Technology

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!