pantone-color-of-the-year-2020-classic-blue-banner-1024x354 — Pantone’s color of the year will show up everywhere. As with all trends, tread lightly.

Dallas, a dynamic and forward-thinking metropolis, stands at the forefront of architectural innovation and sophisticated interior design. Our city boasts an exceptional community of immensely talented, visionary architects and interior designers, many of whom are award-winners, constantly pushing the boundaries of aesthetic and functional living. As we embarked upon 2020, the design world was primed for significant transformations, with a clear embrace of fresh perspectives and a decisive move away from elements that had become overly saturated or simply outmoded. To shed light on these exciting shifts, we engaged with several of Dallas’s most esteemed design experts. They generously shared their invaluable insights, predicting the trends set to dominate homes and commercial spaces, and identifying those poised for retirement, offering a captivating glimpse into the year’s defining styles and design philosophies.

Dallas Design Unveiled: The Definitive Guide to 2020 Architecture and Interior Trends

The turn of a new decade invariably heralds a wave of innovative ideas and a rejuvenated approach to design. For homeowners, real estate developers, and design aficionados across Dallas and beyond, comprehending these evolving dynamics is paramount. This comprehensive guide, meticulously curated with the unparalleled expertise of our local design mavens, dives deep into the “ins” and “outs” of architecture and interior design for 2020. From broad philosophical shifts and sustainable practices to specific material selections and stylistic preferences, prepare to discover how design shaped spaces with renewed elegance, enhanced functionality, and a profound sense of individuality throughout the year.

Cliff Welch, Welch/Hall Architects: Championing Contextual Modernism and Craftsmanship

Cliff Welch is widely recognized as a preeminent figure in modern architecture, a reputation earned through his profound understanding of structural aesthetics and his engaging sense of humor, which is, indeed, an essential trait for an architect. His own home serves as a compelling embodiment of elegant simplicity and meticulous craftsmanship, while his anticipated annual holiday graphics delight with their unique artistic expression. Cliff approaches design with a nuanced perspective, articulating that there are fundamentally “no bad materials or even styles.” The true challenge, he emphasizes, lies in materials, construction techniques, and building methods being “misused, misunderstood, and overused.” He eloquently references examples such as painted white brick, a material masterfully employed in timeless structures by architectural giants like Aalto and, locally, by Max Levy, who skillfully integrates it as a neutral canvas to highlight the natural interplay of light, shade, and shadow. Cliff’s core argument is that these elements, while inherently good, lose their integrity when they become superficial trends, applied without thoughtful consideration for context, skillful execution, or judicious restraint.

Out (So Last Decade! Time for a Considered Shift)

The Generic White Wash: While painted white brick can be transformed into an exquisite feature under the masterful guidance of architects like Aalto or Max Levy, its ubiquitous and often uninspired application has regrettably rendered it a default choice for rapid house flips and generic commercial strip centers. This indiscriminate use frequently diminishes a building’s inherent character and material honesty, leading to a bland, uniform aesthetic.
“Mr. Potato Head” Architecture: This pejorative term aptly describes a trend where disparate and often conflicting design elements are haphazardly applied, resulting in a visually incoherent and conceptually fragmented structure. This includes the uncoordinated use of poor-quality wood siding, aesthetically jarring stone accents (whether real or artificial “sticky stone”), pseudo-burned wood finishes, the often misapplied exotic Ipe wood, token board-formed concrete walls, a chaotic medley of window types and sizes, garishly bright color palettes, and the arbitrary inclusion of flat roofs. Such designs typically lack a unified vision, culminating in visual discord.
Superficial Modernism: This trend represents a regrettable misinterpretation of true modernism, stripping it of its foundational principles of honesty in materials, functional integrity, and elegant restraint. Instead, modern elements are reduced to mere decorative trimmings. Buildings are often constructed with cost-cutting measures, exhibiting a notable disregard for fine craftsmanship or long-term durability, yet are superficially labeled “modern” based on a few disconnected aesthetic gestures.
The Misconception of “New Midcentury Modern”: Cliff unequivocally asserts that “there is no such thing.” Midcentury modern is a deeply significant historical philosophy, intricately woven into its specific historical and cultural context. To rebrand contemporary, often mass-produced designs as “new midcentury modern” is to dilute the original movement’s profound historical resonance and reduce it to a shallow, market-driven buzzword, devoid of its authentic meaning.
Shipping Containers as a Default: While offering innovative and sustainable solutions in highly specific contexts, their trend-driven overuse as a generic building material often overlooks critical structural complexities, insulation requirements, and inherent aesthetic limitations, frequently leading to compromised and ultimately unsustainable designs.
Unsophisticated Gabion Walls: These wire cages filled with rocks, while effective for certain landscaping and retaining applications, have seen a trend-driven proliferation that often results in their uninspired deployment, lacking thoughtful integration into the overall architectural or landscape design.
Uninspired Corrugated Siding: Similar to gabion walls, corrugated siding, when applied without a strong, contextually appropriate design rationale, can often detract from a building’s overall aesthetic sophistication rather than enhancing it.
Monoculture Landscaping (Cactus and Buffalo Grass): While perfectly suited for arid, native landscapes, their indiscriminate application across diverse climatic regions often results in uninspired and contextually inappropriate yard designs, neglecting the rich biodiversity and aesthetic potential of regional flora.

