50 Poorly-Aging Interior Design Trends That This Interior Designer Says You Should Avoid

50 Poorly-Aging Interior Design Trends That This Interior Designer Says You Should

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Designing a dream house is one of those fun little activities everyone does now and then. It’s probably a large part of why interior design content continues to be so popular online. However, looking at a picture of something is not nearly the same as having it in your home. Designer and content creator Mr. Phoenix Gray shares his thoughts on items that don’t actually work that well in the home. We reached out to him via email and will update the article when he gets back to us. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own thoughts in the comments below.

#1 

The Squa
Modern bathroom design with a square toilet, showcasing poorly-aging interior design trends.These have been coming in lately and they are curved for a very specific reason. Your comfort is in mind when toilets have been designed for the ergonomics of sitting on them. I don’t know if you’ve ever sat on a square toilet before. I have. The corner points dig right into the back of your legs, and they’re the most uncomfortable things you have ever sat on.

Final

Last time I checked, my booty was round.

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#2 

Platform And Surround Bed Frames

Plaid bedding on a basic wooden bed frame, highlighting poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Most of these designs come out way further than the actual bed themself, and that’s where you’re gonna have a problem. It’s very unlikely that the average person has a bedroom big enough to fit these. They take up an enormous amount of room, and honestly, you are going to stub your toes or hit your shins like crazy, especially if they’re unupholstered.

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Final score:

My shins hurt just looking at this.

#3 

Those Overhead Pot Racks

Hanging pot rack with pans in a kitchen, a trend to avoid according to interior design advice.

This is a terrible idea unless you have spotless pots and pans in pristine condition. I don’t know about you, but honestly, looking at the bottom of pots and pans is the least appealing thing that I want in a kitchen. Unless you have pots and pans that are always in perfect condition. I would avoid using something like this ’cause it’s going to make your kitchen look really cluttered and way busier than you expect it to be.

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Final score:

41points

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Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

I never got this outside of a professional kitchen. The amount of steam, grease particles, and dust floating in the kitchen cakes these pans unless they’re cleaned on the regular. Why add to your workload?

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Many popular home interior design trends often prioritize aesthetics over functionality, which can make them impractical for everyday living. For example, the minimalist approach, with its emphasis on clean lines and open spaces, might look sleek in a magazine spread but can quickly become a headache in a busy household.

When every surface is expected to remain pristine and uncluttered, normal family life, filled with everyday messes and the need for storage, can clash with the design’s rigid requirements. The minimalist trend often fails to account for the necessity of personalization and the reality of living in a home where practical storage and everyday utility are paramount.

#4 

Sofas With No Middle Support

Person sitting on a gray sofa in a minimalistic room, discussing poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Trust me on this one, if there isn’t a middle support, the structural integrity is going to be little to none. Unless you weigh less than a hundred pounds, you’re probably not gonna have to worry about it. But sofas are usually investment pieces because you have to spend a lot of money on them and you’re using them on a daily basis. The last thing you want is to sit down in the middle with some force and it snaps in half. You’d be surprised. It happens more often than not. Always check the specs if you’re looking at line, or even if you’re in the showroom, bend over, take a look and see if they have that middle support underneath. It’s going to make a world of a difference. Trust me on this one.

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Final score

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#5 

Jetted Tubs

Whirlpool tub with floating candles and petals, a trend in poorly-aging interior design to avoid.They’re giving me eighties honeymoon hotel suite. But in actuality, these are a bacteria hoarder and they require so much maintenance and upkeep. They are also extremely loud. If you’ve never had one of these in your space, if you live in a condo or a home, it sounds like a shuttle going off.

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Final score:

35points

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Mabelbabel 2 months ago 

The previous owners of the house I bought installed one of these. The first night after moving in, I was exhausted, aching all over and though a spa bath sounded great. Got all set up, turned it on, and it spurted grey plugs of gunk at me, great lumps of god-knows-what scummy flakes of nastiness that had sat there, marinating in the tubes for weeks/months. The bathroom was the first room we remodelled, it was disgusting.

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#6 

Open Concept Bathrooms

Open Concept BathroomsHonestly, I’m so sorry this is actually a thing. All I can imagine is sitting in a public bathroom and the door doesn’t lock when I see this. Bathrooms require a level of privacy. Don’t take that away. The best design for any bathroom is hiding the toilet away completely. No one wants to see it. It doesn’t look nice, nor do you do nice things to it.

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Another trend that raises eyebrows is the open floor plan. While it creates an airy, connected environment on paper, it often sacrifices essential privacy and sound control. Families might find that cooking in an open kitchen results in loud conversations or that the lack of defined spaces makes it challenging to manage the noise and chaos of daily routines.

#7 

Colors To Avoid In Your Bathroom And Why: Black

Dark bathroom interior with black tiles and minimalist design elements, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends.Don’t get me wrong, I love a dark and moody bathroom, but black does nothing for your skin tone and the overall look within the space, especially if you do it all black. Black will absorb light and make it harder to accurately apply makeup even if you have proper front facing light. Black bathrooms are great if you don’t want to see your loose hair an

#8 

All White Kitchen

All White KitchenThe all-white kitchen looks incredible in photographs, but from an everyday lived-in experience, the amount of dirt and grease that splatters and collects everywhere, you notice everything. And the same thing on the other end of the spectrum.

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Final score:

31points

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#9 

LED Strip Lighting

Purple LED strip lights on corner walls, demonstrating a poorly-aging interior design trend.I mean, LED strip lighting that’s used everywhere. Listen, it can be a great look and I agree with that, but everyone seems to be installing them incorrectly. I highly recommend getting a diffuser to put on top, so at least you have a solid line of light, which it was intended to look like, not these dots everywhere in the corner of a room that make it look like it’s more cluttered. Not to mention the adhesive needed to keep them in place, especially if you’re putting them in the entirety and the surroundings of your room.

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Final score

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In homes with multiple family members or frequent gatherings, open layouts can lead to a constant lack of boundaries, leaving little room for quiet or intimate moments. The aesthetic appeal of a seamless flow between rooms can sometimes overlook the practical need for distinct areas that serve specific functions.

#10 

Distressed Cabinets

Distressed CabinetsThis one irks me in so many ways. It came in like a tidal wave and left just as quickly. You pay premium prices for a new kitchen, for it to lok like an old one, honestly. Make that make sense.

