Design Trends I Wish Would Go Away

When it comes to interior design, there are guidelines and rules. An example of a guideline would be to repeat colors or patterns for continuity. A rule would be don't tear down a load bearing wall without planning for other means of support.

Guidelines and rules are a part of the business. Trends, though, come and go. Here is a list of some of the trends I wish would make their exit already.

1. Granite countertops

I'm tired of looking at granite countertops. There are attractive slabs of granite, I'll grant you, but to stare at that sort of configuration of squiggles and spots every day would make me dizzy. And no, you don't get an extra $10,000 for your house because you have granite countertops. That's an urban legend.

2. Stainless steel appliances

Stainless steel appliances hulking about always remind of the kitchens of Greek restaurants. Stainless steel is cold and humorless. And it's a pain to maintain.

3. Indoor water features

These, thankfully, are making their way out. Indoor fountains serve no purpose, and they're ostentatious. Having to listen to the tinkle of water all day just makes you want to go to the bathroom.

4. Over-the-top bathroom sinks

Those big bowls, or vessels, sitting atop the bathroom vanity look very pretty. Until you use them. Usually made of glass, these bowls show all the detritus of your morning and evening rituals. Of course, you would also have to have high-end faucets to compliment your fancy sink. When you go over the top for something as utilitarian as a bathroom, you'll spend all your time cleaning the fixtures.

5. Mid-century modern furniture

Modern style furniture from the 1950's and 60's was not comfortable. The trend toward form and plastic made for some funky looking stuff. But plastic, no matter what shape, simply isn't comfy. And the style always reminds me of kindergarten: all plastic and primary colors.

6. Hippy Dippy colors

Like most baby boomers, I loved the 60's and 70's. I had a lot of good times. (I just wish I could remember them.) But the tie-dye and day glo colors of the era are too intense for contemporary decorating. If you must give a nod to the era, hang some beaded curtains in the guest room.

7. Thrift shop glam

Jumbling together furniture and accessories and calling the collection eclectic does not a style make. I'm all for yard sales and thrift shops. But the trick is to find the treasure, not bring home the trash. Please, no more beaded lampshades or pillows that look like big lips.

8. Hand-made wall sconces

A wall sconce constructed from painted acrylic and chicken wire looks bad. It looks cheap. Really, if you can't afford a wall sconce, you shouldn't be decorating. You should be paying your bills.

9. Deliberate distressing

To buy a new piece of furniture and deliberately distress it, or to buy a piece that has been distressed deliberately, is akin to buying jeans with tailored holes. It's just silly. Why smack a poor piece of furniture with a hammer or chain? Can you not appreciate its beauty as is? Why must everything be instantly vintaged?

10. Rows and rows of pillows

Just how many throw pillows does a bed need? When I see a bed smothered in three or four rows of pillows, I have to wonder: Where do you put them all when it's time to go to bed? Every night you have to take them all off and put them somewhere. Then in the morning, you have to replace them all. One or two pillows should do it.

Design trends that go over the top, that are excessive, rarely last through the ages. Why? Because your home needs to be a practical place in which to live. High maintenance materials, fussy accessories, and wanna-be styles are the stuff of trends. Stick to the basics. Your style will shine through and become a classic.