Fluted and Reeded Surfaces on Everything

Google Trends data shows search interest in fluted panels rose 320% from 2020 to 2023, but the same metric declined by 15% in the last quarter—a clear warning sign. What began as an elegant texture recalling Grecian columns is now applied so indiscriminately that 55% of designers in a 2024 Larkin survey predict it will be the shiplap of the 2020s: ubiquitous, then abruptly embarrassing. Critics call it a crutch for adding visual interest without real design thought, while fans value its tactile warmth. The oversaturation guarantees it polarizes as strongly as any trend on this list, with no middle ground remaining.