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Final sc

#11

The Walk-In Closets In Your En Suite

The Walk-In Closets In Your En SuiteThe moisture in the bathroom is extremely high and your clothes will absorb all the steam, all the smell that your bathrooms get. You need to have these separated, and honestly, it’s going to make your bathroom look more cluttered than it needs to be.

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Final score:

27points

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Ace 2 months ago 

Never heard of this, let alone seen it. Seems pretty much common sense to me that you wouldn’t store clothing in a bathroom. I mean, why would you even think about that?

#12 

Vessel Sinks

Vessel SinksAnother big trend that honestly are super impractical. The mounting of these sinks requires an uncomfortable low bench top height for the vanity, and you honestly don’t wanna have to bend over that far to access anything underneath the vanity if you have drawers or shelves under it. Unfortunately, these vessel sinks also accumulate a lot of dirt that builds up around the crevice of the basin, and it is a cleaning nightmare. Avoid the dirt-catching lip with an undermount sink. Honestly, it’s gonna be a way better design.

While you are washing your dishes you can vessel while you work.

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Similarly, ultra-modern designs with industrial elements, think exposed ductwork, concrete floors, or metal fixtures, can feel trendy in a studio apartment but may not provide the warmth and comfort needed in a home meant for relaxation and long-term living. These materials and finishes, though visually striking, might not be durable or easy to maintain, especially in households with children or pets. They often demand a level of upkeep that many homeowners find impractical, as scratches, stains, and wear can quickly mar the intended polished look. The focus on style sometimes sidelines considerations like comfort, safety, and resilience.

#13 

The All Neutral Rooms

The All Neutral Rooms It’s starting to come back in. They kind of come in waves here and there. You either love them or you hate them, but I find they end up looking so sterile and so flat. So if you do like these neutral palettes, bring in some contrasting depth, some darker tones, some lighter tones to create that dimension in the space so it looks more curated instead of bland.

Child of the Stars 2 months ago 

I don’t mind beige if it’s tempered with other earthy colors like browns, reds, greens, and blues. But all beige just feels like a show house or som

#14 

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Microfiber

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: MicrofiberIt’s extremely soft, but attracts so much dirt and looks so old so quickly. Even when it’s not dirty, it’s gonna look dirty, and it’s always gonna look discolored or stained with the slightest moisture imbalance in your room. This fabric is also extremely static prone, so not only is it giving you a good shock when you sit down, it’s going to be a magnet for hair, dust and every particle in your room.

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Final score:

25points

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TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

Microfiber AKA plastic fabric.

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#15 

Stools With No Lumbar Support

Wooden kitchen island with stools on wheels in a modern interior design setting.These are a nightmare for your posture, and you can only sit at one comfortably for maybe five minutes. So many bars and restaurants have them, and even in your home, they’re absolutely terrible. Save your spine and get something with even a little bit of lumbar support so you can actually sit comfortably and straight on it instead of constantly looking like a banana.

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Final score:

23points

All the stools with lumbar support I’ve used have like a little half back that pushes you forward off the stool. I can sit up straight on my own, thank you very much.

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Another aspect that makes some trends impractical is the drive for uniqueness over comfort. High-concept designs and avant-garde décor choices can create stunning visual statements, but they often come with a steep learning curve for both maintenance and usability. For instance, furniture that is designed more for show than for sitting or lying on can leave guests awkward and frustrated, while bizarre layouts may hinder the flow of movement in a home.

#16 

Wire Cage Storages

Wire Cage StoragesHonestly, this defeats the purpose of closed storage to keep everything away. If the style works with your aesthetic, by all means use it. But I find it impractical when it comes to decluttering your space and it just adds more. Closed storage is always gonna give you a way better look. And honestly, this reminds me of condo storage.

Magenta Blu 2 months ago 

Wire cage storage are cheaper, lighter and serve it’s purpose, so who cares?

#17 

Extreme Minimalism

Minimalistic room with a bed and desk, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Yes, I can see the appeal of it. At the end of the day, a home should feel lived in, even if it’s slightly refined and having too much minimalism, it makes it look completely dead and hollow inside. And on the other end, extreme maximalism, if you don’t know how to do this correctly or even coordinate the colors and finishes that you’re bringing in, it is a glorified title of a hoarder. You spend days at a time cleaning, and honestly, it ends up looking like a mess when you just start bringing in more and more and mo

#18 

The Futon

Aging interior design with a futon, brick wall, and eclectic decor.A clever combination, yes. Beautiful, absolutely not. They always end up looking like dorm room styles. Honestly. Invest in a deeper couch if you want something you can sleep on and still lounge on.

When a design prioritizes artistic expression above the needs of its inhabitants, the result can be a space that looks impressive in photos but feels less like a home and more like a gallery. In addition, many modern trends push for the integration of high-tech solutions, like automated lighting, voice-controlled systems, or smart appliances, which, while convenient in theory, can add layers of complexity and potential technical issues.

#19 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: Limestone

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: LimestoneIn any format for a backsplash tile. As beautiful as it is, stone is so porous and you’re never going to get it clean. There are so many micro holes everywhere in this finish of a material. It’s not a great option.

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Someone obviously hasn’t heard of putting a sealant on limestone, which, I might add, is standard practice when these type of tiles are produced. Meaning the tiles are already sealed when they come out of the factory, but if you feel they need more sealing, you can simply put a thin coat of sealant over it.

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#20 

Armless Sofas

Armless SofasFor everyday use, they are not a practical choice. There is no way of lounging in any of these whatsoever. Yes, they look amazing. Until you have to have a conversation with someone sitting beside you, you can’t angle yourself on them comfortably. Your back will arch to compensate and end up being more of a formal sitting style. That’s not great for every day. The ends of those couches end up being completely useless and not used at all.

#21 

The Dolce And Gabbana Smeg Appliances

Colorful kitchen appliances showcasing poorly-aging interior design trends.This company, first of all, is known for its homophobia and racism and people are still buying it. It bothers me that such a great company like Smeg partner with them to create these atrocities. These nightmares they created are going to cost you a down payment. This isn’t something that you want to actually appreciate in your home, especially in your kitchen.

Sarah Belt 2 months ago 

Isn’t “smeg” the swear word from Red Dwarf?

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For households that aren’t tech-savvy or that prefer simpler living, these features might feel more like a source of constant maintenance and troubleshooting rather than a benefit. The promise of convenience sometimes falls short when the technology becomes outdated or fails to interact seamlessly with older systems.

