Interior Designer Shares Current Trend That Will Be Outdated the Quickest

A video of an expert labeling contemporary interior design as “the worst design style” has sparked a lively discussion.

The clip, posted by @hanaeltjes, has garnered over 30,000 views since it was shared on March 10. The video opens with a note overlaid on the screen reading: “the worst design style.” The designer begins to explain her perspective, saying: “Contemporary furniture feels very cold in a home and it will remind you a lot of office furniture. A lot of offices are designed in this style or high-end hotel lobbies. It typically incorporates very shiny items or glossy finishes.”

The recent TikTok post comes as home renovation spending in the United States is reported to have surged in recent years, with the median spend increasing by 60 percent between 2020 and 2023 to $24,000, according to a survey by Houzz, a home design website, conducted among 32,615 users, including 17,713 renovating U.S. homeowners.

The TikToker also argues that contemporary interiors are prone to becoming outdated.

“As a designer, I would say that this style would go out of style the quickest,” she notes. “It can sometimes be tempting to go with this style because it is marketed as a high-end, luxurious style and I think there are ways to incorporate it, but this is not gonna feel as homey as something like mid-century with cozy fabrics and colors.”

The video also touches on common mistakes people make when mixing styles. “The mistakes I see very often are people incorporate this very contemporary style with rustic home decor,” the designer notes. “This is gonna contradict each other, they’re gonna fight each other. These shiny metallics are not gonna work well with many other styles,” she says.

The critique of contemporary interiors sparked responses from other professionals.

Alecia Taylor, an interior designer at CabinetNow, told Newsweek that she agrees with the TikToker’s assessment of contemporary design’s shortcomings.

“I do fully agree with the critique of the TikToker towards contemporary design trends,” Taylor said. “Case in point, high-gloss finishes, for example in cabinetry designs, are witnessing a decline. Once, they signified a modern and sleek aesthetic; now, many view them as cold or akin to commercial spaces. It is not surprising, therefore, that current design trends are favoring warmer materials and finishes that speak of comfort and coziness.”

Taylor pointed out that in 2025, interior design trends are shifting toward natural textures and matte finishes. “Compared to their glossy coatings, they are particularly good at hiding any visible fingerprints or smudges,” she said. “Additionally, earthy colors and natural wood, which are warm and associated with nature, are becoming more popular.”

However, Taylor also emphasized that contemporary style isn’t entirely fading away. “High-gloss finishes aren’t completely out of style, though. They can provide a modern touch without overpowering the room when utilized carefully, for example, in striking hues like burgundy or emerald green,” she said. “The secret is striking a balance between these components to produce a unified and welcoming space.”

Not all designers share the TikToker’s critical stance on contemporary style. Elena DeStefano, an interior designer at Atelier Interiors in Pennsylvania, believes the style’s flexibility makes it more enduring than critics suggest.

“Contemporary furniture is often sleek with a corporate aesthetic. But by dismissing it as inherently ‘cold,’ we overlook its true versatility,” DeStefano told Newsweek. “When thoughtfully done, contemporary design is able to create warm and inviting spaces when paired with the right textures and architectural elements.”

She also pushed back on the idea that contemporary interiors are more likely to go out of style. “The idea that contemporary furniture is the fastest to go out of style is debatable,” she said.

DeStefano explained: “The definition of ‘contemporary’ literally means occurring in the present time, so true contemporary design is actually constantly evolving. This style can stand the test of time by embracing minimalism and clean lines with a clearly curated approach.”

She acknowledged that certain design mistakes can make contemporary spaces feel less welcoming. “Ultra-polished surfaces paired with rustic decor without a unifying thread is when the real issue with contemporary design arises,” DeStefano said.

“When done right, the contrast of styles is strikingly sophisticated. Layering natural materials with matte finishes and soft textiles, you can transform a contemporary interior into a space that feels just as warm and inviting as more a classically traditional-inspired design,” she explained.

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via email. This video has not been independently verified.