Home Decor Nightmares: What to Avoid in 2025

Design trends come and go—and while some leave lasting charm, others sneak in with whispery promises of “fresh” and “modern” only to become outdated, impractical, or just plain regrettable. According to insights from NAR, certain home-design moves that might seem trendy now could turn into furniture-and-fix-it nightmares by 2025.

Decor Trends to avoid in 2025

Here are a few of the top offenders:

• Design-cores: Theme-heavy “cores” like cottagecore, farmhouse-core, yeehaw core (yes, really) may look fun on Pinterest, but they often signal a style locked into a moment—and these moments fade fast.

• Over-white everything: Walls, trim, brick-painted white… when everything is white, the space can feel flat, hard to maintain, and lacking warmth. Designers suggest it’s time to pull back.

• Open shelving done wrong: While open shelving may look chic, when it replaces functional cabinetry entirely (especially in kitchens) it can become a dust trap, a clutter trap, and a visual stressor.

• Super glossy surfaces: From highly polished countertops to ultra-shiny backsplashes, the trend toward ultra-gloss is fading. Surfaces that reflect too much light or show every smudge are losing appeal

• Furniture shaped like blobs: Curvy, amorphous furniture and weird sculptural forms may sound fun, but many designers say they’re already feeling dated and less comfortable for everyday life.

What to do instead

1. Focus on timeless, quality pieces rather than chasing every Instagram-worthy fad.

2. Choose finishes and materials that are easy to live with (and sell with) rather than ultra-trendy.

3. Mix in personality—but in ways that feel authentic to you, not just what’s trending.

4. Think long-term: Will this look still feel fresh in 5 or 10 years? If not, maybe hold off.

Note for Tobyhanna, PA homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in Tobyhanna, PA—or looking to sell in the Pocono region—these insights offer extra value. Homes here often appeal to buyers seeking a blend of natural surroundings and comfortable living. Since you’re in a market where charm and practicality matter, skipping the gimmicky trends above can help your home age gracefully and stay appealing to a broader pool of buyers.

• For example: rather than painting the exterior brick stark white (which may show wear more quickly in our varied seasons), consider retaining or restoring the original brick, or choosing trim color that complements the natural surroundings.

• Inside, instead of replacing everything with super glossy finishes, you might opt for durable, matte surfaces that hold up better in a region with snow, mud, outdoor gear, family traffic.

• And if you ever plan to sell, buyers in the Tobyhanna area often value functionality—closed cabinetry, sufficient garage/storage space, practical layouts—over ultra-stylized “core” themes that may not fit long-term living in a mountain or woodland environment.

By focusing on smart, functional design and steering clear of the “horrifying” trends listed above, your home can remain fresh and desirable—whether you stay in it for years or decide to sell.

Final Thoughts

Trends can be tempting: bold finishes, social-media-ready decor, dramatic shapes. But when home is more than just a photo op, it pays to think about staying power, comfort, resale, and environment. The worst design moves of 2025 aren’t just about style—they’re about living well with your space over time.