In (Embracing Thoughtful Design and Enduring Value)

Thoughtful, Well-Crafted Homes at a Smaller Scale: A burgeoning emphasis on quality over sheer square footage, focusing on residences that are not only meticulously designed but also expertly constructed. These homes are precisely tailored to facilitate a more simplified, yet rich, lifestyle amidst an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world, prioritizing both comfort and intelligent functionality.
Quality Over Quantity: A fundamental and welcome shift towards investing in fewer, but superior quality, materials, and finishes. This approach champions durability, timeless appeal, and a refined aesthetic that outlasts fleeting trends.
Simplicity as Sophistication: Embracing clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a minimalist ethos that brings profound serenity and clarity to living environments. This simplicity is not an absence of detail, but rather a deliberate focus on essential, impactful elements.
Reverence for Craft: A renewed and deep appreciation for artisanal techniques, handcrafted details, and the inherent skill involved in creating enduring architectural features and interior finishes. This speaks to a desire for authenticity, human connection, and unique character in design.
Timeless Design Principles: A conscious move away from ephemeral trends in favor of designs that possess an inherent, enduring appeal. These are aesthetics that transcend passing fads and remain relevant and beautiful for generations, achieved through thoughtful consideration of form, material, and spatial harmony.

Barry Williams: Curating Personalized and Dazzling Interiors

Barry Williams holds a distinguished position as one of Dallas’s most exclusive and highly sought-after interior designers. Beyond his undeniable talent for crafting sumptuous and visually stunning interiors, Barry possesses an exceptionally acute sensibility for the prevailing currents in design, adeptly distinguishing between fleeting fads and truly enduring styles. His insights consistently offer a discerning and refined perspective on what truly elevates an interior space.

Out (Farewell to the Monochromatic and Predictable)

Overuse of Stark White: The era of sterile, dominant white interiors has reached its inevitable saturation point. While inherently classic, its excessive application has resulted in spaces that often feel impersonal, lacking the desired warmth and character.
Uninspired Cream Tones: Much like the pervasive use of white, an overabundance of generic cream shades has contributed to interiors that lack depth, distinctive character, and compelling visual interest, leading to a sense of blandness.
Fading Light Blue: Once a prevalent accent color, light blue is progressively receding from prominence as interior designers gravitate towards more sophisticated, complex, and emotionally resonant color palettes.
Ubiquitous Geometric Prints: The era defined by highly structured, repetitive geometric prints as a primary design motif is now waning, paving the way for more fluid, organic, and artistically expressive patterns that offer greater visual softness and intrigue.

