Interior Design No-Nos: Expert Reveals Dated Trends to Avoid in 2023 (2026)

Are you ready to breathe new life into your home this January? Hold on just a minute because, as an interior designer, I would actually pay you to avoid certain trends that are not only outdated but also scream a lack of originality.

So, what should you steer clear of if you're aiming for a fresh and stylish space? According to interior design expert Bee, who shares her insights on TikTok under the handle @diaryofahomedesigner, there are several elements that simply don’t belong in a modern home. The video she posted has gained impressive traction, racking up over 503,000 views, but it’s clear that not everyone is on the same page as her when it comes to these design choices.

Let’s start with something seemingly innocuous: shiny gold light switches and plug sockets. Bee firmly believes these are a definite no-go. She argues that they are likely to scratch easily and have already fallen out of favor. Yet, she leaves us hanging by not suggesting what alternatives might be preferable.

Now, let’s talk about the ever-popular material, marble. Although marble is currently trending, Bee draws the line at a particular style. "I would actually pay you to be more original than this," she remarked while showcasing a brown and white marbled stone, implying that this specific pattern lacks creativity.

Moving on to kitchen and bathroom fixtures, Bee criticizes the trend of black taps, declaring that they should be reconsidered. When it comes to lighting choices, spotlights might initially seem like a good idea for achieving a sleek, contemporary look, but Bee argues they betray a lack of planning and thoughtfulness in design.

Furthermore, she expresses disdain for living rooms painted entirely in white or beige, describing these color palettes as dull and "soulless."

Lastly, while coffee table books can add a splash of personality to your decor, Bee points out that they lose their charm if they don't reflect your personal interests. She specifically mentions high-fashion books from brands like Prada, Dior, and YSL as examples of items that merely signal superficiality rather than genuine engagement with literature.

After sharing her list of design faux pas, many viewers resonated with her opinions, especially regarding the coffee table books. One commenter remarked, "The books are such a no. So tacky," while another quipped, "Those books are today’s ‘live, laugh, love’ sign." In contrast, others expressed regret over their black tap installations, claiming it was their biggest renovation mistake.

As for the controversy surrounding spotlights, opinions were mixed. While some concurred that they aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing option, others defended them for their practicality, stating, "I love my grid spotlights; I have other layers of lighting too, but I just need to be able to SEE!" On the flip side, one user bluntly stated, "Spotlights are disgusting; I hate them."

This conversation around interior design trends invites further discussion. What do you think about these critiques? Are there trends you believe should be avoided at all costs? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Interior Design No-Nos: Expert Reveals Dated Trends to Avoid in 2023 (2026)
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