# 27-Year Interior Designer Shares 10 Things He'd Never Have in His Home Interior designer Benji Lewis reveals trends to avoid in home design. - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9a95d9ec-22ed-4930-8793-6645d78c6a16 ## Accent walls leave rooms feeling unfinished Benji Lewis generally avoids accent walls, as they can make spaces feel incomplete. Small floral or geometric prints are particularly problematic. Instead, he recommends panoramic wallpapers featuring animals, nature, or fantastical scenes. These high-quality designs can elevate a space and make it look iconic. ## Add antique touches to fully fitted kitchens Lewis acknowledges the practicality of fully fitted kitchens but suggests adding personality with antique or mid-century furniture. For example, an old French armoire or an antique breakfast table can serve as a kitchen island. These pieces inject character and creativity into the space. ## Open shelving requires careful curation Lewis is not a fan of open shelving due to the need for regular maintenance and thoughtful placement. Lighting, measurements, and dusting must be considered. He advises designing shelf spacing based on what will be displayed, ensuring a tidy and functional look. ## Oversize floor lamps are impractical Oversize floor lamps are difficult to position and require careful planning for lighting placement. Lewis prefers smaller, chic floor lights that provide a subtle wash of light. A neat floor lamp beside an armchair can add elegance to a room. ## Vintage branded signs are cliché Lewis believes vintage branded signs have become overused. Instead, he suggests enlarging an old movie poster and spotlighting it. Iconic films like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' can add a unique vintage touch without feeling outdated. ## Retro pieces can clutter a space Some retro statement pieces, like slot machines or jukeboxes, can make a space feel like a bachelor pad. Lewis recommends a more subdued approach, such as placing a vintage sound system or record player on a mid-century sideboard for a cool retro vibe. ## Avoid inspirational wall art Lewis avoids wall art with words like 'love' or 'home' or affirmations like 'good vibes only.' He finds them unnecessary and suggests opting for more minimalist and original designs instead. ## Porcelain flooring doesn't absorb sound well Lewis criticizes porcelain flooring for its poor sound absorption and difficulty in replacing cracked tiles. He prefers linoleum flooring, especially when laid in interesting designs like checkerboard patterns, which add aesthetic appeal to a space. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/things-interior-designer-never-have-in-own-home-list-photos-2026-8 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._