Trends come and go in the world of interior design, but some have a knack for overstaying their welcome. To find out which styles truly make Brits cringe, we surveyed 1,000 UK adults and asked them: which interior design trends give you the ultimate “ick”?
The results are revealing, funny, and for some homeowners maybe a little painful. From grey-on-grey everything to carpeted bathrooms, these are the styles that the British public are more than ready to leave behind.
Why talk about the “ick” in interiors?
The term “ick” has surged in popularity over the last few years, largely fuelled by social media and dating culture. It describes that sudden, irrational feeling of dislike towards something you once found appealing. When it comes to interior design, it perfectly captures the moment a trendy look goes from aspirational to outdated overnight.
Think of it as the collective eye-roll we give when we see yet another grey living room on Instagram or a cushion karate-chopped to within an inch of its life. What once seemed stylish now feels contrived, impractical, or just plain cringeworthy.
Our survey aimed to pinpoint exactly what’s turning British homeowners off in 2025 — and the findings are bound to cause some debate.
The Top 10 Interior Design “Icks” (According to 1,000 Brits)
1. Grey-on-Grey Interiors (48%)
The biggest offender, topping the list with nearly half of Brits voting it their number one “ick,” is the infamous grey-on-grey aesthetic. Once celebrated as sleek and modern, the all-grey palette has fallen out of favour.
People described it as cold, lifeless, and depressing. While a touch of grey can still feel sophisticated, entire rooms drowned in monochrome tones now come across as unimaginative. Younger homeowners in particular said they associate grey-only interiors with “landlord décor” — functional but soulless.
2. Karate-Chopped Cushions (42%)
Once a stylist’s go-to finishing touch, the karate-chop cushion technique has had its day. Over four in ten Brits told us they find it staged, fake, and a little too try-hard.
As one respondent put it: “If my sofa cushions look like they’ve been assaulted, it’s not cosy — it’s ridiculous.”
While plump, well-arranged cushions remain a living-room staple, this overly staged touch has become more of a punchline than a design detail.
3. Accent Walls (36%)
There was a time when a bold feature wall was the hallmark of a chic, modern home. Now, more than a third of Brits say they can’t stand them.
Accent walls are often criticised for feeling unfinished or mismatched, particularly when a single wall is painted or wallpapered while the rest of the room remains plain. Rather than looking creative, many respondents felt it looked like a shortcut — or worse, a failed DIY attempt.
4. Carpeted Bathrooms (32%)
It may not surprise anyone that carpeted bathrooms made the list. A third of Brits confessed they shudder at the thought of soft flooring in the same space as showers, sinks, and toilets.
The objections were largely practical: concerns about hygiene, damp, and long-term cleanliness were top of mind. While plush carpet can feel warm underfoot, it’s simply not practical for a room where water is unavoidable.
5. Matching Furniture Sets (30%)
Uniform furniture sets — think matching wardrobes, chests of drawers, and bedside tables all bought together — came in fifth place. Three in ten Brits find them uninspired and characterless.
Today’s homeowners increasingly want eclectic spaces that feel curated and personal rather than pulled straight from a showroom. As one participant told us: “When everything matches, it looks like you moved into a hotel room, not a home.”
6. Over-the-Top Maximalism (28%)
Maximalism has had a revival in recent years, with bold colours, layered patterns, and statement décor. But almost three in ten Brits now say the look gives them the ick.
For many, it’s simply overwhelming. While pops of colour and personality are welcome, excessive pattern clashes or bold wallpapered ceilings were described as “chaotic” and “headache-inducing.”
Interestingly, this dislike was strongest among older respondents, who tended to prefer calmer, more classic interiors.
7. Fast Furniture (25%)
Sustainability concerns are shaping design preferences more than ever, and this shows in our survey. One in four Brits said fast furniture — cheap, mass-produced items from high-street chains — was a turn-off.
Respondents criticised the lack of quality and longevity, describing flat-pack furnishings as “soulless” and “throwaway.” There’s a growing appetite for investment in long-lasting, well-crafted pieces that feel unique and reduce waste.
8. TikTok DIY Hacks (22%)
Short curtains, painted floor tiles, and trend-driven hacks that dominate social media are starting to grate. Just over a fifth of Brits told us they actively dislike seeing these quick-fix ideas in real homes.
While fun to watch online, many of these hacks don’t translate well in practice. The results can look temporary, impractical, or worse, messy. One respondent summed it up neatly: “TikTok hacks belong on TikTok, not in my lounge.”
9. Fake Plants (20%)
Artificial greenery still has its place, but a fifth of Brits admitted they now view faux foliage as cheap and lifeless — particularly if it looks plasticky or gathers dust.
The backlash seems to stem from a rise in appreciation for biophilic design and the wellness benefits of real plants. Homeowners are opting for authentic greenery, even if it requires a little more maintenance.
10. Bulky Sculptural Sofas (18%)
Rounding off the list are oversized, sculptural statement sofas. Though they have dominated Instagram feeds in recent years, nearly one in five Brits now say they’re impractical and out of place in most homes.
Described as “clunky,” “space-hogging,” and “better suited to a showroom than a living room,” these statement pieces are beginning to feel like style over substance.
Generational Differences: Who Hates What?
Interestingly, attitudes towards design icks varied across age groups:
Gen Z (18–25): Most intolerant of TikTok DIY hacks, despite their popularity online. Young respondents called them “cheap-looking” and “desperate to go viral.”
Millennials (26–40): Strongest critics of grey-on-grey interiors, which many said reminded them of uninspiring rental flats.
Gen X & Boomers (40–65+): Most vocal about their dislike of carpeted bathrooms and fake plants, citing practicality and hygiene concerns.
This suggests that while younger generations are pushing back against digital fads, older groups remain focused on longevity and comfort.
Expert Commentary: Adam McGrory, MD of MR Mouldings
To put the findings into context, we asked Adam McGrory, MD of MR Mouldings, to share his perspective.
“Our homes are far more than curated Instagram backdrops — they’re lived-in spaces where practicality and personality should come first. What this survey highlights is a shift away from overly stylised looks towards design that feels authentic and long-lasting.”
“Trends like grey-on-grey and chopped cushions may once have signalled modernity, but they’ve lost their appeal because they lack warmth. Similarly, mass-produced furniture and TikTok-inspired shortcuts don’t resonate with homeowners who increasingly want craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality.”
“The ick list is really a reminder that interiors work best when they reflect the people living in them. Good design doesn’t date quickly — it grows with you, balancing style and substance in equal measure.”
Why These Trends Became “Icks”
Looking across the top 10, a few common themes emerge:
Overexposure – Trends like grey interiors and accent walls became ubiquitous, to the point of fatigue.
Overstaging – Styles like karate-chopped cushions or bulky sofas feel designed for a photograph, not for living.
Practical Failings – Carpet in bathrooms or cheap fast furniture simply don’t stand the test of time.
Authenticity Craving – Brits are increasingly favouring originality, sustainability, and personal expression over cookie-cutter trends.
Conclusion
Interior design will always be cyclical. Yesterday’s chic can quickly become today’s cringe, and the survey makes clear that Brits are increasingly intolerant of anything that feels soulless, impractical, or overly staged.
For homeowners, the takeaway is simple: choose styles that reflect you, not fleeting trends. For designers, the lesson is to prioritise authenticity and craftsmanship over gimmicks.
And if you’re still clinging to that grey-on-grey palette? Well, according to half the nation, it might just be time to let it go.
Read more:
We Asked 1,000 Brits: Which Interior Trends Give You the ‘Ick?’