#22 

DIY Travertine Tables

Hexagonal dining table with cane chairs in a sunlit room, highlighting poorly-aging interior design trends.Which have come in by storm in 2022, transitioning into this year. Travertine is stunning, don’t get me wrong, but these DIY-friendly coffee tables that people have been making are typically made from stone pavers from hardware stores, which are super porous, and liquid nails are not going to keep it together to last longer than a season if you’re moving it around, the structural integrity of these just doesn’t work out. But yes, it does look beautiful.

Hippopotamuses 2 months ago 

I’m surprise that these are a new idea. This table screams 80s to me.

#23 

Colors To Avoid In Your Bathroom And Why: PeachOutdated peach-themed bathroom with floral curtain, wooden vanity, round mirror, and wall light fixture.As beautiful as the color is, I find it looks negatively, and it looks extremely uninviting and decreases your overall energy in the space. Also, the way that light reflects on any pink or peach tones looks terrible on your skin tone when you’re actually looking in your vanity mirror.

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Genuine Suede

Which was used in the seventies and eighties, has started making a comeback. Yes, there are performance fabrics for this, but avoid the genuine one. You can never use water to clean it, otherwise it’s going to completely ruin it. You can only use white vinegar to clean this kind of material, and it leaves a terrible smell afterwards. 

The smell of vinegar will dissipate as it dries or exposed to air. Vinegar is a natural deodorizing agent, highly recommended to neutralize and remove the smell after painting.

Ultimately, while these trends offer exciting ideas and inspiration, they often fall short when it comes to the practical demands of daily life. A successful home design should strike a balance between style and function, ensuring that while a space may look good, it also works well for the people who live there every day. When trends prioritize form over function, they risk creating environments that are more about making a visual statement than supporting the realities of home life.

#25 

Built-In Microwaves In Your Island

Built-In Microwaves In Your IslandI know, I hate microwaves. They are a complete eyesore and they don’t look great above your oven either. Having them in your island is a great way to hide it away, but if you have not tried using one of these, it’s at the height of a 4-year-old and it’s going to hurt your back reheating that meal.

I don’t see a problem with them. New ones are quite good looking. I must be the antithesis of OP. My 1990 Toshiba sits proudly on my kitchen bench.

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#26 

All Black Kitchen

All Black KitchenThose all-black kitchens look absolutely dreamy in photos, but you will literally see every speck of dust that is collected even on the vertical profiles of those cabinets, the DIY trend of painting your refrigerator or even your appliances at any point.

Final score:

14points

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Ace 2 months ago (edited) 

Yes, they do show up dirt. Which is great, cos it makes it easier to ensure it’s clean. I’ve installed black (matt, not shiny) kitchens in two vacation rental apartments and my own, they look stunning and are actually really easy to keep clean. Here’s one of them http://resx.octorate…41132857827.jpg

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#27 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: High Reflectivity

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: High ReflectivityHigh reflectivity. The high reflectivity of these finishes make your base and your kitchen look extremely cluttered, and everything around it is reflected. It’s also gonna show every spot and watermark that you forgot to Windex.

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Final score:

12points

primeline31 2 months ago (edited) 

Absolutely! When we had a shower stall installed, we had big matt finish tiles on the walls. We still squeegee the glass doors and walls but if we don’t squeegee the walls, you don’t see the water drops or anything on them. If the tiles were high gloss, you’d see every droplet and drip. Yet, every single tile showroom displays high gloss shower stall tile. Nope.

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#28 

Dining Benches

Outdated kitchen nook with dark wood table and built-in benches, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends.Another really impractical design choice for your home. Yes, it’s a great way to free up a lot of space and it can disappear under the dining table, which is a huge plus. But if you’ve ever been on a chair without any lumbar support, leaning is inevitable and optimal. Distance of the seat to the table is ultimately up to who you’re sitting on that bench with, and no one is built the same.

Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

Nope. Do not like benches, esp. if I’m the stuck in the middle because they’re difficult to get up from. Leave the table and benches to parks for the occasional picnic/bbq.

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#29 

Those Imperfect Zia Tiles

Those Imperfect Zia TilesI get it. They’re very trendy right now. They look super cool, but I want you to think about the water and the grime buildup in your shower, and you’re going to hate cleaning them. So I would avoid them at all costs.

TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago Capture-67…f64d60.jpg

#30 

Wallpaper In Your Full Set Bathrooms Is An Absolutely Terrible Idea

Yes, I love wallpaper. I love using it in all different instances, but in your bathroom, where you have a lot of humidity and steam that builds up, the wallpaper is going to start peeling at those edges. Trust me on this, the wallpaper is gonna look good for a month and it’s going to start peeling because no matter what glue you use, it’s going to start coming off.

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Final score:

11points

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Kit Black 2 months ago 

Dude… my mom put wallpaper in EVERY bathroom in the 70’s, and it’s stronger than the wall, rofl! Did y’all lose the secret to wallpaper paste when wallpaper lost popularity for a decade or so???

High Gloss Tiles

High gloss tiles are honestly beautiful. They can give you such a luxurious look because of that high reflective quality, and depending on the application with that reflectivity, they really can make your space look larger. But these can also be very dangerous. I would avoid using them in any foyer entrance or even your bathroom because if they get wet, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

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Final score:

11points

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primeline31 2 months ago (edited) ay Scales 2 months ago 

I don’t understand when people say to me ‘Oh, I couldn’t sleep with that colour!’…. You know I sleep in the dark, right?

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#33 

Colored Appliances

Colored AppliancesColored appliances can look great in the proper setting, but if you paint it yourself, I find it just ends up looking really cheap. Photographs look amazing, but in hindsight of living with it, it’s going to have every chip, every scratch, everything is going to be visible on it.

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Final score:

10points

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Why would you paint your appliances DIY? That just sounds like a totally dreadful project.

The Boucle Fabric

I am not apologizing for this because one, it can be beautiful in the right setting, but from a practicality standpoint, the textile itself is a loose woven fabric weave that catches on absolutely everything, and at the end of the day, it’s gonna end up looking like a cat scratch post. If you do like this fabric, because it is beautiful and it’s great to add a lot of texture in, I would highly recommend at least adding it for pillow throw covers or covers themselves. That way you’re not investing in large furniture pieces and wasting your money.

Upstaged75 2 months ago 

It looks nice for about 24 hours and then it starts to pill. If you’ve ever had a boucle blanket you know what I mean. It looks awful after very little use. Especially if its white

#35 

The Eames Fiberglass Chairs

Aging interior design trend: a vintage swivel chair in a retro-styled room, showcasing outdated decor elements.The molded shape is so extremely uncomfortable and it honestly looks like public school chairs, as iconic as the shape and style design is. It is not for me.

