Did you know that a lot of professional designers avoid mosaic tiling in their homes? It’s probably not for the reason you think. 

While mosaic tiles add welcome texture and visual interest, designers are quite particular about tile setters. If they can’t get masterful installation, forget it. The same goes for the home of a client they don’t believe will keep up with the grout.

For experienced designers, quality, function, and upkeep often take precedence over aesthetics. However, you’ll find that looks still matter as we take a tour of design trends professional designers avoid. 

Design trends professional designers avoid (and what they do instead)

Bucking trends doesn’t mean the pros don’t keep current. They know how to adapt and stretch of-the-moment ideas so they age well. Here are some potential passing fads and how designers can spin them into something timeless.

Reflective backsplashes

Add windows, metal, mirrored or glass tiles, and ultra-high shine finishes to a backsplash, and designers start to sweat. They know that grease, steam, fingerprints, and dirt are about to have you wiping this area down every 10 minutes. 

Better design tip: Glossy tiles can be truly great, adding the texture you want. They can be even better when they’re in colors and patterns that won’t show every imperfection. If it’s spaciousness you wish to create, go lighter in color, not shiny in finish. 

Matching sets of furniture

Do you want your home to reflect your taste, or look like a showroom? If you want that impersonal, distracting, frozen-in-time feel, buy matching furniture. The set becomes your style identity instead of a curated collection you can refresh at will. 

Better design tip: Start with a unifying feature, the influential piece. It could be the color of the walls, a statement light fixture, or a sofa you love. Collect pieces that complement this, but could reasonably stand on their own. A mix of new and refurbished secondhand pieces is common among those designing timeless spaces.

All white, or all black and white

Modern farmhouse kitchens have been in vogue for a fair few years. The most popular color choice is all white or white with contrasting black accents. Designers have concerns over how long these looks hold up, both as a trend and against staining and damage. And shiplap? Many are saying it’s a firm “no” in the kitchen.

Better design tip: Keep your farmhouse sink and a few open shelves. From there, go off-white or another sufficiently clean-looking neutral. You can even incorporate colors like sage or terracotta. All-white countertops may not have the lasting power you’d hoped either, so go for granite or quartz with a pattern and palette you’d love living with. 

Built-ins for smaller appliances

Appliance integration is on the rise, and we couldn’t be happier. No gaps for disappearing crumbs or mismatched finishes. But you might find that professional designers will not recommend building in that slot for the microwave above the stove.  

Better design tip: An appliance garage conveniently houses smaller appliances, from microwaves and air fryers to blenders and espresso machines. These cabinetry compartments feature outlets inside for easy use and uncluttered counters. 

Wallpapering the master bath

Fully wallpapering the steamiest room in the house doesn’t sound sensible, but most designers wouldn’t even paper an accent wall. When it comes to heavily trafficked, moist areas, durability and function will always win. 

Better design tip: Bold wallpaper in half-baths and powder rooms is a much wiser choice. Look into jewel box bathrooms if you have the urge to paper a restroom in loud prints. If you crave drama in the master bath, add it with paint. 

 

2026 home design trends to watch

Incorporating trends isn’t off the table. If you’re looking to make some updates in the coming year, here are some designer-approved twists on emerging trends.

1. Warm neutrals aren’t just staying, they’re growing. From café au lait to mushroom, we continue to find solace in clean, comfy, light palettes.  

2. Architectural details with a feminine twist. Rounded archways, molding, countertop edges, and more. 

3. Natural materials are the new luxury. Exposed wood beams, antique wood tables, marble accents, genuine stone countertops, and fibers like cotton and linen. 

4. Smart features that make life look and feel calmer. Integrated tech, from sound systems and lighting to kitchen appliances, won’t just add convenience. They eliminate unsightly consoles and cords. 

5. Multifunctional furniture. Storage is always in style, and part of saving space in 2026 involves dual-purpose benches, headboards with built-ins, and kitchen island-table hybrids.

Quick tips for decking out your space like a professional designer

Awash in a sea of trends? Take everything with a grain of salt and put these tried-and-true design tips up front. 

  • Watch out for social media. If a certain color, style, or product seems to dominate influencer accounts, wait it out. These sorts of trends tend to inspire impulse buying and then flame out quickly. 

  • Include sustainable design. Air-freshening plants, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable or reclaimed materials will always be in style.

  • Luxury is ultimately curated, not purchased. Layering texture and being detail-oriented will amplify the impact that a few pricier, high-quality features have. Carefully choose hardware, textiles, and lighting. 

  • Play nicely with your layouts. Define a room’s focal point and balance out the way furniture and features are distributed from there. Be careful not to crowd out smaller spaces; judiciously add mirrors and light color palettes to preserve breathing room. 

Consult the real thing at The Designery

Are you intimidated by the prospect of hiring a professional designer? Don’t be. They’re much more accessible than you think, and the results will speak for themselves. 

The Designery is a perfect introduction. With us, design expertise is just the start. You also get access to one of our showrooms, exclusive materials, craftspeople who can customize tile, cabinetry, hardware, and more, and vetted contractors to complete the job. 

Here’s what our client Carolina had to say about her experience:

“The showroom is beautiful and offers a wide variety of high-quality materials for any interior design project. José Manuel was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable—his eye for detail and personalized advice really made a difference. Highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their space with style and professionalism.”

Find a Designery near you to begin.