While we love a well-placed vintage piece or some retro style, there are some trends that we don’t miss at all. Here’s a list of some less-than-stellar design choices that we were very glad to see go… 

Laminate Countertops 

Kitchy in a charming way? Check. Affordable? Check. Durable? Absolutely not. All of the fun patterns in the world can’t make up for a simple lack of functionality, and for that reason, you’ll never catch us lamenting the loss of laminate countertops. A spaghetti sauce stain or a burn from a hot pan is almost impossible to get off of these, not to mention they have a tendency to swell if water leaks into their seams. So why did we all spend so many years installing these in our kitchens of all places? 

Bathroom Carpeting 

Why this was ever en vogue is completely baffling. In a room where water from bathtubs, sinks and toilets can potentially overflow, why would you want your flooring to be anything other than an easy to clean tile? Aside from potentially expensive replacements, a wet carpet also means the chance of mold and mildew which can pose health concerns. 

Mirrored Walls 

The thought process behind this one makes sense – the illusion of more space can really help smaller rooms shine. However, the upkeep is extremely demanding. We all know how quickly smudges can collect on windows and glass surfaces. Now imagine cleaning an entire wall of that. If you’re feeling cramped and you’d like to get this same effect, just opt for a single statement mirror instead. It does the same thing for your space visually, and doesn’t require hardly any maintenance. 

Inflatable Furniture 

Alright, alright. This one might have only ever been a problem in dorm rooms and bachelor pads, but it still deserved a mention. It’s incredibly ‘90s, and incredibly impractical. The novelty wears off just about as quickly as the pieces deflate. 

What do you think are the most cringe-worthy design trends of yesteryear?