The 2025 Vancouver Design Trends That Are Already Overdone
(And What to Do Instead.)
Ah, trends.
They come in hot, dominate Instagram for a year, and then - bam! - suddenly your once-trendy living room looks as outdated as a 2010s chevron accent wall. Vancouver homes in 2025 are still catching up from past fads (hello, all-gray everything), but if you're planning a reno or refresh, let’s talk about what’s already feeling overdone - and what to do instead.
And here’s the golden rule: don’t just chase trends.
Interior design fads change faster than Kitsilano’s weather, so instead of jumping on every new “must-have” look, invest in styles, materials, and layouts that actually make you happy and work for your space.
Goodbye, All-White Kitchens - Hello, Bold Color?
Overdone:
The all-white kitchen had a good run, but in 2025, it’s looking a little... clinical. White cabinets, white subway tile, white quartz - it’s fresh, sure, but it’s also been everywhere for the last decade. Plus, keeping it spotless? A full-time job.
Do This Instead:
Vancouver designers are leaning into bold colors and natural textures. Think deep greens, warm terracottas, and even black cabinetry. But if color commitment scares you, try rich wood tones or textured finishes - they add depth without locking you into a trend.
👉 Pro Tip:
Not ready to ditch white entirely? Try a two-tone kitchen - light uppers, dark lowers - or introduce color through your backsplash or island.
Photos Source: fancyhouse-design.com
Biophilic Design Is Great, But Does Your House Really Need a Moss Wall?
Overdone:
Indoor plants? Love them. But the whole “bring the outdoors in” trend got out of hand when people started installing entire walls of preserved moss and jungle-like living rooms. A lush vibe is great, but in a city where half the year is rainy, too much greenery indoors can just make your place feel... damp.
Do This Instead:
Keep the natural elements, but make them functional and intentional. Try wood furniture with organic shapes, stone countertops, or linen upholstery - these bring warmth without feeling like a greenhouse. And if you love plants, go for statement potted plants (hello, low-maintenance rubber trees and monsteras).
👉 Pro Tip: Ditch the fake vines. They looked cute on TikTok, but they’re dust magnets.
Photo Source: myeleganthome.com
The Open-Concept Backlash - Why More People Want Walls Again
Overdone:
Remember when every HGTV show knocked down every possible wall to create that “open and airy” feel? Yeah, that was fun - until we all started working from home. Now, with kids, roommates, Zoom calls, and a need for some privacy, open-concept layouts can feel chaotic instead of spacious.
Do This Instead:
Instead of tearing down walls, people are bringing them back - but in creative ways. Think glass partitions, sliding doors, or built-in shelving that divides a space while keeping it light. This way, you can have separation without sacrificing flow.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re renovating, don’t just go full open-concept because it’s trendy. Think about how you actually use your space—you might appreciate a defined dining area or a cozy, semi-closed-off living room.
Photo Source: nikkisplate.com
Fast Furniture & Disposable Decor? Hard Pass.
Overdone:
Cheap, trendy furniture that falls apart within two years? Hard no. Vancouverites are getting sick of mass-produced, low-quality pieces that look good on Instagram but barely survive a move.
Do This Instead:
Invest in timeless, well-made furniture. This doesn’t mean everything has to be designer or expensive - it just means choosing quality over trend-chasing. Look for second-hand gems, local artisans, and sustainable materials. Bonus? Your home won’t look like a carbon copy of an IKEA showroom.
👉 Pro Tip: Mix high and low - a solid wood vintage dresser with budget-friendly decor keeps things balanced.
Photo Source: pinterest.com
Maximalism, But Make It Personal
Overdone:
Maximalism is having a moment, but there’s a fine line between “curated collection” and “chaotic hoard.” Some people went all-in on clashing patterns, overwhelming gallery walls, and way too many trinkets. If your space feels more like a flea market than a home, it’s time to edit.
Do This Instead:
Personal maximalism - not just trendy clutter. Instead of grabbing random bold decor, curate pieces that actually mean something to you. Vintage art, handcrafted pottery, and textiles from your travels? Yes. A shelf full of mass-produced decor from HomeSense? Maybe not.
👉 Pro Tip: Love the layered look? Follow the 80/20 rule - 80% of your space should be cohesive, while 20% can be statement pieces that add personality.
Photo Source: betterhomeandgarden.com
