In the thrilling, chaotic dance between client desires and designer expertise, certain trends spark spirited debates.
The following list uncovers the top 20 design choices adored by clients but secretly dreaded by designers, exposing the quirks, the clashes, and the compromises that define the dynamic world of design.
Get ready to explore the visually captivating yet conversational guide to these decor conundrums!
1. Shiplap Overload: The Farmhouse Fixation
Ah, shiplap—the darling of the farmhouse aesthetic. Its rustic charm draws clients in like moths to a flame. But for designers, it’s a budget-conscious nightmare that turns every space into a barn replica.
When wall-to-wall shiplap dominates, subtlety waves goodbye. Designers sigh, envisioning elegant alternatives. A mic-drop moment: you don’t reside in a barnyard, do you?
2. Granite Countertops: The Misguided Classic
Granite, the staple of 90s kitchens, clings on like a pop song you can’t escape. Clients cherish its gleaming surface, envisioning a timeless appeal. Designers, however, eye its busy patterns with disdain.
The allure fades as granite overwhelms with its heavy-handed presence. A whispered secret: there are quartz options that whisper elegance, not shout it.
3. Open Shelving: The Dusty Display
Open shelving flaunts dishes like a runway model. Clients dream of organized beauty, yet designers foresee a dust-collecting disaster.
It demands constant attention and an eye for aesthetics. The reality: mixing practicality with pretty is a headache. So, unless dusting is your new hobby, tread carefully.
4. Word Art: The Literal Decor
In a world where words speak louder than actions, word art reigns supreme. Clients adore its motivational charm, believing it adds character. Designers groan, seeing it as cheesy bulletin board material.
‘Live, Laugh, Love’ screams from the walls, a visual cliché. Truly, Helvetica dreams don’t make your space unique. Bold advice: let the decor speak without words.
5. Barn Doors: The Misdirected Trend
Barn doors roll into homes, challenging traditional swing doors. Clients love their rustic vibe, yet designers cringe at their impracticality.
They demand space with hardware that screams ‘look at me!’ Instead of enhancing flow, barn doors disrupt it. Remember, unless your home moonlights as a barn, steer clear.
6. Edison Bulbs: The Dim Delight
Edison bulbs hang like vintage jewels, casting a warm, nostalgic glow. Clients fall for their retro flair, while designers lament their dim lighting.
The irony: beauty sacrificed for ambiance. Brightness takes a back seat, leaving rooms underlit—like a perpetual Instagram filter. For clarity and style, consider modern LED alternatives.
7. Excessive Gray: The Mood Killer
Gray, the neutral that overstays its welcome. Clients embrace its understated elegance, inadvertently dulling spaces. Designers grimace at the lack of warmth, as rooms transform into lifeless voids.
Gray should complement, not dominate. Spice it up with color pops. A quick designer quip: monochrome isn’t a mood, it’s a snooze fest.
8. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting: The Allergist’s Dream
Soft, plush carpeting stretches from corner to corner, a client favorite for cozy vibes. Designers, however, see a dust trap that ages homes prematurely.
It sneezes allergens into the air, making maintenance a chore. Remember, hardwoods or tiles bring sophistication and ease. Carpeting? A polite decline.
9. Vessel Sinks: The Splash Zone
Vessel sinks rise like artistic sculptures, enticing clients with their uniqueness. Designers recoil at the splash hazard they present.
Water cascades in all directions, turning countertops into ponds. The reality: form sacrifices function. A practical note: go for undermount sinks to keep your countertops dry.
10. Over-the-Top Chandeliers: The Showy Statement
Chandeliers, the crown jewels of lighting, captivate clients with their grandeur. Designers sigh at their ostentatious presence overshadowing spaces.
They command attention, often at the expense of harmony. The balance: a statement piece should be just that—a piece, not the entire conversation.
11. Pallet Furniture: The DIY Dilemma
Pallet furniture rides the DIY wave, beloved for its eco-chic appeal. Clients relish its budget-friendly nature, while designers cringe at its slapdash execution.
Durability takes a hit, and style often follows. Remember, a few dollars saved might not outweigh splinters and sagging. A designer’s advice: invest in quality for lasting comfort.
12. Accent Walls: The Bold Misstep
Accent walls burst forth with color, a client favorite for adding drama. Designers, however, see them as visual distractions that disrupt flow.
Bold hues can dominate, leaving rooms feeling unbalanced. The secret: subtlety wields power. Let art and accessories do the talking. A friendly reminder: balance trumps bravado.
13. Faux Finishes: The Illusion of Elegance
Faux finishes promise luxury on a budget, attracting clients eager for opulence. Designers, though, recognize them as imposters lacking authenticity.
The allure fades when touch reveals the truth. Elegance should be felt, not just seen. A whispered truth: invest in real materials for genuine charm.
14. Overfilled Rooms: The Cluttered Chaos
A room bursting with furniture and knick-knacks, a client’s vision of coziness. Designers gasp at the chaos, as flow vanishes amid clutter.
Less is more, a mantra often ignored. The key: space to breathe and move. A cheeky note: when chairs outnumber guests, reconsider the arrangement.
15. Themed Rooms: The One-Note Wonder
Themed rooms transform spaces into whimsical realms, adored by clients for personal flair. Designers, however, find them one-dimensional and short-lived.
Themes demand updates as tastes change, a costly cycle. The tip: let elements hint at themes without overwhelming. A friendly jab: subtlety, the real MVP.
16. Ceiling Fans: The Spinning Dilemma
Ceiling fans spin lazily above, loved by clients for their practicality. Designers see them as visual weight adding clutter to ceilings.
While cooling spaces, they often clash with lighting aesthetics. The win-win: sleek designs that complement, not compete. A nod towards elegance: sometimes sleek is chic.
17. Glass Block Windows: The Awkward Anomaly
Glass block windows, relics of the past, cling on for privacy’s sake. Clients appreciate their quirky charm, yet designers see an eyesore.
They obstruct natural light and disrupt visual flow. The fix: elegant frosted glass alternatives. A cheeky nudge: don’t block the beauty outside.
18. Vertical Blinds: The Noisy Necessity
Vertical blinds rattle like castanets, a client choice for practicality. Designers, though, cringe at their dated look and cumbersome operation.
A smoother ride: explore modern alternatives with style and ease. A designer’s nudge: quiet elegance is always in.
19. Subway Tiles: The Repetitive Rave
Subway tiles line walls with uniformity, beloved for their clean look. Clients consider them timeless; designers see endless monotony.
Repetition breeds boredom, as tiles become ubiquitous. The secret sauce: varied patterns and colors add
spice. A cheeky quip: why blend in when you can stand out?
20. Artificial Plants: The Plastic Predicament
Artificial plants offer maintenance-free greenery, a client favorite for easy decor. Designers, however, sigh at their lifeless presence.
Plastics fade, lacking the vibrancy of real foliage. The greener truth: nurture live plants for an authentic, fresh touch. A playful nudge: don’t fake the flora, embrace it.