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#36 

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Weaved Fabrics

Yes, that means boucle, tweed, knits, and corduroy. These are terrible fabrics if you have pets, and it’s going to snag on your jeans, a ring, or even your pet’s claws. Not to mention that a lint roller is not going to actually remove any dirt, and if you’re using one of those upholstery vacuums, it’s going to ruin and pull on those fabrics.

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Final score:

9points

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Hippopotamuses 2 months ago 

“woven” fabrics!

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#37 

Lime Wash And Micro Cement Paints

The reason being is that if it’s not done professionally, it ends up looking like you ran outta paint and tried to add water to really extend it as much as possible, and it looks messy on your walls. It doesn’t give you the same look as it does on Pinterest. Photos that are heavily photoshopped s**plap. I know I’m gonna get some hate for this one, and I’m probably gonna end up on a mom group on Facebook saying how much they hate me. The main reason why it usually looks so bad is that it, once again, has to go with the style of your home and what works with what interior design style you’re actually showcasing.
Otherwise, it looks so outta place. And really basic, all of these design elements are beautiful and honestly, they can look great in your home if they match the style of the architectural setting. If you’re randomly putting these in, they’re gonna look super trendy and they’re gonna look so outta place.
So keep that in mind when you’re matching the style of your home.

“Shiplap” is to be censored now???

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#38 

Large Scale Bubble Dish Sets

These were introduced late into 2022 and are really picking up momentum into this year. Be advised, if you hand wash your dishes, you’re going to have difficulty fitting these into any drying dish rack because the lip of them is so high, they don’t fit in a standard, and you may have difficulty also fitting them in your dishwasher. Personally, I love artistic pieces. I think they’re beautiful, but think from a practicality standpoint and how you use them every single day.

Final score:

18

#39 

The Arches

I personally love them and someone will have to pry them from my cold dead hands to get rid of them. Unfortunately, if they don’t work with the architectural style of your existing home, they just don’t work. An attempt was made here to add them in, like most people do, but the crown molding above completely ruins it and negates the whole idea of this architectural style of a curve that looks timeless. If you want to include arches into your space, incorporate them into mirrors, decor, and other styles like that, that aren’t as permanent in your space.

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Final score:

6points

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Lady Eowyn 2 months ago 

I love arches.

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#40 

Furniture I Will Never Buy As An Interior Designer

Platform and surround bed frames. Most of these designs come out way further than the actual bed themself, and that’s where you’re gonna have a problem. It’s very unlikely that the average person has a bedroom big enough to fit these. They take up an enormous amount of room, and honestly, you are going to stub your toes or hit your shins like. Crazy, especially if they’re unupholstered.

Another big crime that I will never partake in is matching furniture sets for your living room or your bedroom. I’ve said this before, but it gives big box store on clearance. I know that this is a standard for an entrance furniture when it comes to having your own place, but avoid buying everything from the same store. Take time to curate the space to what you like.

Another one I’m never going to buy or always make sure of is sofas with no middle support, trust me on this one, if there isn’t a middle support, the structural integrity is going to be little to none. Unless you weigh less than a hundred pounds, you’re probably not gonna have to worry about it. But sofas are usually investment pieces because you have to spend a lot of money on them and you’re using them on a daily basis. The last thing you want is to sit down in the middle with some force and it snaps in half. You’d be surprised. It happens more often than not. Always check the specs if you’re looking at line, or even if your showroom bend over, take a look and see if they have that middle support underneath. It’s going to make a world of a difference. Trust me on this one.

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Final score:

5points

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#41 

Baseless Sinks

Yes, unbelievably minimal and completely beautiful, but this is why I want you to avoid them. This is a Neutrogena commercial nightmare. Unless your water pressure is at a glacial speed, it’s going to overflow in seconds and get everywhere. Kim Kardashian had these in her en suite and the craze for them has skyrocketed. Save yourself the water damage and avoid using these.

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Final score:

5points

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Chris the Bobcat 2 months ago 

Anyone who bases their fashion choices on what the kartrashians are using deserves whatever bad things come their way.

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#42 

Pin And Rail List Staircases

Pin and rail list staircases are honestly an engineering marvel. They are so beautiful based on this design. You cannot get away with this in Canada, but they’re really popular in the states. A railing is put in place because if, God forbid you slip and fall, you are able to catch yourself. If you don’t have these on these staircases, it’s game over.

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Final score:

5points

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Erin S 2 months ago 

What do they look like?

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#43 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: Glass Mosaics

I hate them because of the way that they look. They’re so busy and the extra amount of grout means that they’re grimier and much harder to clean. And honestly, there’s no aesthetic mosaic that I have seen personally that works with a space.

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Final score:

4points

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#44 

That Shabby Chic Look

It can look great in photos, even when it comes to the Restoration Hardware cloud couch and all of its dupes out there on the market 99% of the time.

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Final score:

4points

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Miracle Max 2 months ago 

Hey, my home isn’t done in shabby chic, I just have old stuff!

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#45 

Matte Paint

Matte paint will always have a special place in my heart because it looks so incredibly beautiful in photographs. If you touch it, it is going to show your fingerprints everywhere. And if you’ve ever tried to clean matte paint, it just, you can’t do it.

Justin Sandberg

Mindaugas BalčiauskasJustin Sandberg and Mindaugas Balčiauskas

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Designing a dream house is one of those fun little activities everyone does now and then. It’s probably a large part of why interior design content continues to be so popular online. However, looking at a picture of something is not nearly the same as having it in your home. Designer and content creator Mr. Phoenix Gray shares his thoughts on items that don’t actually work that well in the home. We reached out to him via email and will update the article when he gets back to us. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own thoughts in the comments below.

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#1 

The Square Toilets

Modern bathroom design with a square toilet, showcasing poorly-aging interior design trends.These have been coming in lately and they are curved for a very specific reason. Your comfort is in mind when toilets have been designed for the ergonomics of sitting on them. I don’t know if you’ve ever sat on a square toilet before. I have. The corner points dig right into the back of your legs, and they’re the most uncomfortable things you have ever sat on.

mrphoenixgrey,theresallwaysthatone / redditReport

Final score:

50points

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TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

Last time I checked, my booty was round.

