A wholly minimalist space featuring only glossy tiles, flat-painted walls and a smooth leather chair can feel cold and uninviting. Consider incorporating diverse textures, such as a boucle armchair, a chunky knit throw, woven baskets, or a jute rug to enhance the visual and tactile richness.
FAQs
What are the biggest home decor trends to avoid in 2025?
Overdoing trends like maximalism or curved furniture without balance, and heavily relying on trendy colours and AI decor should be avoided in 2025.
How to avoid wasting money on faddish decor?
Focus on timeless, neutral furniture and use trendy, bold colours only as accents like pillows, rugs, and art that can be easily updated without significant costs.
How can I keep my home functional without compromising current trends?
Opt for furniture and layout that prioritise multi-functionality and ensure that your decor supports daily activities rather than compromising usability for style.
Is it a mistake to prioritise aesthetics over sustainability?
Sustainability is a major focus in 2025. Fast furniture and unsustainable materials can cause harm to the environment and contribute to waste.
What should I avoid when decorating small spaces in 2025?
Avoid cramping with oversized furniture, using too many decor items or dark colours that make the space feel cluttered and compromise openness.
How can I avoid making lighting mistakes in 2025?
Don’t rely solely on overhead lighting. Layer the lighting using other sources and incorporate smart lighting solutions for greater customisation.
How can I make the most of open layouts?
Soundproofing and zoning are essential in open layouts. Avoid creating a single, undefined space and use dividers to establish distinct functional areas.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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