An interior designer has cautioned homeowners against two currently fashionable design trends, claiming they will make interiors look dated more quickly than expected. Hayley Fellows-Prior, of Atelier 44 Design Studio in Essex, shared her advice on TikTok, focusing on decisions that are costly to reverse.
Her first warning concerned colour blocking. She acknowledged its appeal for creating zones and statement effects, but argued that bold contrasting bands, blocks or shapes on walls have run their course as a trend. 'It locks you in' to specific furniture and colour combinations, she explained. Instead, she recommends using artwork to introduce geometric patterns or colour, which can define zones without committing to expensive wall treatments.
The second trend she advised against is oversized sofas and armchairs. Although she admitted to loving statement pieces, she said they are often too large for the average home and can overwhelm a space. This limits how a room can be arranged, and such items tend to go out of style quickly, with heavy replacement costs. A more timeless choice, she suggested, is a classic silhouette in a neutral or textured fabric, with personality added through cushions, throws and smaller occasional chairs that can be swapped out later.
Fellows-Prior's comments come as many households plan new-year makeovers. Her guidance aims to prevent expensive mistakes while maintaining a look that remains elegant over time.
