Top 34 Home Decor Pet Peeves That Drive People Crazy
2024-12-09
Author: Liam
Are you guilty of these home decor crimes? You might think your style is on point, but here’s what others really think!
When it comes to home design, everyone has an opinion. While some trends may seem chic and modern to some, others find them simply infuriating. After gathering insights from over 500 readers, we’ve compiled a list of the top home decor pet peeves that people can't stand. Brace yourself for some hot takes!
1. Open Shelving
Many love the aesthetic of open shelving in the kitchen but find it impractical. Dust accumulation and the risk of mischievous cats swiping dishes off the shelves are just a few of the issues noted.
2. Lack of Storage
Oversized homes without adequate storage solutions, especially entryway closets, frustrate homeowners. Where on earth are you supposed to store your shoes and jackets?
3. Intense Light Fixtures
Edison bulbs may look trendy, but overly bright fixtures have earned the name 'Jesus Light' for their blinding glare.
4. Low Microwaves
Installing microwaves in lower cabinets can be a nightmare, especially for families with children or elderly individuals. It's not just about convenience; it's about safety!
5. Shower Rooms with Tub and Mold Issues
Shower rooms featuring tubs within glass enclosures make cleaning a daunting task, with scum and mold presenting an endless battle for homeowners.
6. Outlets Inside Drawers
A cabinet-maker expresses frustration over outlets installed inside drawers, making it difficult to use appliances without creating a mess.
7. Fake Fireplaces
Faux chimneys for electric fireplaces can appear disingenuous and tacky. If you can’t manage a real fireplace, why fake it?
8. Open Floor Plans
Some homeowners dislike the open floor plan trend, particularly when it comes to lingering odors from cooking.
9. Laundry in the Kitchen
Placing laundry facilities in the kitchen? It’s unsanitary and impractical to mix dirty laundry with food preparation areas.
10. Farmhouse Sinks
While trendy, these sinks can be impractical as they make cleaning a hassle due to their flat bottoms.
11. Pot Lights Overload
Rows of pot lights can sometimes feel overwhelming. A single statement fixture might do the trick instead.
12. Two-Toned Kitchens
Mixing cabinet colors can give a disjointed look, like leftovers from another home.
13. Shower Niche Designs
Large shower niches without adequate shelving lead to wasted space.
14. Buyer-centric Decorating
Decorating solely for potential buyers leads to bland choices. Why not enjoy your space while you live in it?
15. New Builds Without Trees
Many lament the lack of greenery in new developments, preferring established neighborhoods with mature trees.
16. Two-Handle Faucets
The return to two-handle faucets can be frustrating. Homeowners want efficiency while washing dishes!
17. Freestanding Tubs
Although beautiful, they can be a cleaning nightmare, especially when needing to clean behind them.
18. Black Modern Farmhouses
Ironically, these designs can seem out of touch in hotter climates where lighter colors are beneficial.
19. Textured Backsplashes
While artistic, rough textures can be difficult to maintain in cooking areas.
20. Ineffective Hood Vents
Ventless hoods are considered a design flop. Instead, people crave proper ventilation for kitchens.
21. Pot Fillers
Many question the practicality of pot fillers when reality dictates that pots need to be moved anyway.
22. Base Cabinets without Drawers
Seniors find base cabinets without storage drawers frustrating, especially when mobility is a concern.
23. Oversized Homes on Small Lots
Property seekers desire gardens and green space, not just massive homes crammed on tiny lots.
24. Windowless Walls
New homes with blank walls create oppressive environments, lacking natural light.
25. Mini-Split AC Units
These units may be convenient but can ruin the aesthetic of historic homes and diminish overall appeal.
26. Horizontal Deck Railings
Safety concerns arise with horizontal railings that toddlers can easily climb.
27. Gray Flooring
This ubiquitous trend has many declaring it tacky and overly familiar.
28. Painting Brick White
Homeowners are outraged over the trend of painting over classic mid-century brick homes.
29. Fake Stone
Many prefer authenticity in materials and cringe at low-quality faux stone applications.
30. Bathroom to Closet Walk-through
This design choice only works for those living alone; for others, it poses privacy issues.
31. Clear Shower Doors
Lack of privacy with transparent doors makes shared bathrooms awkward.
32. Quartz Countertops
Detractors deem quartz as the laminate of the modern era—not genuine and lacking warmth.
33. Tiny Garages
With larger vehicles on the road, many find new garage spaces to be inadequate for modern needs.
34. Barn Doors in Non-Barn Homes
Especially in suburban settings, barn doors feel out of place and evoke unnecessary cliches.
What are your thoughts?
Have you encountered any of these trends that you can’t stand? Share your own home decor pet peeves with us!