In (Embracing Boldness, Natural Textures, and Innovative Illumination)

More Individuality: A powerful and growing impetus towards creating interiors that authentically mirror the unique personalities, passions, and lifestyles of their occupants, transcending the adherence to rigid, formulaic design principles.
Organic Prints: Patterns inspired by nature, characterized by fluid lines, natural motifs, and abstract forms, are gaining significant prominence, infusing living spaces with a profound sense of calm, natural beauty, and harmonious connection to the outdoors.
Colorful Marble Countertops: Moving beyond the conventional white and grey, vibrant and exotic varieties of marble are emerging as striking focal points. These colorful selections introduce luxurious vibrancy and unique geological artistry into contemporary kitchens and elegant bathrooms.
Rich Stained Wood: A distinct departure from painted finishes, richly stained woods are celebrated for their natural grain and texture, imbuing cabinetry, bespoke furniture, and architectural details with warmth, depth, and a timeless sense of refined elegance.
Sexy Light Fixtures: Lighting is increasingly transcending its purely functional role to become a sculptural art piece. These fixtures make bold statements, serving as significant contributors to the overall ambiance and narrative of a room, creating drama and visual interest.
Creative Uses of LED Tape Light: Innovative and subtle applications of LED tape lighting are providing dramatic yet discreet illumination. This technology is masterfully employed to highlight architectural features, create nuanced mood lighting, and enhance functional spaces with a sleek, modern edge.

Allen M. Keith, Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc.: The Resurgence of Richness and Expression

Allen M. Keith and his distinguished team at Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc., are perennial recipients of numerous prestigious interior design awards, a testament to their exceptional talent, innovative vision, and enduring influence within the industry. Allen’s acute perspective signals a notable and welcome departure from austere, stark minimalist trends, moving decisively towards a more opulent, expressive, and deeply personalized aesthetic in interior spaces.

Out (Goodbye to Bleached-Out and Impersonal Spaces)

All-White Interiors: The pervasive era of stark, entirely white interiors is now gracefully yielding to spaces that are richly imbued with more personality, genuine warmth, and compelling visual texture, reflecting a desire for more inviting environments.

In (A Celebration of Abundance, Vibrancy, and Curated Collections)

A Return to Maximalism: This trend represents a bold and confident embrace of layering, opulent textures, diverse patterns, and a carefully curated collection of objects that collectively tell a compelling story. Maximalism actively encourages profound personal expression and a decisive rejection of stark uniformity, thereby fostering deeply personalized, inviting, and visually rich environments.
Traditional Furnishings: There is a distinct and renewed appreciation for classic furniture pieces, often thoughtfully reinterpreted with a contemporary twist or seamlessly integrated into modern settings. These pieces lend a profound sense of history, permanence, and sophisticated comfort to any space.
A Lot More Color!: A fervent and widespread call for the reintroduction of vibrant hues, deep, saturated tones, and adventurous, dynamic color palettes. This influx of color infuses spaces with palpable energy, profound emotion, and distinct character, signifying a collective desire for more lively, stimulating, and personality-driven surroundings.

John-Lewis-Agate-Wallpaper-in-Teal — Now this is a wallpaper we can get behind. John Lewis & Partners Agate wallpaper in teal.

Lloyd Lumpkins, L. Lumpkins Architects: Fusing Functionality with Historical Context

Lloyd Lumpkins is a respected pillar of the Dallas architectural community, celebrated not only for his ability to design and create exceptionally beautiful homes but also for his astute awareness of evolving design currents. His perspective uniquely harmonizes a refined aesthetic sensibility with a deep practical understanding of how people live, rendering his insights invaluable for those aspiring to construct enduring, functional, and contextually appropriate residences.

Out (The Monotony of Overdone and Uninspired Aesthetics)

Stripped-Down Painted Brick with Composite Roofs: Lloyd expresses a fervent and widely shared hope for the complete disappearance of this particular architectural aesthetic. He views this combination as uninspired and often lacking in genuine architectural integrity. This pairing, frequently applied without thoughtful consideration or design rationale, typically results in buildings that feel generic, devoid of unique charm, and lacking in originality, contributing to visual monotony in neighborhoods.

