Home design trends are exciting and innovative, but not all of them stand the test of time—or practicality. Here are some home design trends you should be cautious with to ensure your space remains functional, stylish, and safe for years to come.
Open Floor Plans
Homeowners everywhere are tearing down non-load-bearing walls in their homes to leave the space open, airy, and “larger.” Though these types of floor plans do indeed create a sense of flow, they diminish a home’s cozy feel and make privacy harder to get. As an example, when looking at the pros and cons of an open-concept kitchen, the increased social interaction is a benefit, but this comes with the drawback of less privacy.
Open floor plans even pose safety risks. That’s because, in the event of a fire, it will spread more rapidly throughout a home with no walls standing in its way. Furthermore, walls act as sound panels, isolating noise to certain rooms and absorbing echo throughout a home. With an open floor plan, sound ricochets about freely.
So though open floor plans can make your home look bigger and brighter, these advantages might not be worth the drawbacks.
Everything White
An all-white interior makes a space look cleaner, larger, and more sophisticated, but it’s also boring. White appears sterile, stripping a home of its full potential to be warm and inviting. Furthermore, white walls and furniture more prominently show dirt, scuffs, and wear. If you try too hard to present a perfectly neat and sleek interior, anything out of place will stick out like a sore thumb.
Trendy Fast Furniture
You’ve heard about fast fashion, and the furniture industry is following suit. Brands like IKEA, Wayfair, and Target are leading the charge, and even fashion brands are following, such as Zara Home and H&M Home.
Home goods from these companies are affordable and trendy, but their quality is in the gutters. Additionally, a whole world of unethical sourcing and labor practices stands behind each product. Though furniture from these brands will look cute for a few years, it will likely go out of style or break all too soon, contributing to landfill waste.
Floating Staircases
Floating staircases are incredibly cool to look at and make a statement in modern, minimalist homes. However, their installation can be complex, raising costs. Additionally, floating staircases aren’t the safest option for families with young kids or older adults because they don’t feature railings or anything to prevent trips and falls. While beautiful, this type of staircase probably isn’t worth the safety and financial concerns.
You should be cautious with these home design trends because they don’t offer long-term sustainability. While it’s fun to explore the latest trends, remember to stay grounded in quality, practicality, and timeless beauty. Doing so will be better for you, your home, and your wallet in the long run.
Image Credentials: photo by Jodie Johnson, license #142416415
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