These 7 Design Choices Are So Tacky, Says Designers

15.12.2023 - 14:01 / thespruce.com / Ashley Chalmers

While we can all agree that taste is subjective, some decor decisions will almost always land you on the home design naughty list. Often, many of these are born from a love of the current trends—but it's important to know when you're taking the aesthetic of the day a little too far.

As we look ahead to 2024 trends and track what’s on the rise, we thought it could be kind of fun to take a peek at what’s officially out of style, as well.

With this in mind, we turned to a few of our favorite designers to ask what they feel should never make a comeback—and reads totally tacky.

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Monochromatic rooms might be having a moment, but Melanie Coddington of Coddington Design says it’s a fine line.

If you lean too far into the world of matching bedroom sets, trendy color schemes, or heavily themed decor, you run a risk of putting all your designer eggs in one basket, so to speak.

«These elements may become outdated quickly and may not stand the test of time,” Coddington says. “It's essential to strike a balance and focus on enduring design principles for a timeless aesthetic.”

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While some fabrics, like silk and velvet, have a natural sheen to them, Coddington warns of any textiles that are intentionally shiny. Often, these can only look synthetic and cheap.

“I tend to avoid super shiny fabrics, as they can feel tacky and have a short-lived aesthetic,” she says. “Instead, opt for materials with a more subdued sheen or matte finish.”

These picks, Coddington assures us, are far more likely to look timeless and sophisticated. 

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If you’re tackling a bathroom or kitchen re-design, designer Kelly Hoppen feels passionate about one thing: plastic laminate