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There’s a reason why the end of the year is always synonymous with reflection and renewal. As we say goodbye to the last 12 months — and hello to the next — we’re eager to shed any and everything that hasn’t served us. And, of course, that sentiment also pertains to home decor.
Take the living room, for example. It’s likely the place you go to watch movies, read a book, or entertain your inner circle; it’s basically the social hub of the entire home. Though creating a warm, familiar and welcoming environment is paramount, it also doesn’t have to feel stale. There are plenty of trends that can make this social space feel more current — and on the flip side, there are some that might just make your home feel old and outdated.
As we close the book on 2025, several interior designers share the living room trends they are asking begging you to leave in the past. From hot takes on viral decor to classic faux pas that need to finally offload, these insights will help you start 2026 on the right foot.
Catch Ya Later, Cloud Couches
We know these plush sofas can make you feel as if you’re lounging on cloud nine. Christopher Boutlier says they’re the “design-equivalent of a sugar rush.”
“It feels indulgent at first, but the appeal fades quickly once you realize it overwhelms everything around it,” the Washington, D.C-based designer explains. “These pieces blur all the architectural lines of a living room and replace them with one soft, amorphous shape.”
Boutlier hopes that, come 2026, the masses will search for sofas with sleek lines and a sense of refinement. “You can still create comfort, but with proportion and discipline,” he says. “When the main seating actually supports the architecture instead of fighting it, the entire living room feels more intentional and elevated.”
Wellesley, Massachusetts-based designer Erin Gates makes one thing clear: Those minuscule areas rugs have got to go. Though perhaps not exactly a “trend,” the designer says this design faux pas is still all too common — and one of her “biggest pet peeves.”
“Make sure most of your furniture rests on the rug,” says Gates, who is also the author of the book Elements of Style and designs rugs with Momeni. “You can feel confident that a bigger rug will make your space actually feel bigger, too!” For guidance, check out our guide to choosing a rug.
Later Days, Light, Airy Spaces
White might be one of the most versatile paint shades, but Sarah Snouffer of Third Street Architecture begs you to reconsider. “Leave your sense of being scared of color behind,” the Washington, D.C.-based designer explains. “We’ve seen a much larger shift toward dark colors.”
As color-drenching continues to be mainstream, Snouffer encourages you to reimagine your living room in bolder colors; say, a rich navy or chocolate brown. “Don’t be afraid to make the space really fit your personality. It is where you live your life after all.” Looking for some inspiration? This home tour is a master class in the trend.
Finally, Farewell to Furniture Sets
Sleek modern spaces are so 2010s — and so are matching furniture sets. “Buying a full matching sofa, loveseat, and chair set make a living room look generic and overly staged,” explains Sydney Levy, designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build. “Today’s design favors curated, collected pieces with mixed silhouettes and fabrics.”
Though matching furniture sets haven’t really been a “trend” for years, we’re still seeing plenty of them in 2025. The trends for the years to come are definitely going to lean into secondhand, layered, organic vibes. Whether you buy pieces as needed or scour your favorite vintage store, mismatched furniture can give your living room a personable, curated edge.
So Long, Social Media Staging
Designers agree: Just because you double-tapped a viral trend doesn’t mean it belongs in your home. “Homes that feel curated solely to chase trends lack any emotional resonance,” Boutlier says. “The overly perfect stack of books, the untouched sculptural object, the chair no one can sit in because its silhouette is more concept than function. These choices might perform well online, but they rarely support real living.”
Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley in Northern Virginia adds these fleeting fads don’t capture who you are or how you live. While it’s fine to use social media as inspiration, be discerning when bringing them into your personal space. “Homes should feel personal and collected, not like a carbon copy of a trending post,” she says.
