1. Copying Pinterest Boards to the Letter
Pinterest is a goldmine for inspiration, but when you replicate a board item-for-item, your home can end up looking like everyone else’s. The same rattan mirror, the same “gather” sign, the same color palette—it starts to feel more like a showroom than a personal space. Trends are meant to inspire, not dictate. When everything looks curated by algorithm, it loses authenticity.
Instead, use trends as a jumping-off point and mix in your own taste. Incorporate vintage finds, heirlooms, or handmade pieces that tell your story. A home should feel like it evolved over time, not like it was ordered in one click. Personality is what makes a space memorable.
2. Painting Everything Greige
Greige—gray-beige—was the darling of the design world for years, but when every wall, cabinet, and couch is the same muted tone, the space starts to feel lifeless. It’s safe, yes, but also forgettable. Without contrast or color, rooms can blur together and lack any real identity. It’s the design equivalent of playing background music on repeat.
Try adding depth with accent colors, bold art, or even just a richer neutral like olive or navy. A little contrast can go a long way in making a space feel intentional. Greige isn’t bad—it’s just better when it’s balanced. Don’t let your home fade into the background.
3. Overusing Mid-Century Modern Everything
Mid-century modern is timeless in moderation, but when every piece of furniture has tapered legs and walnut veneer, it starts to feel like a set. The style has become so popular that it’s now mass-produced and overdone. What once felt fresh and retro now risks feeling cookie-cutter. It’s hard to stand out when everyone’s living room looks like a West Elm catalog.
Mix in other styles—maybe a rustic coffee table, a contemporary light fixture, or a traditional rug. The contrast will make your mid-century pieces pop even more. Design is more interesting when it’s layered. Let your home reflect more than one era.
4. Using the Same “Pop of Color” Everywhere
A pop of mustard yellow or teal can be fun—until it’s the same pop in every trendy home. When everyone uses the same accent color, it stops feeling bold and starts feeling formulaic. It’s no longer a surprise; it’s an expectation. And that predictability makes your space feel generic.
Instead, choose colors that resonate with you personally or reflect your environment. Maybe it’s a deep forest green from your local landscape or a coral that reminds you of a favorite trip. Color should tell a story, not just follow a script. Make your palette your own.
5. Hanging Mass-Produced Wall Art
That oversized canvas of abstract brushstrokes or the black-and-white cityscape might look chic, but it’s also in thousands of other homes. Mass-produced art lacks the soul and uniqueness that make a space feel personal. It fills a wall, but it doesn’t say anything about you. And that’s what makes it forgettable.
Look for original art from local artists, vintage prints, or even your own photography. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. When your walls reflect your life and taste, your home feels richer. Art should be a conversation starter, not wallpaper.
6. Styling Every Surface Like a Magazine Spread
Perfectly arranged trays, stacked books, and decorative beads might look great on Instagram, but in real life, it can feel overly staged. When every surface is styled to perfection, it leaves little room for actual living. It can also make guests feel like they’re in a store, not a home. The result is polished—but impersonal.
Leave space for function and spontaneity. Let your coffee table hold a real book you’re reading or your nightstand have a glass of water. A little imperfection adds warmth and humanity. Your home should feel lived in, not just styled.
7. Installing the Same Subway Tile Everywhere
Subway tile is classic, but its overuse in kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms has made it feel a bit tired. When it’s the default choice, it stops feeling like a design decision and starts feeling like a placeholder. Especially when paired with the same white grout and layout, it can make spaces blur together. It’s clean—but also predictable.
Consider alternative shapes, colors, or layouts—like vertical stacking, zellige tile, or even a bold grout color. These small tweaks can make a big impact. Tile should enhance the space, not just fill it. Don’t be afraid to break the mold.
8. Choosing Furniture Sets Instead of Mixing Pieces
Buying a full matching set—sofa, loveseat, and armchair in the same fabric—might seem like a safe bet, but it often results in a flat, uninspired look. It lacks the layered, collected feel that makes a home feel curated. Everything matches, but nothing stands out. It’s more showroom than sanctuary.
Mixing textures, colors, and styles adds depth and personality. Pair a leather chair with a linen sofa, or a vintage side table with a modern couch. The contrast creates visual interest and tells a story. Your home should look like it came together over time, not all at once.
9. Following Every Trend Without Editing
From boucle everything to checkerboard rugs to fluted furniture—trends come fast and furious. But when you try to incorporate all of them at once, your home can feel like a trend salad. It’s overwhelming, disjointed, and ultimately forgettable. Trends should enhance your space, not define it.
Pick one or two that truly resonate with you and let them shine. The rest can wait—or be admired from afar. A well-edited space feels intentional and timeless. Chasing every trend just makes your home feel like everyone else’s.
10. Prioritizing Aesthetic Over Comfort
That sleek acrylic chair or ultra-low-profile sofa might look amazing in photos, but if it’s uncomfortable, it’s not doing its job. When form consistently wins over function, your home starts to feel more like a set than a sanctuary. Guests won’t want to linger, and you might find yourself avoiding certain rooms. Beauty without comfort is a short-lived thrill.
Choose pieces that feel as good as they look. Soft textures, supportive seating, and cozy corners make a home inviting. Trendy can still be comfortable—you just have to be picky. Your home should welcome you, not just impress others.
This post 10 Things You’re Doing to Be Trendy That Are Making Your Home Feel Generic was first published on Greenhouse Black.