In (Prioritizing Personal Space, Evolved Living, and Contextual Modernity)

Big Closets REIGN!: The demand for generously sized, meticulously designed, and exceptionally well-organized closets has ascended to paramount importance in contemporary home design. Modern living places a significant emphasis on personalized storage solutions and highly efficient organization, transforming closets from mere utilitarian spaces into luxurious, integrated, and highly functional zones within the home.
The Demise of Formal Dining Rooms: The traditional, often seldom-used formal dining room is steadily, yet decisively, being phased out of modern home layouts. Contemporary lifestyles increasingly favor open-plan concepts and more flexible dining areas that integrate seamlessly with living spaces, thereby fostering a more relaxed, communal, and adaptable atmosphere for entertaining and daily life.
Modern Home Designs with a Sense of Context – Historical and Regional: A crucial and much-needed shift towards modern architecture that demonstrates a profound respect for and thoughtful integration with its surrounding environment. This design philosophy mandates creating homes that acknowledge and subtly reference the historical architectural fabric of a neighborhood, while also judiciously utilizing materials and forms that are appropriate to the regional climate and established aesthetic, thus ensuring new constructions feel deeply rooted and inherently belong to their locale.

Traci Connell, Traci Connell Interiors: Blending Practicality with Timeless Elegance and Smart Living

Traci Connell is widely acclaimed for her impeccable acumen in space planning and interior design, a talent that consistently translates into creating homes that are not only exquisitely beautiful but also eminently livable and highly functional. Her insights brilliantly integrate practical solutions with enduring style, ensuring that the spaces she designs are both stunning to behold and perfectly attuned to the demands of modern life.

Out (Moving Beyond Overdone Kitchens and Transient Trends)

The Monotonous White and Gray Kitchen: This once overwhelmingly dominant kitchen aesthetic, characterized by its stark and often sterile palette, is notably receding as homeowners actively seek to infuse more personality, genuine warmth, and distinctive character into their culinary spaces.
Light Blue on Cabinets: While undeniably possessing a certain charm in specific, nuanced contexts, the widespread and generic application of light blue on kitchen cabinets is experiencing a decline, giving way to a far broader and more sophisticated spectrum of alternative color choices.
The Overworked Farmhouse Style: The ubiquitous farmhouse aesthetic, defined by its characteristic shiplap, rustic elements, and often exaggerated rural charm, has undeniably reached its peak popularity. It is now steadily receding, making way for more refined, diverse, and personally expressive interior design styles.

In (Embracing Durability, Smart Living, Nature-Inspired Elements, and Personal Storytelling)

Livable and Durable Materials: A pronounced preference for materials that are not merely aesthetically pleasing but also robust, resilient, effortlessly easy to maintain, and supremely capable of withstanding the daily rigors of active home life, all without compromising on sophisticated style.
Multifunctional and Smart Home Capabilities Integrated within New Construction: The seamless and intuitive integration of advanced smart home technology, particularly emphasizing voice activation, directly into the foundational fabric of new builds. This provides significantly enhanced convenience, robust security, and superior energy efficiency, ensuring homes are more responsive and adaptable to contemporary living needs.
Natural Materials like Rattan: A significant resurgence in the popularity of organic, tactile materials such as rattan, wicker, bamboo, and natural wood. These elements inherently bring profound warmth, rich texture, and a tangible connection to the natural world indoors, fostering a sense of calm and authenticity.
Lush Greenery: The deliberate and abundant incorporation of indoor plants, botanical elements, and living green walls. This trend profoundly enhances indoor air quality, naturally reduces stress levels, and injects vibrant life and captivating natural beauty into interior spaces, creating a serene oasis.
Eco-Friendly Options: A rapidly growing demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious design choices, ranging from responsibly sourced recycled materials to highly energy-efficient systems and non-toxic finishes. This reflects a broader and deepening commitment to ecological responsibility and conscious living.
Timeless, Classic Style, on the Traditional Side: A discerning lean towards enduring, classic aesthetics with a distinct traditional slant. This approach guarantees design longevity, sophisticated elegance, and an inherent appeal that gracefully transcends fleeting fads, offering enduring beauty.
Modern Style with Natural Materials: A sophisticated and harmonious fusion of sleek modern aesthetics with organic textures and natural materials. This combination creates spaces that are simultaneously clean-lined and inviting, expertly balancing contemporary design principles with an inherent warmth and tactile appeal.
Homes That Tell a Story: A conscious and heartfelt effort to incorporate homeowners’ cherished collectibles, treasured heirlooms, and other meaningful pieces. This approach cultivates unique interiors that profoundly reflect their personal journeys, life experiences, and authentic stories, making each space uniquely and deeply their own.