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#2 

Platform And Surround Bed Frames

Plaid bedding on a basic wooden bed frame, highlighting poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Most of these designs come out way further than the actual bed themself, and that’s where you’re gonna have a problem. It’s very unlikely that the average person has a bedroom big enough to fit these. They take up an enormous amount of room, and honestly, you are going to stub your toes or hit your shins like crazy, especially if they’re unupholstered.

mrphoenixgrey,INTP3 / redditReport

Final score:

45points

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TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

My shins hurt just looking at this.

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#3 

Those Overhead Pot Racks

Hanging pot rack with pans in a kitchen, a trend to avoid according to interior design advice.This is a terrible idea unless you have spotless pots and pans in pristine condition. I don’t know about you, but honestly, looking at the bottom of pots and pans is the least appealing thing that I want in a kitchen. Unless you have pots and pans that are always in perfect condition. I would avoid using something like this ’cause it’s going to make your kitchen look really cluttered and way busier than you expect it to be.

mrphoenixgrey,Baby_Hippos_Swimming / redditReport

Final score:

41points

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rileyhquinn avatar

Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

I never got this outside of a professional kitchen. The amount of steam, grease particles, and dust floating in the kitchen cakes these pans unless they’re cleaned on the regular. Why add to your workload?

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Many popular home interior design trends often prioritize aesthetics over functionality, which can make them impractical for everyday living. For example, the minimalist approach, with its emphasis on clean lines and open spaces, might look sleek in a magazine spread but can quickly become a headache in a busy household.

When every surface is expected to remain pristine and uncluttered, normal family life, filled with everyday messes and the need for storage, can clash with the design’s rigid requirements. The minimalist trend often fails to account for the necessity of personalization and the reality of living in a home where practical storage and everyday utility are paramount.

#4 

Sofas With No Middle Support

Person sitting on a gray sofa in a minimalistic room, discussing poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Trust me on this one, if there isn’t a middle support, the structural integrity is going to be little to none. Unless you weigh less than a hundred pounds, you’re probably not gonna have to worry about it. But sofas are usually investment pieces because you have to spend a lot of money on them and you’re using them on a daily basis. The last thing you want is to sit down in the middle with some force and it snaps in half. You’d be surprised. It happens more often than not. Always check the specs if you’re looking at line, or even if you’re in the showroom, bend over, take a look and see if they have that middle support underneath. It’s going to make a world of a difference. Trust me on this one.

mrphoenixgrey,freepikReport

Final score:

37points

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Sarah Kathrin Matsoukis 2 months ago 

Also sofas that are so low… hurts my back and legs and are hard to get up from

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#5 

Jetted Tubs

Whirlpool tub with floating candles and petals, a trend in poorly-aging interior design to avoid.They’re giving me eighties honeymoon hotel suite. But in actuality, these are a bacteria hoarder and they require so much maintenance and upkeep. They are also extremely loud. If you’ve never had one of these in your space, if you live in a condo or a home, it sounds like a shuttle going off.

mrphoenixgrey,freepikReport

Final score:

35points

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Mabelbabel 2 months ago 

The previous owners of the house I bought installed one of these. The first night after moving in, I was exhausted, aching all over and though a spa bath sounded great. Got all set up, turned it on, and it spurted grey plugs of gunk at me, great lumps of god-knows-what scummy flakes of nastiness that had sat there, marinating in the tubes for weeks/months. The bathroom was the first room we remodelled, it was disgusting.

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#6 

Open Concept Bathrooms

Open Concept BathroomsHonestly, I’m so sorry this is actually a thing. All I can imagine is sitting in a public bathroom and the door doesn’t lock when I see this. Bathrooms require a level of privacy. Don’t take that away. The best design for any bathroom is hiding the toilet away completely. No one wants to see it. It doesn’t look nice, nor do you do nice things to it.

mrphoenixgrey,StickyThoPhiReport

Final score:

35points

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Kit Black 2 months ago 

I cannot believe that people are actually going for this idea, I refuse to believe it.

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Another trend that raises eyebrows is the open floor plan. While it creates an airy, connected environment on paper, it often sacrifices essential privacy and sound control. Families might find that cooking in an open kitchen results in loud conversations or that the lack of defined spaces makes it challenging to manage the noise and chaos of daily routines.

#7 

Colors To Avoid In Your Bathroom And Why: Black

Dark bathroom interior with black tiles and minimalist design elements, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends.Don’t get me wrong, I love a dark and moody bathroom, but black does nothing for your skin tone and the overall look within the space, especially if you do it all black. Black will absorb light and make it harder to accurately apply makeup even if you have proper front facing light. Black bathrooms are great if you don’t want to see your loose hair anywhere.

mrphoenixgrey,936072494 / freepikReport

Final score:

31points

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Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

Anyone who’s been in a nightclub restroom already knows this. Hard water build-up is a lot more noticeable, too.

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#8 

All White Kitchen

All White KitchenThe all-white kitchen looks incredible in photographs, but from an everyday lived-in experience, the amount of dirt and grease that splatters and collects everywhere, you notice everything. And the same thing on the other end of the spectrum.

mrphoenixgrey,katijolReport

Final score:

31points

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nomnomborkbork 2 months ago 

Makes it easier to keep clean if you can see it all, although I agree that it can highlight any clutter.

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#9 

LED Strip Lighting

Purple LED strip lights on corner walls, demonstrating a poorly-aging interior design trend.I mean, LED strip lighting that’s used everywhere. Listen, it can be a great look and I agree with that, but everyone seems to be installing them incorrectly. I highly recommend getting a diffuser to put on top, so at least you have a solid line of light, which it was intended to look like, not these dots everywhere in the corner of a room that make it look like it’s more cluttered. Not to mention the adhesive needed to keep them in place, especially if you’re putting them in the entirety and the surroundings of your room.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

29points

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Child of the Stars 2 months ago 

Unless the colors are softer and more natural, I personally prefer Christmas lights to these.

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In homes with multiple family members or frequent gatherings, open layouts can lead to a constant lack of boundaries, leaving little room for quiet or intimate moments. The aesthetic appeal of a seamless flow between rooms can sometimes overlook the practical need for distinct areas that serve specific functions.

#10 

Distressed Cabinets

Distressed CabinetsThis one irks me in so many ways. It came in like a tidal wave and left just as quickly. You pay premium prices for a new kitchen, for it to look like an old one, honestly. Make that make sense.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

27points

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rachaelmccann avatar

Child of the Stars 2 months ago 

That’s how I feel about the trend of buying jeans that already have holes in them.

