If you’ve ever consulted Pinterest to get decorating ideas, then you know there are always certain design trends that are, in the words of a certain presidential candidate, “yuuuuge.” These trends become ubiquitous on inspiration boards and decorating blogs, and, in no time, show up in the décor department at Target.
But while trends can be fun to follow, some get so overused that they lose their freshness and move into cliché territory. And that’s when they need to be retired.
Don’t get me wrong — I won’t judge you if you have incorporated some of the following into your own home. In fact, I’ve been a fan of many of them. I do want to encourage you, though, to extend your decorating inspiration beyond what you see on Pinterest — and perhaps start your own trends.
And now, let’s say adieu to these overexposed design elements:
Chalkboard paint
Inspirational wall art
Burlap
Anything with Mason jars
used design elements for home décor, crafts and weddings. Mason jars frequently go hand in hand with burlap, as both supposedly embody an Americana quality. In fact, I’ve created many do-it-yourself Mason jar project tutorials, because the demand for them has been so high. But what I’d actually like to see is people repurposing used pasta, pickle and applesauce jars. Why do we throw these away, yet buy spanking-new Mason jars? Recycling — now that’s a design statement.</p>
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Chevron
 is everywhere — and not just on the front of Charlie Brown’s shirt. I actually love the chevron shape, because it is elegant and playful at the same time, and it works in so many colors. But the chevron has oversaturated the home décor market, and it’s time to give it a rest. If you already have chevron pieces in your home, that’s fine, keep them. When shopping for something new, however, try zigging instead of zagging.</p>
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Repurposed wood pallets
Faux taxidermy
. Home decorators may not be displaying real hunting trophies anymore, but they’re showing off versions made of cardboard or papier-maché. This faux taxidermy is meant to be humorous and ironic, but I still find it kind of creepy.</p>
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<em>Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.</em></p>
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—-<strong>FOR THE RECORD: </strong>This article has been changed to reflect that Jarden Home Brands, not Ball Corp., now manufacture Mason jars.</p>
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