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In design, there are styles, like Arts and Crafts, the International Style, Post-Modernism, and the like, which take their design cues from fundamental theories about the world and how objects and architecture relate to it. Then there are trends. Which come from the fundamental belief that “Ooo! That’s so cute!” This unthinking adherence to and complete overuse of certain images and forms drives me to the edge. It’s boring, repetitive, and just plain bad. That’s why I’m putting out a hit on these five tired trends.

I hope they all wake up with a horse head in their bed. Unless that’s going to become the next big thing.

1) Mustaches

Oh, my old friend irony. I thought we’d gotten enough of you with trucker hats, but over the last couple of years, you’ve been popping up again and again with the mustache trend. If you’re going to put a mustache on something, you better be willing and able to grow one instead of just put one on a stick.

Mustache on a Bike

Mustache on a Hankie

Mustache on a Glass

2) Cupcakes

I’m amazed that the cupcake trend has had such a long shelf life—that’s more what you’d expect from Twinkies. If you need proof that this trend has gotten too big and gone on too long, just check out Etsy for the more than 35,000 listings for cupcake items.  If only all these cupcakes were actually edible we could take this trend down in mere bites.

Cupcake Dish Towel

Cupcake Plate

Cupcake Wall Decal

3) Clouds

Why clouds? Cute? Happy? Dreamy? Sad? Wet? I don’t get it, but given that you can purchase cloud decals in almost any mood and style, from cumulous clouds to smiley clouds, I can certainly spot an overworked trend.  Actually, with clouds and decals, that’s two overworked trends.

Happy Cloud Decal

Rocket Toys & Clouds Decal

Thunder Cloud Decal

4) Owls

Owls initially seem like a surprising trend, then you think about it—they were big in the 60s so you get the mod/vintage indie cred, plus they’re cute—all round and sad looking—so you can sincerely love the adorable animal while still having something cool. That means you can be hip and not even have to resort to irony.

Owl Wall Decal

Owl Coasters

Owl Flannel Fabric

5) Antlers & Trophies

More irony. Yes, you’re not hunters, farmers, 80s TV PIs.  You’re hipsters. I can tell thanks to your skinny jeans, I don’t need ironic antlers to tell me, too. Kill the trend, not the animal.

Cardboard Trophy

Antler Electric Plate

Trophy Necklace