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Whether you rent or own, whether you DIY big or small, if you take pride in your space and love to decorate and show it off, it goes without saying that you probably spend a lot of time scouring the internet for inspiration. Tiktok, Instagram, Pinterest - there’s absolutely no shame to it, we do it too! It’s a great way to find new and exciting creators, to be exposed to fresh ideas, and to see what styles are trendy.
But - what about what’s not trendy? What about design ideas that should have stayed on the drawing board? Ideas that you wish you hadn’t seen at all? Let’s talk reverse inspo! You know what we mean: the design trends that you see and immediately think, “Well, that’s definitely not for me.” It might not be the kind of inspiration you’re looking for, but it can absolutely help you narrow down your options. Here are some trends that we just don’t get - including some personal “favorites” from the Decorner team!
CONCEALED KITCHENS? STAY HIDDEN.
I long for the day when I did not know what a concealed kitchen was. I almost want to spare you - but I won’t. I was perusing kitchen trends and DIYs when I came upon an article with different styles and that’s when I saw it for the first time. A concealed kitchen. Not sure what that means?
Photo from Pinterest.
Doesn’t really look like a kitchen, right? Everything is tucked away, hidden. In a concealed kitchen, all the appliances, dishware, inner workings, even the counters and fixtures, are hiding behind folding doors. There’s no notion at all that this is a place where food is prepared, where people eat.
It admittedly makes sense in a teensy-tiny space, like a studio, in terms of zoning and maximizing the space. I guess it would also help if you weren’t particularly sentimental about cooking - but if you’re a person who has any kind of affection for your kitchen, or someone who sees it as the heart of the home (my bias is very clearly showing) whyever would you want to pretend it isn’t there?
Besides, it can make the space seem kind of - sterile. It removes a human element, in a way - a kitchen is what differentiates a home from a temporary space, like a hotel room. It throws off the flow and usage of the space - the kitchen is the anchor, and without it, a home can feel unmoored. Concealed kitchens are a big no-thank-you for us!
COTTAGECORE? NO MORE!
I asked the Decorner HBIC, Olga Vilkova, and she didn’t even hesitate - she is totally, completely over the cottagecore aesthetic. It’s kitchy, it’s cutesy, it’s busy and floral and feminine. It’s romantic and rustic - which is totally at odds with Olga’s elegant, streamlined style. No wonder she’s not a fan!
Photo from Pinterest.
Cottagecore is peak nostalgia - and while that is one of its greatest hallmarks and points of appeal, it can also be a big deterrent. It distinctly draws from cozy grandma aesthetic, and that’s not comforting for everyone. Speaking of comforting - knick-knacks and vintage and shabby chic definitely don’t have universal appeal.
I would be remiss in not pointing out that cottagecore does have a real sustainable bent - secondhand furniture, vintage, thrifted goods, upcycling, not to mention the emphasis on handmade articles like blankets, macrame, even candles (and, of course, baking!). As much as we love that, it doesn’t quite make up for the odd romanticization of rural life and farm work. The idyllic, relaxing vibe is at odds with the source of the aesthetic, which is a whole lot of hard work.
In case that’s piquing your interest, I came across a very interesting article about some of the more problematic issues surrounding cottagecore style - it encourages buying secondhand or handmade, but the products can be expensive. It’s utopic, but tokenizes the experience of persons who actually live and work in rural settings. It’s about freedom and living off the land but is thoroughly whitewashed, almost devoid of BIPOC creators. You can find this article here.
DIY FOR THE SAKE OF DIY - WHYYYYYY
When I asked Natalie and Olga if they’d contribute to this blog, I wasn’t entirely sure just what I’d get. Natalie did not disappoint; she sent me this tweet.
I frankly didn’t know what to call this. Funky foam? Chunky cloud? Any way you cut it, Natalie wishes it would stop, and I don’t blame her. It’s not a DIY with any real purpose, it doesn’t really upcycle the chair or bring anything to the table. And that’s the kind of DIY we’d like to part ways with - DIY for the sake of DIY.
With the rise of Tiktok and reels, we’re seeing creators running with any idea they possibly have in hopes of going viral. Don’t get us wrong, it’s often hilariously funny, but a lot of these aimless DIYs don’t find a place in your (or anyone else’s) home and go straight to the landfill. It’s a frustrating waste of materials that inspires more people to go out and waste materials and our little sustainable family is just not into it.
We love DIYs of all kinds and we also totally believe that the process can be just as useful and enjoyable as the product, but we also can’t help but side with DIYs that have a purpose, that really contribute something to your life and your space, or to someone else’s!
FEND OFF THE TRENDS
Those are our three main choices for trends and designs we’d like to - well, never see again. We’ve got runner-ups, of course: vessel sinks (they just are not practical), Tuscan-style kitchens (is the purpose of the darkness to hide the columns?) and monochrome white spaces (for the love of pizza, at least give us some neutrals!!!). There are always going to be trends we don’t like - and that’s kind of the beauty of design, isn’t it? That there’s so much out there, so many different aesthetics and styles and tastes and something for everyone. I might not like a vessel sink, but I’ve got to say, I’m thrilled someone came up with it.
What trend or element do you just absolutely loathe? Is there a style you wish had never seen the light of day? Let us know in the comments! We can’t wait to dish with you.
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