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I write a lot about design trends, and I’ve learned that just because something is trending doesn’t mean you *have* to like it or follow suit. And the opposite is true, too: It’s okay to love decor choices that have been deemed decidedly not trendy.
There are a few tropes in design that have long been labeled “tacky” by the masses, but many modern-day designers have made a name for themselves by intentionally subverting those traditional conventions. Taste and style are, after all, subjective; and sometimes, all it takes to totally flip the script from “tacky” to “trendy” are a few designers who aren’t afraid to think outside the box.
So I spoke to a few of those brave designers to find out which traditionally tacky trends they’ve been embracing. You might be surprised by just how chic “tacky” can be (when executed tastefully, of course)!
Bold, Glossy Finishes
A lot of people think glossy finishes can read too shiny or flashy, says Linda Hayslett, principal designer of LH.Designs Inc. But Hayslett loves them, as long as they’re done well. “A lacquered surface can reflect light beautifully and make a space feel more polished and intentional,” she says.
Ariana Lovato, owner and principal designer at Honeycomb Home Design, agrees, specifically calling out a love of high-gloss tile. It can veer into tacky territory when overused, she explains, but “in a small bathroom or kitchen backsplash, it reflects light beautifully. A simple shape in a soft color turns it into a subtle shimmer instead of a statement,” Lovato says.
Credit: © living4media / Möller, Cecilia
Statement Wallpaper
Wallpaper can feel like an overwhelming design decision — it’s expensive, and can be a lot of work to install, so your instinct might be to play it safe with subtle, neutral colors and patterns. But Hayslett sees wallpaper as large-format artwork, and says it gives a room a clear point-of-view. “I’d always rather walk into a space that makes a statement than one that plays it safe,” she says. So for your next wallpaper project, embrace bolder patterns or brighter colors — if you’re still afraid to commit, you can always try peel-and-stick for easy removal!
Placement is important too when it comes to wallpaper — and a room’s four walls aren’t the only places worth making a statement, according to Lovato. Wallpapering the ceiling is one fresh take on the formerly “tacky” trend: “Everyone forgets about the ‘fifth’ wall, but it is SOOOO important!” she says. “It’s a controlled moment of drama that makes the whole space feel considered.”
Animal Print
Animal print has had a long and tumultuous history, bouncing from luxurious to tacky throughout the ages. But right now, animal print is definitely back “in,” says Jennifer Beget, founder and principal designer of J Beget Designs. “Animal prints are [like] a neutral color/pattern to designers!” They can make a statement (e.g., a tiger print area rug in a living room) or add a fun accent in a smaller way (e.g., small cheetah print pillows on lounge chairs) to an otherwise simple space, she says.
Credit: Fernando Bengoechea/Getty Images
Gold Finishes
Warm finishes like gold and brass have been dismissed as gaudy for decades. They’ve been relegated to the ’80s, and largely abandoned in favor of satin nickel, matte black, and chrome finishes. But Lovato says these warmer finishes can bring so much depth to a room. “When the undertone is soft and the silhouette is simple, gold reads as elevated, not flashy,” she explains.
If you’re not ready to go for gold in your bathroom or kitchen yet, try swapping out knobs on some of your furniture, or adding in a brass lamp first. Little accents can go a long way!
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching furniture sets get a bad rap for being outdated, and not for nothing. But Hayslett thinks that a *few* strategic matching pieces can actually make a room feel more tailored and put-together — at least when the pieces are well-designed, that is. “Sometimes consistency is exactly what gives a space its strength,” she told me. You might try upholstering different pieces with the same fabric, or simply matching accent chairs. It’s all about balance with this approach.
Velvet
In recent years, velvet has been on the outs. The once-luxurious fabric was tossed to the curb in favor of bouclé and chenille. It might be because velvet can look cheap when mass-produced, but when done right it’s still absolutely stunning. Beget says this material, especially colored velvet (think: electric blue or deep burgundy), is in high demand again. She asserts that velvet will always be a luxe fabric for designers to incorporate with things like throw pillows, an upholstered bed, or even an entire sofa.
Design Defined
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