Eddie Maestri, Maestri Studio: Crafting Narrative-Rich Architecture and Interiors

Eddie Maestri is celebrated as one of the finest and most visionary architects in this part of the country, distinguished by his exceptional ability to conceptualize and execute breathtaking designs. His Deep Ellum studio, a comprehensive turnkey architecture and interior design hub, not only showcases his innovative and award-winning work but also offers a meticulously curated selection of unique design elements. Eddie’s design philosophy places a strong emphasis on spaces that are deeply personal and acutely aware of their context, moving resolutely beyond generic aesthetics to create truly resonant and memorable environments that tell a story.

Out (Shifting Away from Homogenized and Overdone Design)

Sterile White Painted Brick: Echoing the sentiments of other leading experts, Eddie also observes the significant decline of white painted brick, particularly when it is applied without genuine architectural merit or contextual relevance. Its widespread, thoughtless use often results in bland, uninspired, and visually interchangeable facades that lack character.
The Overtly Modern Farmhouse: The once-ubiquitous modern farmhouse style, characterized by its specific, often cliché, blend of rustic and contemporary elements, has become demonstrably overdone. Its pervasive presence in countless new constructions and renovations has diminished its original, unique appeal, decisively placing it on the path out of vogue.
Matchy-Matchy Pastel and White Interiors: Interiors that are excessively coordinated with pale pastels and stark whites are rapidly losing favor. This approach frequently results in spaces that feel impersonal, devoid of desired depth, and lacking the vibrant personality and visual interest that contemporary homeowners increasingly seek.

In (Cultivating Uniqueness, Heritage, and Personal Expression)

Architecture and Interiors That Tell a Story: A profound and accelerating movement towards deeply personal self-expression and the intentional creation of spaces that serve as vivid reflections of their occupants’ unique personalities, rich histories, and cherished aspirations. In this philosophy, every meticulously chosen design element contributes meaningfully to a cohesive and compelling personal narrative.
Warm Woods: A decisive embrace of the inherent richness, nuanced character, and inviting tones of warm-hued woods. These materials infuse spaces with natural beauty, profound comfort, and a timeless appeal, marking a refreshing departure from cooler or overly bleached finishes, and grounding spaces with organic warmth.
Soft Colors with High-Contrast Accents: A sophisticated and artful palette that thoughtfully pairs soothing, muted base colors with strategically chosen, bold, and impactful accents. This approach masterfully creates visual interest and dynamic energy without overwhelming the space, achieving an exquisite balance of modern elegance and subtle drama.
Bespoke/Artisan Materials Both Inside and Out: A strong and growing emphasis on incorporating unique, custom-made, or meticulously handcrafted materials and finishes. This unwavering commitment to artisanal quality ensures that spaces are distinctively personal, celebrate the skill of craftsmanship, and frequently integrate authentic local or regional influences, imbuing them with unique character.
Art Deco Glamour: A compelling resurgence of the luxurious and geometrically elegant aesthetic of the Art Deco era. This revival encompasses bold, streamlined forms, opulent materials such as polished metals, lustrous lacquered finishes, and a sophisticated, dramatic aesthetic that injects a timeless touch of vintage glamour into contemporary settings.
More Unique Design Solutions That Do Not Have to Follow the Rules of Being a Style: A liberating and innovative approach that prioritizes creative, intelligent, and problem-solving designs over strict adherence to conventional, predefined styles. This freedom allows for the creation of truly original spaces that are precisely tailored to specific needs and unique desires, fostering unparalleled authenticity.
More Individualism: At the very core of all emerging “in” trends is a powerful celebration of individualism. This empowers homeowners to confidently curate spaces that are authentic, deeply personal, and a genuine reflection of themselves, rather than merely conforming to mass-market trends or generic formulas.
Architecture That Respects Neighborhood Context and Adds to the Fabric of the Neighborhood Story: A design philosophy centered on developing new structures and undertaking renovations with a profound respect for the existing architectural character and historical essence of the surrounding neighborhood. This ensures that new developments enhance, rather than detract from, the community’s unique identity and contribute positively to its ongoing narrative.
Collected and Eclectic Interiors That Tell a Story: Thoughtfully curated spaces filled with a rich, harmonious mix of old and new, diverse styles, and objects acquired over time through personal journeys and experiences. These interiors are inherently personal, reflecting a life well-lived and stories gracefully gathered, thereby creating deeply layered, inviting, and uniquely charismatic atmospheres.

