Stop Following These Interior Trends (Unless You Want Your Guests to Copy Your Style)

By Lifestyle Properties

You know the feeling. You walk into a friend’s newly renovated home and—yep—there it is: the white shiplap wall, the matte black fixtures, the "gather" sign hanging just a little too proudly above the kitchen sink.

It’s cute. It’s current. But it’s also everywhere.

Now, don’t get us wrong, trends happen for a reason. They catch on because they look good. But the problem with some interior design trends is that they start to feel a little... familiar. And not in the cozy, New England farmhouse kind of way. More like the “Didn’t I just see this exact room on 12 different Instagram accounts?” kind of way.

So, if you’re styling your Portland home and want it to feel unique (without totally ignoring what’s stylish), here’s a look at a few overdone trends to reconsider—or remix—unless you’re okay with everyone copying your style.

1. The All-White Everything Era

At one point, white-on-white-on-white felt fresh and bright. But now? It kind of feels like you’re living inside a marshmallow.

Especially in Portland, where we spend a good chunk of the year staring at actual snow, it’s okay to lean into color, texture, and contrast. White kitchens and minimalism aren’t going anywhere, but if your entire house looks like a blank canvas, it might be time to grab a new paintbrush.

Try instead:

Warm neutrals like mushroom, clay, or sage green
Natural wood accents that add instant soul
Statement art that breaks up the monotony and adds personality

White walls are fine. White everything? Let’s mix it up.

2. Open Shelving in Kitchens

Ah, open shelving—the darling of modern farmhouse kitchens and minimalist design boards everywhere. But here’s the truth: unless you’re Marie Kondo or never cook (or both), open shelves collect dust faster than a downtown sidewalk in April. And unless your dishware is display-worthy, you’ll find yourself arranging plates like you're prepping for a photoshoot every time someone comes over.

In Portland, where we love a good cook-from-scratch night and seasonal dinners with friends, practicality wins.

Try instead:

Glass-front cabinets for that open feel without the chaos
Floating shelves in low-traffic areas (think: coffee bars or plant displays)
A mix of closed storage and one or two open shelves for curated styling without the mess

3. Ultra-Modern Gray Everything

For a few years, gray was the color. Gray walls, gray furniture, gray floors, gray mood. But in Portland, where the weather can lean moody for months at a time, too much gray starts to feel like an emotional state rather than a design choice.

Today’s best interior design trends are leaning warmer, softer, and more personal. Think hygge vibes with a splash of personality.

Try instead:

Earth tones: terracotta, olive, ochre
Warm neutrals layered with texture (linen, wool, rattan)
Accent walls or painted ceilings for a cozy pop

Gray can stay, but maybe not in every. single. room.

4. The Overused “Rustic Industrial” Combo

Pipe shelves and Edison bulbs have entered their retirement era.

Look, we love exposed brick as much as the next person. And yes, there’s something charming about a reclaimed wood beam. But when every living room starts looking like it was designed by a reclaimed lumberyard and a light fixture factory, it’s time to evolve.

In Portland, where historic charm and modern living happily coexist, you don’t have to force the factory-loft look just to be stylish.

Try instead:

Vintage mixed with modern: Mid-century chairs with coastal-inspired textures
Refined rustic: Think warm woods, soft lighting, and actual comfort
Handmade details: Ceramics, local art, and one-of-a-kind pieces that feel yours

5. Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

You bought the full set: the couch, the loveseat, the coffee table, the end tables. They match. A little too perfect.

Here’s the thing: homes that look like catalogs rarely feel lived-in. Especially in Portland, where each neighborhood has its own flavor (hello, East End charm vs. Deering Center coziness), your space should reflect your vibe, not a retailer’s suggestion.

Try instead:

Mix materials: velvet with leather, metal with wood
Blend eras: vintage pieces paired with modern accents
Curate over time: your home doesn’t need to be “done” all at once

Style is personal. Your furniture can be, too.

The Real Trend? Authenticity.

Let’s face it: trends come and go. And while keeping up with the latest looks can be fun, interior design trends work best when they’re filtered through your own lens. The best homes in Portland aren’t the ones that follow every trend—they’re the ones that feel like the people who live in them.

So go ahead, paint that accent wall. Hang the weird art you love. Keep the antique dresser your grandmother gave you, even if it doesn’t match anything else.

The goal? A home that feels like you, with a little Maine charm and a whole lot of intention.

Want a Home That’s a Blank Canvas — or Already Perfectly Styled?

Whether you’re dreaming of a fixer-upper you can totally make your own, or a move-in-ready beauty that already nails the aesthetic, we’ve got you covered.

At Lifestyle Properties, we help Portland buyers and sellers make smart, stylish moves, without getting lost in passing fads. From historic homes with character to modern builds with room to breathe, we know how to match you with a space that fits your taste (not just what’s trending).

Reach out now, and let’s find you a home that sets trends instead of following them.