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#11 

The Walk-In Closets In Your En Suite

The Walk-In Closets In Your En SuiteThe moisture in the bathroom is extremely high and your clothes will absorb all the steam, all the smell that your bathrooms get. You need to have these separated, and honestly, it’s going to make your bathroom look more cluttered than it needs to be.

mrphoenixgrey,SpantaXReport

Final score:

27points

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Ace 2 months ago 

Never heard of this, let alone seen it. Seems pretty much common sense to me that you wouldn’t store clothing in a bathroom. I mean, why would you even think about that?

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#12 

Vessel Sinks

Vessel SinksAnother big trend that honestly are super impractical. The mounting of these sinks requires an uncomfortable low bench top height for the vanity, and you honestly don’t wanna have to bend over that far to access anything underneath the vanity if you have drawers or shelves under it. Unfortunately, these vessel sinks also accumulate a lot of dirt that builds up around the crevice of the basin, and it is a cleaning nightmare. Avoid the dirt-catching lip with an undermount sink. Honestly, it’s gonna be a way better design.

mrphoenixgrey,takubananasReport

Final score:

26points

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Richard Graham 2 months ago 

While you are washing your dishes you can vessel while you work.

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Similarly, ultra-modern designs with industrial elements, think exposed ductwork, concrete floors, or metal fixtures, can feel trendy in a studio apartment but may not provide the warmth and comfort needed in a home meant for relaxation and long-term living. These materials and finishes, though visually striking, might not be durable or easy to maintain, especially in households with children or pets. They often demand a level of upkeep that many homeowners find impractical, as scratches, stains, and wear can quickly mar the intended polished look. The focus on style sometimes sidelines considerations like comfort, safety, and resilience.

#13 

The All Neutral Rooms

The All Neutral Rooms It’s starting to come back in. They kind of come in waves here and there. You either love them or you hate them, but I find they end up looking so sterile and so flat. So if you do like these neutral palettes, bring in some contrasting depth, some darker tones, some lighter tones to create that dimension in the space so it looks more curated instead of bland.

mrphoenixgrey,www.reddit.comReport

Final score:

26points

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Child of the Stars 2 months ago 

I don’t mind beige if it’s tempered with other earthy colors like browns, reds, greens, and blues. But all beige just feels like a show house or something.

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#14 

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Microfiber

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: MicrofiberIt’s extremely soft, but attracts so much dirt and looks so old so quickly. Even when it’s not dirty, it’s gonna look dirty, and it’s always gonna look discolored or stained with the slightest moisture imbalance in your room. This fabric is also extremely static prone, so not only is it giving you a good shock when you sit down, it’s going to be a magnet for hair, dust and every particle in your room.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

25points

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TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

Microfiber AKA plastic fabric.

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#15 

Stools With No Lumbar Support

Wooden kitchen island with stools on wheels in a modern interior design setting.These are a nightmare for your posture, and you can only sit at one comfortably for maybe five minutes. So many bars and restaurants have them, and even in your home, they’re absolutely terrible. Save your spine and get something with even a little bit of lumbar support so you can actually sit comfortably and straight on it instead of constantly looking like a banana.

mrphoenixgrey,freepikReport

Final score:

23points

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Sarah Belt 2 months ago 

All the stools with lumbar support I’ve used have like a little half back that pushes you forward off the stool. I can sit up straight on my own, thank you very much.

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Another aspect that makes some trends impractical is the drive for uniqueness over comfort. High-concept designs and avant-garde décor choices can create stunning visual statements, but they often come with a steep learning curve for both maintenance and usability. For instance, furniture that is designed more for show than for sitting or lying on can leave guests awkward and frustrated, while bizarre layouts may hinder the flow of movement in a home.

#16 

Wire Cage Storages

Wire Cage StoragesHonestly, this defeats the purpose of closed storage to keep everything away. If the style works with your aesthetic, by all means use it. But I find it impractical when it comes to decluttering your space and it just adds more. Closed storage is always gonna give you a way better look. And honestly, this reminds me of condo storage.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

22points

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Magenta Blu 2 months ago 

Wire cage storage are cheaper, lighter and serve it’s purpose, so who cares?

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#17 

Extreme Minimalism

Minimalistic room with a bed and desk, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends to avoid.Yes, I can see the appeal of it. At the end of the day, a home should feel lived in, even if it’s slightly refined and having too much minimalism, it makes it look completely dead and hollow inside. And on the other end, extreme maximalism, if you don’t know how to do this correctly or even coordinate the colors and finishes that you’re bringing in, it is a glorified title of a hoarder. You spend days at a time cleaning, and honestly, it ends up looking like a mess when you just start bringing in more and more and more.

mrphoenixgrey,gnjapp / redditReport

Final score:

22points

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Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

This isn’t minimalism. This is someone’s first flat on an entry level salary. I suppose poverty and minimalism look the same to some folks.

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#18 

The Futon

Aging interior design with a futon, brick wall, and eclectic decor.A clever combination, yes. Beautiful, absolutely not. They always end up looking like dorm room styles. Honestly. Invest in a deeper couch if you want something you can sleep on and still lounge on.

mrphoenixgrey,Career-Tourist / redditReport

Final score:

20points

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Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

You forgot to mention that they’re uncomfortable to sit on and extremely uncomfortable to sleep on.

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When a design prioritizes artistic expression above the needs of its inhabitants, the result can be a space that looks impressive in photos but feels less like a home and more like a gallery. In addition, many modern trends push for the integration of high-tech solutions, like automated lighting, voice-controlled systems, or smart appliances, which, while convenient in theory, can add layers of complexity and potential technical issues.

#19 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: Limestone

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: LimestoneIn any format for a backsplash tile. As beautiful as it is, stone is so porous and you’re never going to get it clean. There are so many micro holes everywhere in this finish of a material. It’s not a great option.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

20points

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Kabuki Kitsune 2 months ago 

Someone obviously hasn’t heard of putting a sealant on limestone, which, I might add, is standard practice when these type of tiles are produced. Meaning the tiles are already sealed when they come out of the factory, but if you feel they need more sealing, you can simply put a thin coat of sealant over it.

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#20 

Armless Sofas

Armless SofasFor everyday use, they are not a practical choice. There is no way of lounging in any of these whatsoever. Yes, they look amazing. Until you have to have a conversation with someone sitting beside you, you can’t angle yourself on them comfortably. Your back will arch to compensate and end up being more of a formal sitting style. That’s not great for every day. The ends of those couches end up being completely useless and not used at all.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

18points

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Pandaodboredem22 2 months ago 

They don’t even look amazing!