Kim Armstrong, Kim Armstrong Interior Designer: The Bold and the Beautiful Spectrum of Color

Kim Armstrong is an interior designer who fearlessly embraces and expertly wields color, making it a distinctive and powerful signature element of her vibrant and highly individualized style. Her recent groundbreaking launch of “Day of Design” further democratizes high-end interior design, offering clients a comprehensive, transformative aesthetic experience delivered within the remarkably short span of just a single day. Kim’s insightful predictions for 2020 are unequivocally centered on depth, rich texture, and a joyful, confident departure from monochromatic and predictable color schemes, heralding an era of bold expression.

Out (Overdone Neutrals and the Fading Rural Chic)

The Reign of Grey and White: The ubiquitous pairing of grey and white, which once dominated contemporary interiors, is now steadily being supplanted by far more expressive, dynamic, and colorful palettes that infuse spaces with vitality.
Exaggerated Farmhouse Style: The widespread and often exaggerated adoption of farmhouse chic has, ironically, contributed to its decline. Designers and homeowners are now actively seeking more unique, sophisticated, and less prescriptive aesthetic styles.
Barn Doors: While undeniably offering a certain rustic charm and functional utility in specific settings, the once-trendy barn door is experiencing a decline in its pervasive popularity. This trend is receding as other, often more refined and aesthetically versatile, solutions for space division come to the forefront.

In (A Kaleidoscope of Richness, Innovation, and Personalized Flair)

Darker, Moodier Jewel Tones: A distinct and captivating shift towards deeply saturated, opulent jewel tones—such as rich emerald green, majestic sapphire blue, passionate ruby red, and mystical amethyst purple—to meticulously craft luxurious, dramatic, and intimately inviting atmospheres that evoke a sense of grandeur.
English European Flavor: An emerging and sophisticated appreciation for the timeless charm and sophisticated comfort inherent in classic English and broader European interior styles. This often manifests with a thoughtful modern reinterpretation, bringing a profound sense of heritage, bespoke elegance, and nuanced character to contemporary spaces.
Floral Wallpapers or Prints with a Bohemian Vibe: Lush, intricate floral patterns are making a significant and welcome re-emergence, frequently imbued with a romantic or subtly bohemian twist. These designs add profound depth, nature-inspired beauty, and a touch of whimsical artistry to both walls and fabrics, creating captivating visual narratives.
Lighter Wood-Tone Floors Continue to Stay Popular, but with a Twist: While lighter wood-tone floors maintain their strong popularity for their brightness and versatility, the accompanying trend of all-white cabinets is beginning to feel less novel and more predictable. Expect to witness a significant and exciting shift towards colorful cabinets, applied not merely on kitchen islands but across entire kitchen designs, offering a refreshing and personalized burst of character.
Stained Wood, Particularly Oak, for Cabinets: There is a strong and celebrated return to showcasing the natural beauty, intricate grain, and inherent character of stained wood cabinetry, with oak emerging as a particularly favored choice. This trend brings profound warmth, rich texture, and a timeless quality to kitchens, built-ins, and other custom millwork.
All Metallics Are In, and Mixing Them is Totally On-Trend: The outdated rule of adhering to a single metallic finish is officially discarded. Expect to see a confident, sophisticated, and stylish blend of gold, silver, brass, copper, and even black metals seamlessly integrated within a single space, adding depth, multifaceted texture, and sophisticated sparkle.
Animal Print is All the Rage!: A perennial favorite that seemingly never truly goes “out,” animal prints—such as leopard, zebra, cheetah, and others—are making a strikingly bold statement. Whether deployed subtly as an elegant accent or used confidently as a main feature, they invariably add a touch of wild glamour, exoticism, and luxurious texture.
Porcelain Countertops: Highly praised for their exceptional durability, remarkably low maintenance requirements, and impressive aesthetic versatility (masterfully mimicking the appearance of natural stone with uncanny realism), porcelain countertops are rapidly becoming a highly sought-after and practical option for both modern kitchens and luxurious bathrooms.
Smart Home Technology: The seamless, intuitive, and ever-advancing integration of smart home systems for intelligent lighting, precise climate control, robust security, and immersive entertainment continues to be a top priority for homeowners, offering unparalleled convenience, enhanced efficiency, and sophisticated control over their living environments.
The Resurgence of Red: After a notable period of absence from mainstream design, the bold, passionate, and energetic color red is making a confident comeback. It stands poised to infuse spaces with powerful energy, dramatic flair, and a distinct, confident personality, demanding attention and radiating warmth.
Shiplap in Moderation and with a New Spin: While the era of full-blown, pervasive farmhouse shiplap is gracefully fading, a more refined, strategic, and nuanced use of shiplap or other architectural millwork is decisively emerging. This “new spin” focuses on providing subtle yet impactful architectural interest and sophisticated texture without overwhelming the space, transforming it into a more elegant and integrated design element.

