OK, so I’m being a little bit naughty here. You can avoid any ‘interior design trends’ you see online. Because, the only ‘trend’ you need to follow is designing for your buyers, tenants, or guests.
Actual design trends? Most of them can go in the bin. They’re rarely sustainable—for your budget or the environment.
The best, the right, and the proper way to do it is to create a design that has longevity (I’ve always loved the sound of that word, and I love its meaning too) and that looks great in 5, hell, even 10 years' time.
Before you roll your eyes, let me reassure you—this doesn’t mean your interiors need to be:
A. Boring
B. Expensive
C. Bland
So, let’s dig into my 5 anti-trends—the ones that will make your money work harder and ensure your designs stand the test of time.
Interior designers have been ditching grey for years, and finally, developers are catching on. Pure grey (we’re talking about the shade made from black and white only) offers no positive psychological benefits. None. Zero. Nada.
So, please bear this in mind next time you specify grey in your interiors. You can bet your bottom dollar that, had you hired a designer, they’d not be doing the same. Choose a ‘taupe’ colour instead (basically a warm brown/grey), such as Little Greene’s French Grey, or a warm neutral colour, such as Coat Paint’s ‘Biscuit Beige.’ You need to create a warm, inviting space when potential buyers (guests or tenants) enter your property, and these colours will achieve that. Pure grey just doesn’t have it in it. Literally!
I have to admit, this one can be pretty tricky to pull off, but the more modern interiors don’t focus on just one metal; they focus on a mix. Why? Think of metals as a great opportunity to add colour and texture for interest, just as you might do with furniture or soft furnishings.
Here’s the secret:
• Choose one dominant metal and use it throughout.
• Add one or two complementary metals for variety.
• Avoid more than three finishes in the same space.
There’s a little more to it than that (consider your entire design colour palette when considering what metals work best), but in a nutshell, if you follow this advice, you won’t go far wrong, and you’ll have a scheme with interest and personality.
Years ago, someone said to me that if you need a new kitchen, rule Numero Uno is… don’t do what everyone else is doing because that means you’re following a trend, and that means, in a few short years, your dream kitchen is going to feel a bit like that spiralizer that’s languishing in the back of your cupboard. Seemed like a great idea at the time, but in reality, you were living someone else’s dream.
Right now, navy and green kitchens are everywhere. While they’re lovely, they’re fast becoming overdone.
My advice? Add warmth by pairing bold colours with wood or wood-effect finishes. This combo creates a timeless look that still feels unique—perfect for standing out in a crowded market.
Simple but effective, and it ties in very nicely with my final trend at number 5.
Wall panelling is still popular, but not all styles have staying power. Wood slat panelling? I’d avoid it—it’s likely to feel dated in just a couple of years.
What does work beautifully, and has guaranteed longevity, though, is a more classic, Victorian-esque style of wall panelling.
Generally speaking, I’d say paint it the same colour as the walls, but hell, you could even go mad and paint the moulding itself in a suitable feature colour, like giant artwork frames. Choose a contrast or a few tones darker than the colour on the walls, and I guarantee it’ll stand out as being different from what others are doing.
I found this article interesting, and they’re singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to trends. And remember, if you’re different, you don’t date!
We’re humans. We evolved in nature. Green is the colour that takes the least adjustment for our eyes to process.
Biophilic design—bringing natural elements into interiors—isn’t just a trend. It’s a philosophy that’s here to stay.
Here’s how to incorporate it:
• Use natural materials like wood, stone, and light-coloured carpets.
• Maximise natural light and opt for green palettes.
• Balance geometric shapes with organic forms like curves and waves.
• Layer textures, upcycle furniture, and embrace surfaces that age gracefully, like leather.
Biophilic design creates spaces that feel healthier, more productive, and deeply inviting—not just for now, but for years to come.
Ditching trends might seem counterintuitive, but it’s the smartest move for your development, your profit, and the environment. Instead of following the crowd, focus on your target market—design with their needs in mind—not what your competitors are doing.
At WildKind Interiors, we specialise in designs that maximise value while standing the test of time. If you’re ready to create spaces that feel fresh, functional, and future-proof, let’s chat!
📞 07957 689 065
📧 louise@wildkindinteriors.co.uk
