Which Visual Trend Needs to Die in 2026?
Image via UnSplash
Creative types across the globe make the case for which aesthetics have become cliché – and should not be coming with us into the new year.
This year brought with it an explosion of rubberhose run riot, the plasticky sheen of gen AI, exaggerated rounded serifs, and Y2K everything – and we’ve all got opinions on which ones have grown tiresome. LBB hands the mic to creative types around the world to hear which visual design trends they believe should be laid to rest in 2026.
Lucy Ducker
Associate creative director at Seen Presents
The Wes Anderson hotel concierge aesthetic has had a beautiful run and for good reason. Anderson is a true creative: a filmmaker whose visual language is built on obsessive detail, meticulous framing, and a deep commitment to storytelling. Having recently visited Wes Anderson: The Archives, it’s clear that his magic doesn’t just come from bellhop uniforms or symmetrically framed lobbies. It comes from years of experimenting, refining, and collaborating with creative partners to build worlds that are visually and emotionally compelling.
But somewhere along the way, the industry confused inspiration with imitation. The hotel concierge look has become an overused shortcut with pastel suits, brass bells, and quirky signage applied to creative without the thoughtfulness that makes Anderson’s work resonate. In 2026, it’s time for this trend to retire. We shouldn’t be copying the set dressing. We should be learning from the craft, the process, and the storytelling discipline behind it.