We Still Haven’t Recovered from These Popular Trends That Went Way Too Far

It’s a simple truth: The eye tires of seeing the same thing over and over. That’s why trends come and go—first, a detail, color, shape, or form feels fresh and new because you’ve never seen it before. Then you’re seeing it at the mall and your aunt’s house, and finally, like with skinny jeans, you’re just… done. It’s a natural evolution, sure. Once a trend has hit its saturation point, there’s only one way to go—and that’s out the door.

Here are nine trends I’m okay never seeing again.

Truth be told, I never met a stripe I didn’t like. And as much as I once felt that chevron was a stripe but more fun… I’m officially over it. Chevron paint in the nursery, chevron accent walls, chevron bedding, chevron kitchen towels, chevron throw pillows… even in small doses, it all adds up to just too much.

Like accent walls—which, truth be told, almost made this list—barn doors are substantial, eye-catching design statements that dominate a room. Typically, they inspire either an industrial, loft-like feel or the all-too-familiar farmhouse chic—and both styles have spent a bit too long in the spotlight. (If a barn door is a practical choice because you need the space it offers, there’s always the pocket door.)

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with terrazzo from the start. On the one hand, it’s retro and fun; on the other, it’s as dated as they come. As we inch out of our obsession with mid-century design, it’s time we also leave terrazzo behind.

Whereas millennial pink once felt fresh, modern, and feminine, it’s become so ubiquitous that even the Roosevelt Island Tramway has been repainted to help sell vodka. It’s a shame, too, because pink is almost universally flattering.

In a word… NO. Back in college, a friend in art school painted the words “EAT MEAT” over and over along the upper wall of her apartment kitchen, and I thought it was so punk rock and chic. Now, you can just order that off Etsy.

Here’s the thing: Your bedroom does not need to resemble an inspirational Instagram post. Let your paintings, prints, and photos do the talking.

Who doesn’t love a design trend that’s not only aesthetically-pleasing, but affordable? That’s exactly why subway tile has had such a very long run.

But enough is enough. Even with new ways to install it—vertically! with accent colors! in black!—it’s the definition of tired.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the ’70s. But I am drawing the line at macramé. When it first resurfaced, I felt a twinge of nostalgia, full of fond childhood memories. But now that it’s a mainstay in every staged bedroom on Urban Outfitters’ website, I’ve had my fill—and I’m ready for textile art that feels more mature and modern.

Back in 2012, Edison bulbs “showed no sign of stopping” and yet, here they are, still in restaurants and dorm rooms and coffee shops from Auckland to Atyrau. Blame Brooklyn.

Even in this day and age of plant babies and jungalow style, the lauded fiddle leaf fig is no longer center stage. (Once it’s been knocked-off by IKEA, you know it’s done for). It’s actually a blessing in disguise: the demise of this social media darling makes way for more interesting plants or familiar plants used in different ways.