I’m an interior designer and here’s four tacky TikTok trends you must avoid – ditch the LED light strips for a start

IF you want your home to look fabulous and are easily influenced by what you see online, you’ve come to the right place.

We spoke to interior designers at Swoon, the UK’s leading online design-led furniture brand, to get the lowdown on how to create a stunning home. 

The experts revealed the four tacky TikTok trends that you must avoid at all costs, so make sure you listen up if you want your home to impress. 

Instead of blindly following fleeting fads which can often cheapen your space, thankfully, the interior experts have explained how you can create a timeless aesthetic in your home. 

LED light strips

LED light strips have gained tremendous popularity on TikTok recently, with over 10 billion views on videos featuring the plastic strips. 

However, the experts at Swoon explained that such lights can often make your home look cheap.

The experts said: “These lights can degrade the overall aesthetic of a space if not placed thoughtfully. 

“Additionally, the adhesive used in the strips has a tendency to peel off any paint or wallpaper it sticks to, leading to a nightmare scenario when it comes to removal.

“In its place, opting for ambient, layered lighting in the form of floor, wall, and ceiling lamps can elevate the atmosphere from child-like to chic. 

“If you are a fan of the colour changing feature that LED strip lights provide, consider using coloured light bulbs to achieve a sophisticated alternative that adds depth and character to your home.”

Slat walls

The DIY trend of creating feature walls using stacked slats of wood has over 204 million views on TikTok videos alone, but the interior experts described it as “overdone.”

The experts advised: “The trend has been overdone and can now be perceived as an interior design cliché. 

“Whilst these walls can be finished elegantly, oftentimes they are placed in spaces where they do not compliment their surroundings, leading to a lack of style overall. 

“Instead of jumping on this bandwagon, explore a more subtle approach, such as delicate panelling. 

“Although panelling has been around for years, this classic alternative provides a refined aesthetic that adds a touch of elegance to any room without overpowering or contrasting its overall design. 

“Subtle panelling sits best behind statement furnishings such as boldly coloured sofas or sculptural pieces, gently enhancing the overall display.”

Indoor plants

If you’re a fan of indoor plants, prepare to be attacked.

While indoor plants have gained tremendous popularity on TikTok, with a whopping 2.2 billion views featuring houseplants on the platform, the experts weren’t totally keen.

They advised: “Their trendiness can fade quickly if not incorporated thoughtfully. 

“While greenery adds a refreshing touch to any space, relying solely on an abundance of indoor plants can create a cluttered and overwhelming environment. 

“Plus, taking on a jungle of pots without taking the time to properly care for them can lead to disaster, from fungus gnats to rotting roots.

“Instead, try to adopt a more balanced approach to houseplants, by strategically placing a few statement stems throughout your home. 

“Choose plants that thrive in indoor conditions and ensure you meet their light, water, and oxygen needs. 

“For a captivating display, pair your plants with harmonising accessories, such as a leafy green rug beneath its pot’s feet.”

Y2K sparkle

Finally, if you’re a fan of the Y2K sparkle trend, which is also known on TikTok as 'diamante design', you’ll want to listen up.

The trend has reached almost 1.1 billion views, but the experts concluded: “While it may have initially captured attention with its nostalgic sparkle, the excessive use of diamante accents in any form can create an overwhelming and tacky aesthetic. 

“If you still love a blingy display, but want to move away from outdated designs, instead opt for high-shine, metallic finishes throughout your home. 

“Through introducing reflective accessories such as mirrors, and incorporating statement metallic furnishings such as sideboards or bed frames, you can still curate a glamorous aesthetic, without sticking gems to all that the eye can see.”