17 ‘Trendy’ Home Items You’ll Regret Buying in a Year

When there’s a new home decor trend going around, it’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon right away. While this can be a good way to refresh your space, some things lose their appeal as quickly as they rise to popularity. To save you time, money, and space, let’s take a look at a few trendy home items you’ll likely regret buying after a year.

Oversized Faux Plants

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Sure, faux plants do have their place, but oversized fake greenery can easily feel overwhelming and artificial once that novelty wears off. They’re bulky, hard to clean, and often look even less realistic over time. Instead, it’s often better to go for smaller, high-quality faux plants or real greenery.

Open Shelving Everywhere

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There are good reasons why open shelving has been a popular choice in kitchens and living rooms for so long, but maintaining their aesthetic can be pretty exhausting. The constant need to keep shelves perfectly styled and free of dust quickly turns them into more of a hassle than they’re worth.

Many people find that closed cabinets or a mix of open and closed storage often work better in the long run.

Velvet Furniture

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Velvet sofas or chairs might look luxurious but sometimes they’re far from practical. Velvet can be surprisingly tricky to maintain, as it easily collects dust, pet hair, and stains. Over time, the fabric is also likely to lose its luster or start showing wear.

Statement Wall Decals

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Those peel-and-stick wall decals might seem like an easy way to add a touch of personality to a room, but they can quickly feel dated or out of place. Another issue is that removing them without damaging your walls can be a tricky task. Instead, you might be better off going for timeless paint colors or framed artwork that’s easier to swap out.

Trendy Neon Signs

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You may have noticed that a lot of online creators and influencers are using neon signs these days, especially in their bedrooms and home offices. But while they make for fun Instagram photos, they often lose their charm after a few months.

Fast Furniture

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Yes, flat-pack, trendy furniture can be cheap and appealing, but it’s often not built to last. These pieces also tend to wear down quickly, leaving you with annoying wobbly tables or sagging shelves.

We recommend investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces to ensure you’re making the most out of your money.

All-Matching Furniture Sets

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While a matching furniture set may seem like a quick and easy way to make sure everything looks right together, it tends to lack character and flexibility. These sets can often feel overly coordinated and generic, making it harder to update your space as your style evolves.

Chevron Everything

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Chevron patterns used to be absolutely everywhere, from rugs to curtains to pillows. But these days, this bold design can feel overdone and outdated within a year. This is why a lot of people are choosing more subtle patterns or classic textures instead.

Kitchen Gadgets You Rarely Use

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While many people are drawn in by the appeal of trendy kitchen gadgets like avocado slicers or spiralizers, they often end up collecting dust rather than actually being used. If a tool only serves one purpose and doesn’t get frequent use, it’s likely not worth the space or money. You’ll probably end up thanking yourself for sticking to versatile kitchen essentials that you’ll actually use regularly.

Wicker Furniture Indoors

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While wicker furniture can add a certain charm to your outdoor spaces, bringing it indoors isn’t always the best or most practical idea. It’s prone to wear and tear, and the rustic look doesn’t always blend well with other decor styles you might have. Consider sturdier options that offer a similar aesthetic but hold up better over time.

Giant Clocks

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If you want to make a bold statement, you might think oversized wall clocks would be a good way to go. But the issue is that they often dominate a space in a way that feels unbalanced and awkward. Once the trend fades into history, you may find yourself wondering why you ever bought something so large and impractical.

All-White Spaces

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A lot of people think that all-white spaces, especially kitchens, look beautifully sleek and clean. However, while they might look nice in photos, they’re surprisingly difficult to maintain in real life. White surfaces show every stain, smudge, and scratch, meaning they need constant cleaning to look fresh.

Acrylic Furniture

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Clear acrylic tables and chairs are considered trendy right now because they’re able to achieve that minimalist look many people are after. But the problem is that they scratch easily and attract fingerprints like a magnet. That modern appeal may quickly start to fade as the wear and tear becomes more noticeable.

Bold Wallpaper

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There’s no denying that wallpaper with bold patterns or bright colors can transform a space, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best long-term choice. Trends change quickly, and removing or replacing wallpaper can be a real hassle. Neutral walls with statement art or textiles offer a more flexible approach.

Oversized Rugs with Loud Patterns

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A large rug with a bold pattern might tie a room together at first glance, but it can also dominate the space and clash with the decor you may add in the future. Choosing rugs with subtle designs or solid colors provides more versatility, allowing your style to evolve without forcing you into big replacements.

Decorative Ladder Shelves

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Ladder shelves are here to offer us all a trendy storage solution, but their limited practicality often leads buyers to regret their purchase later down the line. They can’t hold much weight, and their open design makes them prone to clutter. It’s best to go for more functional shelving units or closed storage options for a cleaner look.

Live Edge Tables

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Decor fanatics are well aware of how trendy live edge tables are these days, with their natural, raw edges. But unfortunately, they also often come with hefty price tags, and their bulky size makes them harder to incorporate into evolving decor styles. If you’re looking for a cheaper and more practical option, a classic, streamlined table design may be a better investment.

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