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#21 

The Dolce And Gabbana Smeg Appliances

Colorful kitchen appliances showcasing poorly-aging interior design trends.This company, first of all, is known for its homophobia and racism and people are still buying it. It bothers me that such a great company like Smeg partner with them to create these atrocities. These nightmares they created are going to cost you a down payment. This isn’t something that you want to actually appreciate in your home, especially in your kitchen.

mrphoenixgrey,greendiamondX6 / redditReport

Final score:

17points

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Sarah Belt 2 months ago 

Isn’t “smeg” the swear word from Red Dwarf?

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For households that aren’t tech-savvy or that prefer simpler living, these features might feel more like a source of constant maintenance and troubleshooting rather than a benefit. The promise of convenience sometimes falls short when the technology becomes outdated or fails to interact seamlessly with older systems.

#22 

DIY Travertine Tables

Hexagonal dining table with cane chairs in a sunlit room, highlighting poorly-aging interior design trends.Which have come in by storm in 2022, transitioning into this year. Travertine is stunning, don’t get me wrong, but these DIY-friendly coffee tables that people have been making are typically made from stone pavers from hardware stores, which are super porous, and liquid nails are not going to keep it together to last longer than a season if you’re moving it around, the structural integrity of these just doesn’t work out. But yes, it does look beautiful.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

16points

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Hippopotamuses 2 months ago 

I’m surprise that these are a new idea. This table screams 80s to me.

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#23 

Colors To Avoid In Your Bathroom And Why: Peach

Outdated peach-themed bathroom with floral curtain, wooden vanity, round mirror, and wall light fixture.As beautiful as the color is, I find it looks negatively, and it looks extremely uninviting and decreases your overall energy in the space. Also, the way that light reflects on any pink or peach tones looks terrible on your skin tone when you’re actually looking in your vanity mirror.

mrphoenixgrey,emmalump / redditReport

Final score:

14points

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Ellinor 2 months ago 

It could look prettier with a white light

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#24 

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Genuine Suede

Which was used in the seventies and eighties, has started making a comeback. Yes, there are performance fabrics for this, but avoid the genuine one. You can never use water to clean it, otherwise it’s going to completely ruin it. You can only use white vinegar to clean this kind of material, and it leaves a terrible smell afterwards.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

14points

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KitKat 2 months ago 

The smell of vinegar will dissipate as it dries or exposed to air. Vinegar is a natural deodorizing agent, highly recommended to neutralize and remove the smell after painting.

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Ultimately, while these trends offer exciting ideas and inspiration, they often fall short when it comes to the practical demands of daily life. A successful home design should strike a balance between style and function, ensuring that while a space may look good, it also works well for the people who live there every day. When trends prioritize form over function, they risk creating environments that are more about making a visual statement than supporting the realities of home life.

#25 

Built-In Microwaves In Your Island

Built-In Microwaves In Your IslandI know, I hate microwaves. They are a complete eyesore and they don’t look great above your oven either. Having them in your island is a great way to hide it away, but if you have not tried using one of these, it’s at the height of a 4-year-old and it’s going to hurt your back reheating that meal.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

14points

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Hippopotamuses 2 months ago 

I don’t see a problem with them. New ones are quite good looking. I must be the antithesis of OP. My 1990 Toshiba sits proudly on my kitchen bench.

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#26 

All Black Kitchen

All Black KitchenThose all-black kitchens look absolutely dreamy in photos, but you will literally see every speck of dust that is collected even on the vertical profiles of those cabinets, the DIY trend of painting your refrigerator or even your appliances at any point.

mrphoenixgrey,macfergusReport

Final score:

14points

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acey-ace16 avatar

Ace 2 months ago (edited) 

Yes, they do show up dirt. Which is great, cos it makes it easier to ensure it’s clean. I’ve installed black (matt, not shiny) kitchens in two vacation rental apartments and my own, they look stunning and are actually really easy to keep clean. Here’s one of them http://resx.octorate…41132857827.jpg

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#27 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: High Reflectivity

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: High ReflectivityHigh reflectivity. The high reflectivity of these finishes make your base and your kitchen look extremely cluttered, and everything around it is reflected. It’s also gonna show every spot and watermark that you forgot to Windex.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

12points

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primeline31 2 months ago (edited) 

Absolutely! When we had a shower stall installed, we had big matt finish tiles on the walls. We still squeegee the glass doors and walls but if we don’t squeegee the walls, you don’t see the water drops or anything on them. If the tiles were high gloss, you’d see every droplet and drip. Yet, every single tile showroom displays high gloss shower stall tile. Nope.

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#28 

Dining Benches

Outdated kitchen nook with dark wood table and built-in benches, illustrating poorly-aging interior design trends.Another really impractical design choice for your home. Yes, it’s a great way to free up a lot of space and it can disappear under the dining table, which is a huge plus. But if you’ve ever been on a chair without any lumbar support, leaning is inevitable and optimal. Distance of the seat to the table is ultimately up to who you’re sitting on that bench with, and no one is built the same.

mrphoenixgrey,Dirnol / redditReport

Final score:

11points

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Riley Quinn 2 months ago 

Nope. Do not like benches, esp. if I’m the stuck in the middle because they’re difficult to get up from. Leave the table and benches to parks for the occasional picnic/bbq.

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#29 

Those Imperfect Zia Tiles

Those Imperfect Zia TilesI get it. They’re very trendy right now. They look super cool, but I want you to think about the water and the grime buildup in your shower, and you’re going to hate cleaning them. So I would avoid them at all costs.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

11points

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TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

Capture-67…f64d60.jpg

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#30 

Wallpaper In Your Full Set Bathrooms Is An Absolutely Terrible Idea

Yes, I love wallpaper. I love using it in all different instances, but in your bathroom, where you have a lot of humidity and steam that builds up, the wallpaper is going to start peeling at those edges. Trust me on this, the wallpaper is gonna look good for a month and it’s going to start peeling because no matter what glue you use, it’s going to start coming off.

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Final score:

11points

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Kit Black 2 months ago 

Dude… my mom put wallpaper in EVERY bathroom in the 70’s, and it’s stronger than the wall, rofl! Did y’all lose the secret to wallpaper paste when wallpaper lost popularity for a decade or so???

