An interior designer from Essex has issued a stark warning to homeowners, urging them to steer clear of two specific design trends in 2026 to ensure their property retains a classic, timeless appeal and avoids costly future updates.
The Quest for a Timeless Home
Hayley Fellows-Prior of Atelier 44 Design Studio took to social media platform TikTok at the start of January 2026 to share her professional advice. She focuses on creating enduring interiors and highlighted that the trends in question are not small, easily swapped accessories, but significant design commitments that are expensive to reverse once installed.
Trend 1: The Pitfalls of Colour Blocking
Her first cautionary note targets the popular practice of colour blocking. Fellows-Prior acknowledged the trend's appeal, noting it can effectively zone spaces and create bold statements. However, she argued that the use of bold contrasting bands, blocks, or shapes on walls has peaked and will quickly feel dated.
"It 'locks' you into a specific decorative scheme," she explained, limiting your future options for furnishing and colour combinations in that room. As a timeless and flexible alternative, she recommends introducing geometric interest and vibrant colour through artwork. This approach achieves a similar visual impact but allows for easy and affordable updates as your taste evolves.
Trend 2: The Problem with Oversized Statement Furniture
In a follow-up video, the designer addressed a second trend: oversized statement sofas and armchairs. While admitting a personal fondness for such pieces, Fellows-Prior cautioned that their issue lies in scale, not necessarily colour.
She pointed out that these large items, though photogenic, often overwhelm the proportions of an average UK living room. This can dominate the space and severely restrict how you arrange other furniture. Furthermore, their distinctive silhouettes tend to age out of style rapidly, leading to an expensive replacement dilemma.
"A smarter choice is to opt for a classic sofa silhouette in a neutral or textured fabric," she advised. "You can then inject personality and trend-led elements through cushions, throws, or smaller occasional chairs that are simple to switch out later."
Investing in Long-Term Style
The core message from Hayley Fellows-Prior is one of strategic investment. For those renovating or redecorating in 2026, avoiding these two transient trends in favour of more adaptable, classic foundations is presented as a financially savvy move. This approach prioritises long-term satisfaction and value over short-lived fashion, ensuring your home remains stylish and relevant for years to come without necessitating another major overhaul.
