10 Overused New Build Trends That Are on Their Way Out
Inside: These 10 overused popular decorating trends in new builds are quickly falling out of favor—find out which design choices are dating homes and what’s replacing them!
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You can tell a trend is on its last leg when it shows up in every single new build. It’s like builders copy and paste the same design formula from house to house, and suddenly what once felt so fresh (or timeless) now feels like the same boring beige sweater that everyone has in their closet. Comfortable? Sure. Exciting? Not so much anymore.
If you’re building or updating finishes or fixtures, here’s your heads-up: these are ten decorating elements are that being used to death right now—which means they probably won’t age well.
Before we dive in, I’d like to make a disclaimer….I think a lot of these looks are lovely, so don’t shoot the messenger! The problem lies in that they will all become so common that we will no longer be able to appreciate their freshness, uniqueness, or beauty.
1. Black and White Everything.
Yes, it’s classic. Yes, it’s crisp. And I’ve been a huge fan of the black window trend. But when the entire house is black and white—black windows, black trim, black fixtures, black and white tile—it starts to feel stark and generic. From bathrooms to exteriors, the high-contrast look is soon to be officially overdone. It’s sad to see this sophisticated color combo become the victim of being labeled a trend, but when you see it too much it’s inevitable, Expect softer, warmer neutrals and mixed tones to start taking over.
Bonus Black and White Trend to Watch:
Even exteriors aren’t immune to the black and white trend—those brick houses updated with white paint and black trim and windows now may become too cookie cutter, so they’re on the watchlist. Expect to see more earthy, nature-inspired exteriors like warm stone, sage green, or even natural wood as the pendulum swings toward softness and individuality.
2. Matte Black Hardware and Fixtures.
Speaking of black—black faucets, knobs, cabinets pulls, and shower trim were so fresh, but they’re now the go-to in every builder’s fixture playbook. Plus they can draw too much attention to themselves in white rooms. Designers are swapping them out for aged brass, antique bronze, and even polished nickel to bring back some warmth and patina.
3. Oversized Subway Tile and Geometric Patterned Tile.
Subway tile is a staple, but the extra long versions used in predictable stacked or herringbone layouts (which I love!) have become almost too safe and predictable. Same goes for oversized rectangular floor tile.
Also, back off of the bold black-and-white geometric encaustic tiles that have been the statement tile in so many bathrooms and laundry rooms.
What’s next? Organic textures like zellige, smaller-scale mosaic patterns, and handmade or irregular tiles that add character. Or stick with classic-sized square or subway tile for a more timeless choice.
4. Gray on Gray Interiors.
For a decade, builders slathered walls, floors, and cabinetry in fifty shades of cool gray. Gray is great in doses, but I’ve never been a fan of the all gray look so I’m happy to see this one changing. Now, these all-gray toned spaces feel sterile, cold, and outdated. Warm whites, creamy taupes, and earthy clay tones are replacing the gray, making rooms feel more inviting and natural.
5. Barn Doors.
Sliding barn doors had their rustic moment and we loved them, but they’re not aging well in homes where they don’t fit the style. And often they don’t block sound, and feel more decorative than functional. Today’s homeowners want pocket doors, French doors, or paneled doors that match the home’s design.
6. Shiplap has Shipped Out.
Shiplap was charming for sure, but skip it unless you live in an actual farmhouse or the right version of rustic, because the farmhouse fixation is fading. Moving in on the walls are limewash paint finishes, classic wood paneling, and wallpaper.
7. All-White Kitchens.
They’ve ruled Pinterest for years, but all-white kitchens are starting to feel a little flat. While a white kitchen will always be timeless, it’s been done so much that it may be awhile before they seem truly classic again and not associated with the decorating time period of the last few years. The sameness of white cabinets, white quartz counters, and white tile is giving way to color, contrast, and warmth. Think wood accents, deep green or navy cabinetry, soapstone counters, and mixed materials that feel layered and lived-in.
8. Wide Open Floor Plans.
Say it isn’t so! I’ve been reading for a couple of years that open floor plans are on their way out.😢 I personally love how much larger a kitchen/family room feels with no walls between and being able to interact with the living room when you’re in the kitchen. Supposedly homeowners are craving cozy nooks, dedicated work spaces, and rooms with doors again. Expect to at least start seeing more ceiling beams, partial walls, or archways that subtly zone open spaces.
9. Lone Accent Walls.
In-your-face random, single accent walls are losing favor as homeowners gravitate toward more color over all and cohesive paint schemes—like the trending “color drenching” of entire rooms for drama and flow.
10. Cookie-Cutter Lighting.
Lighting is the jewelry of the room but too often in new builds, it’s a forgettable afterthought. Overused trends like builder-grade brushed nickel fixtures, faux industrial cages, and farmhouse mason jar pendants that are all too matchy-matchy are on their way out. Instead, designers are going bold with sculptural lighting, statement chandeliers, and incorporating natural materials like rattan or linen.
The trick to timeless decorating? Don’t chase every popular look—choose what fits your style and mix in just enough of-the-moment elements to keep it current without looking like every other house on the block.
Want more details about decorating that will stand the test of time? See the post “Truly Timeless Decorating: 8 Smart Choices That Never Go Out of Style“.
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Great article! I personally am glad to see gray go away. And open floor plans are like living in an apartment, with no architectural interest. I think open floor plans was an excuse for builders to cut back on square footage and raise the price at the same time.
Thanks Marilyn! I’ve never thought about the possibility that it saves builders money but that makes sense.
I, for one, am so happy to see these trends make their exit. I have never embraced the black, white, gray look. I prefer warm, natural tones and light wood and have always decorated that way.
I do too Karen. I’ve never been a super-trendy decorator. I use what I like and am too cheap to replace everything often. 😂