We Asked 1,000 Brits: Which Interior Trends Give You the 'Ick?'

"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 When it comes to interior design, it perfectly captures the moment a trendy look goes from aspirational to outdated overnight."

"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."

A survey of 1,000 UK adults identifies the interior design trends that prompt the strongest negative reactions. The top complaint is grey-on-grey interiors (48%), described as cold, lifeless and unimaginative, with younger homeowners likening them to landlord décor. Karate-chopped cushions (42%) and carpeted bathrooms also earned prominent mentions as outdated or cringe-inducing. The term "ick"—popularised via social media and dating culture—captures the sudden shift from appeal to disgust when a trend feels contrived or overused. The list reflects a broader appetite for more character, warmth and authenticity in domestic design.

Read at Business Matters