My Wishlist for Turnover Trends: A Personal and Pragmatic Perspective from the Staging Frontlines

As the owner of Eubank Staging and Design, and with a career spanning over 25 years as an award-winning professional home stager and writer, I am afforded a truly unique and expansive vantage point on the constantly evolving world of design. My daily immersion in a broad spectrum of architectural styles and interior aesthetics, from high-end luxury residences to practical, everyday functional homes, gives me an invaluable, real-time pulse on what truly resonates—and what, frankly, desperately needs to depart. Here are my personal “ins” and “outs,” a reflection of my blend of practical experience, appreciation for timelessness, and a healthy dose of dramatic flair!

Out (My Personal Design Pet Peeves and What Needs to Go)

The Impractical Vessel Tub: Oh, for the love of design sanity, can we collectively bid farewell to the vessel tub once and for all? Yes, it is undeniably beautiful—a sculptural, often artistic statement in many bathrooms. However, its impracticality is nothing short of astounding. Who among us can effectively wash a dog, or more realistically, a rambunctious toddler, in one of these elevated basins? They represent, to me, the absolute epitome of a stunning yet functionally flawed design trend, and I eagerly anticipate their permanent departure from our homes, ushering in more sensible bathing solutions.
Sterile White Overload: My stance aligns with many of my esteemed colleagues: white is no longer the unequivocally “right” default. Homes are audibly yearning for personality, warmth, and distinctive character. An all-white palette, while undeniably clean, often results in spaces that feel cold, uninviting, and utterly fail to tell the unique story of its inhabitants, leading to a bland, institutional feel.
The Fading Hue of Yellow: If your primary objective is to successfully sell a home, I implore you: banish that color forever, or at least from any significant surface. Yellow, particularly certain shades and when used excessively, can instantly make a home feel dated, overwhelming, or simply unappealing to a broad segment of potential buyers. It consistently struggles to project the sophisticated, fresh, and broadly appealing aesthetic that today’s market demands.
Overly Elaborate Window Treatments: We can absolutely, and gracefully, return to an era of luxury and elegance without the burden of heavy, fussy, or excessively complex window treatments. Instead, I advocate for the understated sophistication of simple, high-quality velvet or linen panels. These offer a soft textural element and necessary privacy while allowing precious natural light and picturesque views to be the true, uninterrupted stars of the room, embodying a refined sense of effortless simplicity.

