These three wall trends are already over

Interior design trends have an average lifespan of just 10 months, according to recent research. The experts at Level Frames, an online custom framing service, analyzed Google searches and the last five annual Pinterest Trend Reports to determine their findings, charting trend cycles in the previous 20 years.

“As with any trend, interior design styles can lose impact when overdone,” says Danielle Castagna, an interior design expert for the company. “From panelling to accent walls, what once felt like a fresh home upgrade can quickly start to look dated.”

Castagna says a more sustainable way to refresh your home could lie in art. She identified three recent wall trends that have already overstayed their welcome and offered ways that prints, photography and paintings could work instead.

1. Instead of wall panelling, try large statement art.

Wall panelling can take many forms — including breadboard, shiplap, wainscotting and flat panel. Proponents of it cite textural interest as part of its charm. But it can be expensive to install, and once you’ve committed to it, you’re in it for the long haul.

“Wall panelling has dominated interior design trends in recent years, to the point of being completely overdone.” says Castagna. “This style draws your eye and makes the wall a big statement in the room. You can achieve the same impact with a fresher look by hanging a single large statement piece of art, or even multi-panel artwork to fill the span of a wider space. Unlike permanent wall panelling, artwork is easier to swap out or reframe for an instant style update.”

2. Instead of accent walls, try swapping in seasonal art.

Accent walls were a major design trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and they’ve enjoyed renewed interest. But just popping paint on a wall can sometimes look more random than retro-inspired.

“Bold accent walls can act as a strong focal point and set the tone of a room, but once the colour or pattern feels dated, it draws attention for all the wrong reasons,” says Castagna. “A seasonal art rotation allows you to be more flexible and aligned with the changing seasons, with the ability to introduce new styles, moods, and colours without even picking up a paintbrush or the wallpaper stripper.”

3. Instead of plain walls, try a gallery wall.

Minimalist spaces were all the rage in the past decade — all white and bare and museum chic. But more recently, people have been gravitating to cozier, individualized esthetics such as maximalism and dopamine decor.

“Bare walls with no accessories can leave a space feeling unfinished,” says Castagna. “Instead, a carefully curated gallery wall instantly adds personality and interest to a room. You can incorporate different frame sizes, orientations, colours, and textures, and different elements like photos, posters, and even vinyls to add some personality to your home. This wall decor style can also grow and evolve with you over time, making it an evergreen design choice.”