The 2000s were synonymous with the Tuscany trend, a style that was so quintessential and widespread that it’s instantly recognizable when we recall that era. As we navigate the mid-2020s, a similar reflection can be applied to the 2010s. From rustic discoveries to the greige and gray hues, four interior design experts reveal the trends that have overstayed their welcome.
Meet Melanie Bryant, the visionary behind Melanie Bryant Interiors in Jackson, Mississippi.
Elizabeth Burch, the owner and lead designer at Elizabeth Burch Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee, is another influential figure in the field.
Julie Dodson Webster, the creative force and founder of Dodson Interiors in Houston, Texas, is a recognized name in interior design.
Rachel Peck, the principal designer at Rachel Peck Interiors in Austin, Texas, brings a unique perspective to the industry.
Our conversations with these designers revealed a consensus: Gray, particularly the cool variety, needs to be phased out. As Melanie Bryant, founder of Melanie Bryant Interiors in Jackson, Mississippi, puts it, “It lacks depth—what truly resonates is the embrace of warmth, texture, and layers that transform a home into a welcoming sanctuary.”
Elizabeth Burch, owner and principal designer at Elizabeth Burch Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee, suggests swapping gray for a soothing warm white, with Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams as her top pick. She also advocates for the addition of playful trim or wallpaper to inject a touch of character.
While we admire Chip and Jo’s design sensibilities, the farmhouse style they propelled into the mainstream doesn’t quite hold up. Once a staple of the 2010s, it’s now time to reclaim our spaces. However, Julie Dodson Webster, founder and creative director of Dodson Interiors in Houston, Texas, advises a gradual approach. Layering over time is key to giving each space its true identity.
Webster suggests replacing monotonous signage with more lively art, such as abstracts or landscapes, to breathe new life into a room. Even if a print is chosen, it can offer a more original and engaging visual experience.
Bryant emphasizes that the issue isn’t the aesthetic itself, but rather how it became a ubiquitous default, regardless of the home’s architectural style. Mid-century modern elements, often seen as anachronistic, can be introduced sparingly to add a personal touch.
Generic furniture sets from big-box stores are functional, yet devoid of character. “I always advocate for blending antiques and vintage pieces to add depth and character, ensuring a space feels curated and vibrant,” Webster states.
While white-on-white kitchens offer a fresh, minimalist appeal, they can also come across as clinical and one-dimensional. Rachel Peck, principal designer at Rachel Peck Interiors in Austin, Texas, encourages boldness in design. “Embrace what you love wholeheartedly,” she emphasizes. “Playing it safe won’t deliver the drama you seek.”
Greige vinyl plank flooring, Peck asserts, is a telltale sign of a dated home. Although it may seem versatile, it ultimately lacks distinctiveness. Instead, she recommends warm, mid-tone brown hardwood or, for a lighter feel, pale oak.
