Interior design styles and trends are often polarizing, even among professionals, but if you’re not sure how you feel about the latest trend, like whimsical décor or a Nancy Meyers-inspired aesthetic, getting a second opinion can help make your decision easier.
Jeremiah Brent: Queer Eye‘s “Fab Five” designers played a game of “Yes, Please” or “No, Thank You” with 1stDibs and shared their honest opinions on the seven interior design trends that are shaking up the industry. Covering everything from mushroom lamps to monochrome, designers walk us through their thought process on why they love (or can’t stand) these design features.
Here, Jeremiah talks about the color that makes him look “tooth,” reveals the design trend that sparked a debate with co-star Tan France, and questions one of TikTok’s latest design “hacks.”
Jeremiah’s Take: 7 polarizing design trends
Jeremiah has made a name for himself in the interior design world, known for designing timeless interiors with Jeremiah Brent Design and unique furniture for home goods brand Atrio. Now, he’s busier than ever. Queer EyeAs the new interior design expert at , he will be imparting his design wisdom to “heroes” across the country. With his vast design experience, his input is invaluable.
As 1stDibs put it in the caption, “If there was one brain we’d pick, it’s the one inside Jeremiah Brent,” and we’d have to agree. Here’s what designers think about some of the most controversial trends in interior design.
1. Frame TV
(Image courtesy of Corine Maggio/CM Natural Designs)
The first trend featured on 1stDibs was the Frame TV, a TV that transforms into a framed piece of art when turned off. Jeremiah is quick to laugh as he explains how this design feature almost caused a rift in his relationship. Queer Eye Co-star Tan France.
“Tan France was really mad at me about this Frame TV,” Jeremiah says. “I know it’s very controversial. I happen to love this TV. I have one in the downstairs of my house, and I love this TV.”
A framed TV can add a touch of class to your living room design scheme if designed carefully. A regular TV isn’t very flattering, and if you don’t use it often, it might make more sense to hide the TV somewhere out of sight. Incorporating the TV into a large gallery wall, like the space pictured above, adds an extra element of inconspicuousness.
2. Millennial Beige
(Image courtesy of Berkeley Place)
2024 is proving to be the year of the anti-beige comeback (we’ll cover alternatives to beige in another article). “Millennial beige” has gone out of fashion, with vibrant colors quickly replacing it. This neutral is often considered boring and bland, but some designers champion its appeal as a solid, classic color. But for Jeremiah, millennial beige is simply “fine.”
“I’ve gotten over it. I know it’s such a shock because people think I only wear beige, black and white, but I don’t like it. Plus, when I stand next to all these beige millennials, I just look like a tooth,” he says.
3. Chrome and metallic finishes
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Mixing metals into interior design is more on-trend than ever, with chrome decor capturing the hearts of homeowners and designers alike. Subtle metallic touches are being seen everywhere, and Jeremiah’s minimalist designs are no exception.
‘I Love “It’s a mix of chrome and metallics mixed with more neutral tones,” he says. “I think it feels modern but also traditional, so I’d love it.”
Metal décor doesn’t have to be overly modern (or shiny), a matte finish will do the trick. Incorporating metal or chrome décor into your home adds texture and visual interest, elevating the overall design. In this atmospheric dining room, pictured above, a stunning pendant light serves as the perfect finishing touch.
Holophane Clear Glass Vintage Industrial Pendant Light
Maison Charles Style Brass/Chrome Bicolor Coffee Table & Nesting Tables, 1970s
French postmodern bronze “Mushroom” lamp, circa 1980s
4. Mushroom Lamp
(Image courtesy of Studio Duggan)
Mushroom lamps, aptly named for their unique shape, took the design world by storm a few years ago, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. But what does Jeremiah think about this wildly popular trend?
“This shape is really stressful, so we’re going to leave it like this,” he says.
5. Big Light
(Image courtesy of Davey Lighting)
“Big lights,” or lighting an entire room from a central overhead light, have been pretty controversial lately. While some designers (and homeowners) are adamantly against big lights, opting instead for soft, indirect lighting scattered throughout the space, others believe there’s a time and place for overhead lighting. Jeremiah says he’s still not sure what to make of it.
“That’s a tough question because it’s both ‘no, thank you’ and ‘yes, please.’ I really like ambient lighting, but sometimes I need a big light when the room is dark. I’m somewhere in between,” he says.
6. Monotone Room
(Image provided by: MURUDE)
When we mentioned the monochromatic room, Jeremiah’s face immediately lit up: “Yes, I’d like a monochromatic room please! I can’t believe how excited I am… I think it’s really beautiful when done right. Not everyone’s taste will be to their liking, so please don’t yell at me.”
Many of Jeremiah’s own designs stick to a relatively monochromatic color palette, seamlessly combining multiple shades of the same color family. As opposed to a monochromatic color scheme that sticks to the exact same hue throughout, a tonal design scheme allows for a bit more experimentation while still maintaining a consistent style and mood.
7. Painting socks
@marley.makes.things ♬ Original Sound – Marley Makes Things
The final trend from 1stDibs is a quirky “sock paint” trend that has recently taken to TikTok. Users have been showing off their furniture painting “hacks” on the social media platform, garnering millions of views and thousands of likes.
They paint banisters and intricate furniture by hand (covered in clean socks), impressing some and intimidating others. Jeremiah seems to fall more into the latter group.
“That’s fine by me. And where does the other sock go? I don’t know,” he says.
Jeremiah picked some timeless trends to back, and his thinking makes sense, even if it means clashing with Tan France in the process. Whether you’re looking to give your living room a monochromatic makeover or bring a bit more metal into your dining room design, Jeremiah’s advice is solid.