In (My Enduring Loves and Exciting Re-Emergences in Design)

Classic Style Endures: True classic style is, by its very definition, timeless. It possesses an inherent elegance and a fundamental appeal that gracefully transcends fleeting fads and passing trends. Investing in classic forms, enduring materials, and intelligent layouts guarantees lasting beauty, sophisticated appeal, and enduring value for generations to come, truly never going out of style.
Antiques: The Soul of a Home: Yes, antiques are making a magnificent and well-deserved triumphant return! Beautiful, inherited pieces, or unique, character-filled finds discovered in curated shops, when thoughtfully worked into more contemporary environments, add unparalleled character, a rich sense of history, and profound soul to a home. They orchestrate a compelling and elegant dialogue between the past and the vibrant present, making spaces feel lived-in and loved.
The Resurgence of Bold Color: Like many of my esteemed colleagues in the design world, I am utterly tired of the ubiquitous “big white box.” Homes are passionately crying out for vibrant, thoughtful, and impactful injections of color. From strategically placed accent walls to statement furniture pieces, confidently embrace hues that evoke emotion, define distinct zones, and infuse spaces with personality and warmth.
Black is the New White: Forget white as the default neutral; black is confidently stepping into its role as the ultimate sophisticated classic. It’s rich, inherently simple, dramatically impactful, and profoundly timeless. Never shy away from painting your kitchen cabinets black or even an accent wall black. When expertly paired with adequate contrasting furnishings, thoughtful lighting, and varied textures, it delivers an undeniably fantastic, elevated, and chic aesthetic.
Furniture Covered in Bold Color: Make an undeniable statement with your seating arrangements! Imagine the luxurious impact of a cobalt blue velvet sofa or the striking elegance of Kelly green satin chairs. Furniture upholstered in a rich, unexpected, and confident color instantly injects personality, vibrant energy, and a compelling sense of sophisticated style into any room, becoming an instant focal point.
Luxury, Defined by Comfort and Resilience: And I mean *true* luxury. This doesn’t necessarily translate to exorbitant cost, but rather to thoughtful indulgence and practical elegance. Consider a gorgeous faux fur throw sumptuously draped over your sofa – an ingenious and stylish way to introduce plush texture, unparalleled comfort, and a touch of opulent glamour, all while subtly protecting your cherished upholstery from beloved, furry companions (trust me, I speak from extensive personal experience with dogs, exquisite velvet, and highly resilient faux fur throws!).
Canopy Beds with Drapes: They are, without a doubt, the ultimate expression of romantic, sexy bedroom glamour. A beautifully draped canopy bed creates an intimate, cocoon-like retreat that exudes sophistication and, let’s be entirely honest, offers a remarkably convenient and stylish way to subtly obscure the fact that you haven’t quite gotten around to making your bed yet!
Thoughtful Wallpaper Application: Wallpaper is back with a vengeance and greater sophistication than ever before! But tread carefully and with discernment. A powder room is an absolutely safe and fantastic space for a bold, statement-making pattern, as is a dining room for a touch of refined elegance and texture. However, I must issue a stern and personal warning: do not, under any circumstances, wallpaper your ceiling. I will personally track you down and ensure you deeply regret that particular design choice!
Real Art for Real Homes: It is high time to start thoughtfully collecting genuine, authentic art. New, emerging artists offer incredibly compelling and original pieces that are often surprisingly affordable, making real art accessible. Step decisively away from mass-produced retail art. Investing in authentic art, even on a modest budget, imbues your home with culture, individuality, and a far richer, more compelling story than anything you could ever find at a big-box store.
The Indispensable Architect: If you ever find yourself pondering why your house doesn’t quite “work” intuitively, or why it lacks a cohesive, harmonious flow, the chances are a skilled architect was never fundamentally involved in the initial planning or any significant renovation. Before embarking on any major home project, invest wisely in a consultation with a qualified architect. Dallas is remarkably blessed with some of the finest architectural talents in the world, and their expertise is truly invaluable in creating spaces that are not only profoundly functional and exquisitely beautiful but also enduringly well-designed.

Karen Eubank is the esteemed owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has dedicated over 25 years to her craft as an award-winning professional home stager and accomplished writer. Her boundless passion extends to all dogs, exhilarating international travel, indulging in fine chocolate, celebrating with exquisite champagne, and preserving the timeless beauty of historic homes. With a father who was a spy, rest assured, she guards secrets with exceptional discretion and unwavering loyalty!