15 Things Clients Say That Drive Designers Crazy

In the world of interior design, trends are constantly changing, but some client requests remain a mystery—even for the most seasoned designers.

While clients often have a clear vision for their spaces, certain trends can leave designers pulling their hair out. Ever wondered why these seemingly popular choices spark so much frustration?

Ready to explore 15 interior trends that clients can’t get enough of but drive designers up the wall? Here’s what’s causing all the chaos in the design world.

1. Open Shelving Everywhere

Open shelving is a trend that many clients adore for its airy and modern look. However, designers often cringe when faced with the challenge of maintaining an organized and visually pleasing display.

Unlike the clean lines and hidden storage of cabinets, open shelving requires a careful curation of items. Designers must navigate the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics, often finding that open shelves can easily become cluttered.

Achieving the Pinterest-perfect shelf takes more effort than most clients realize, turning this trend into a designer’s nightmare.

2. Excessive Use of Gray

Gray has taken the interior world by storm, becoming a staple color choice for many homeowners. Yet, for designers, the overuse of gray can result in a lack of warmth and personality.

While clients might view gray as a versatile neutral, designers struggle to infuse interest into spaces dominated by this monotone palette. They often have to incorporate textures and accent colors to avoid the space feeling cold.

The challenge is creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere without succumbing to the dullness that excessive gray can bring.

3. Too Many Throw Pillows

Throw pillows can add a splash of color and comfort, but is there such a thing as too many? For designers, the answer is a resounding yes.

Clients often request an abundance of pillows, thinking they enhance the coziness factor, yet they can make seating less functional. Designers must skillfully edit these accessories to maintain both style and usability.

Striking the right balance with throw pillows is an art that keeps spaces looking stylish without overwhelming the furniture.

4. Shiplap Overload

Shiplap, once a charming nod to farmhouse style, has become somewhat of a cliché in the design world. Many clients insist on it, imagining a cozy, rustic chic vibe.

Designers, however, often find themselves trying to tone down this overused element. It can dominate a space, taking away from other design features.

The key challenge is to incorporate shiplap in moderation, ensuring it complements rather than overwhelms the overall design, thus preserving its original allure.

5. Oversized Furniture in Small Spaces

There’s something undeniably appealing about plush, oversized furniture, especially in terms of comfort. However, when placed in small spaces, it can become a designer’s nightmare.

Clients often overlook the spatial constraints, leading to interiors that feel cramped and cluttered. Designers must carefully select pieces that offer comfort without sacrificing space.

This trend requires a delicate balance between size and functionality, ensuring that the space remains both inviting and practical.

6. Over-the-Top Themes

Themed rooms can be exciting, allowing creativity to shine, but they can easily go overboard. Clients often desire a strong thematic presence, yet this can verge on kitsch.

Achieving a thematic look while maintaining elegance is a designer’s goal. The challenge lies in enhancing the space with thematic elements without overwhelming it.

A well-executed theme subtly hints at its inspiration, avoiding the pitfalls of an overly literal interpretation that can make spaces feel gimmicky.

7. Minimalist Everything

Less is more in the minimalist trend, but achieving balance is no simple task. Clients may request a minimalist design, believing it’s easy, yet it requires a thoughtful approach.

Ensuring a welcoming atmosphere is a priority for designers. The task is to incorporate functional pieces that contribute to the design, without making the space feel too empty or too full.

Successfully executing minimalism means creating a space that feels serene and uncluttered, yet still vibrant and engaging.

8. Edison Bulbs Everywhere

Edison bulbs, with their vintage charm, have become a go-to for many looking to add character. However, overuse can lead to a lack of lighting diversity and function.

Designers often find themselves trying to diversify the lighting to create depth and interest. While Edison bulbs set an inviting tone, they can also limit the ambiance.

Balancing these trendy bulbs with other lighting options is crucial to creating a layered and dynamic lighting design.

9. DIY Gone Wrong

DIY projects can be a fun and cost-effective way to personalize a space. Yet, without professional insight, they can quickly become tragic missteps.

Clients often embark on these projects with high hopes, but designers are left to fix mistakes or integrate subpar results into the overall design.

Ensuring that DIY endeavors complement rather than compromise the design requires skillful guidance and sometimes a gentle reality check from professionals.

10. Matching Furniture Sets

Matching furniture sets promise cohesion, but they often result in spaces that lack personality and creativity. Clients may favor this approach for its simplicity, but designers see it as a missed opportunity.

The challenge is to break the mold and encourage mixing pieces for a more dynamic and personalized look. Mixing textures, colors, and styles can breathe life into an otherwise uninspired room.

Designers strive to create spaces that reflect individuality while maintaining harmony and balance.

11. Overuse of Decorative Signs

Decorative signs are a popular trend for adding personal touch and whimsy to a space. Yet, when overused, they can clutter and detract from the overall design.

The art of design often requires careful editing. Designers must find the balance between elements that complement each other and those that overwhelm the space.

A mindful approach to decorative signs can help maintain a balance between personalization and design integrity.

12. Rustic Everywhere

Rustic charm has a timeless appeal, but its overuse can lead spaces to feel dated rather than classic. Clients might love the warmth it brings, yet designers strive to modernize this look.

Incorporating rustic elements in a fresh way requires a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The challenge is to maintain the cozy vibe while avoiding a space that feels stuck in the past.

A key challenge for designers is updating rustic aesthetics in a way that feels fresh yet stays true to its traditional warmth.

13. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting offers comfort and warmth but can be challenging for designers looking to create visual interest. Clients often choose it for its cozy appeal, yet it can limit design flexibility.

The task for designers is to work around this feature, incorporating area rugs and textures to add depth. This trend requires creativity to ensure the carpeting complements rather than constrains the design.

Designers strive to enhance the space while working within the confines that carpeting imposes.

14. Wallpaper Overload

Wallpaper can be a fantastic way to add character and style, yet it can easily overpower a space if overdone. Clients may fall in love with bold patterns, but designers often struggle to find balance.

The key is in selecting patterns and colors that enhance rather than dominate. Careful consideration of placement and coordination with other design elements is crucial.

The goal for designers is to use wallpaper as a complement to the space, making it a subtle backdrop rather than the main attraction.

15. Overly Personalized Spaces

Creating a space that reflects personal taste is key to feeling at home, but personalization can sometimes go too far. Clients may want to showcase their lives, yet this can overwhelm the design.

The challenge for designers is curating personal pieces in a way that adds character while avoiding clutter or disarray.

Balancing personal expression with design integrity is a nuanced task that requires both tact and creativity.