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#31 

High Gloss Tiles

High gloss tiles are honestly beautiful. They can give you such a luxurious look because of that high reflective quality, and depending on the application with that reflectivity, they really can make your space look larger. But these can also be very dangerous. I would avoid using them in any foyer entrance or even your bathroom because if they get wet, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

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Final score:

11points

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primeline31 2 months ago (edited) 

Do not use high gloss tiles in the kitchen or any hallway that leads to an outside entrance door. Eventually someone is going to hydroplane right onto their back with wet shoes or a small spill in the kitchen! And they will show EVERY scratch from sand tracked in on the shoes. If the floor doesn’t scratch from the shoes, the dirt under chair legs will scar the floor.

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#32 

The Worst Colors To Use For Your Bedroom: Red

It’s a very high-contrast, high-energy color. That personally does not work well in a bedroom unless you get the other meaning for it. Inflammatory emotions activate the mind so much for a color like this that you can’t really be comfortable and relax and fall asleep with it. If you do like red, though, I would go with a moodier, more saturated look. That’s darker versus vibrant.

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Final score:

10points

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Jay Scales 2 months ago 

I don’t understand when people say to me ‘Oh, I couldn’t sleep with that colour!’…. You know I sleep in the dark, right?

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#33 

Colored Appliances

Colored AppliancesColored appliances can look great in the proper setting, but if you paint it yourself, I find it just ends up looking really cheap. Photographs look amazing, but in hindsight of living with it, it’s going to have every chip, every scratch, everything is going to be visible on it.

mrphoenixgrey,redditReport

Final score:

10points

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Toothless Feline 2 months ago 

Why would you paint your appliances DIY? That just sounds like a totally dreadful project.

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#34 

The Boucle Fabric

I am not apologizing for this because one, it can be beautiful in the right setting, but from a practicality standpoint, the textile itself is a loose woven fabric weave that catches on absolutely everything, and at the end of the day, it’s gonna end up looking like a cat scratch post. If you do like this fabric, because it is beautiful and it’s great to add a lot of texture in, I would highly recommend at least adding it for pillow throw covers or covers themselves. That way you’re not investing in large furniture pieces and wasting your money.

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Final score:

10points

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Upstaged75 2 months ago 

It looks nice for about 24 hours and then it starts to pill. If you’ve ever had a boucle blanket you know what I mean. It looks awful after very little use. Especially if its white.

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#35 

The Eames Fiberglass Chairs

Aging interior design trend: a vintage swivel chair in a retro-styled room, showcasing outdated decor elements.The molded shape is so extremely uncomfortable and it honestly looks like public school chairs, as iconic as the shape and style design is. It is not for me.

mrphoenixgrey,WilsonAndPenny / redditReport

Final score:

9points

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beth38 avatar

Beth Wheeler 2 months ago 

Ugly and uncomfortable

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#36 

The Worst Fabrics To Choose For Your Couch Or Sofa: Weaved Fabrics

Yes, that means boucle, tweed, knits, and corduroy. These are terrible fabrics if you have pets, and it’s going to snag on your jeans, a ring, or even your pet’s claws. Not to mention that a lint roller is not going to actually remove any dirt, and if you’re using one of those upholstery vacuums, it’s going to ruin and pull on those fabrics.

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Final score:

9points

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anubis1 avatar

Hippopotamuses 2 months ago 

“woven” fabrics!

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#37 

Lime Wash And Micro Cement Paints

The reason being is that if it’s not done professionally, it ends up looking like you ran outta paint and tried to add water to really extend it as much as possible, and it looks messy on your walls. It doesn’t give you the same look as it does on Pinterest. Photos that are heavily photoshopped s**plap. I know I’m gonna get some hate for this one, and I’m probably gonna end up on a mom group on Facebook saying how much they hate me. The main reason why it usually looks so bad is that it, once again, has to go with the style of your home and what works with what interior design style you’re actually showcasing.
Otherwise, it looks so outta place. And really basic, all of these design elements are beautiful and honestly, they can look great in your home if they match the style of the architectural setting. If you’re randomly putting these in, they’re gonna look super trendy and they’re gonna look so outta place.
So keep that in mind when you’re matching the style of your home.

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Final score:

9points

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toothlessfeline avatar

Toothless Feline 2 months ago 

“Shiplap” is to be censored now???

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#38 

Large Scale Bubble Dish Sets

These were introduced late into 2022 and are really picking up momentum into this year. Be advised, if you hand wash your dishes, you’re going to have difficulty fitting these into any drying dish rack because the lip of them is so high, they don’t fit in a standard, and you may have difficulty also fitting them in your dishwasher. Personally, I love artistic pieces. I think they’re beautiful, but think from a practicality standpoint and how you use them every single day.

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Final score:

6points

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tinacasarotto avatar

TiNaBoNiNa 2 months ago 

IckCapture-67…a24eb3.jpg

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#39 

The Arches

I personally love them and someone will have to pry them from my cold dead hands to get rid of them. Unfortunately, if they don’t work with the architectural style of your existing home, they just don’t work. An attempt was made here to add them in, like most people do, but the crown molding above completely ruins it and negates the whole idea of this architectural style of a curve that looks timeless. If you want to include arches into your space, incorporate them into mirrors, decor, and other styles like that, that aren’t as permanent in your space.

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Final score:

6points

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debandtoby13 avatar

Lady Eowyn 2 months ago 

I love arches.

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#40 

Furniture I Will Never Buy As An Interior Designer

Platform and surround bed frames. Most of these designs come out way further than the actual bed themself, and that’s where you’re gonna have a problem. It’s very unlikely that the average person has a bedroom big enough to fit these. They take up an enormous amount of room, and honestly, you are going to stub your toes or hit your shins like. Crazy, especially if they’re unupholstered.

Another big crime that I will never partake in is matching furniture sets for your living room or your bedroom. I’ve said this before, but it gives big box store on clearance. I know that this is a standard for an entrance furniture when it comes to having your own place, but avoid buying everything from the same store. Take time to curate the space to what you like.

Another one I’m never going to buy or always make sure of is sofas with no middle support, trust me on this one, if there isn’t a middle support, the structural integrity is going to be little to none. Unless you weigh less than a hundred pounds, you’re probably not gonna have to worry about it. But sofas are usually investment pieces because you have to spend a lot of money on them and you’re using them on a daily basis. The last thing you want is to sit down in the middle with some force and it snaps in half. You’d be surprised. It happens more often than not. Always check the specs if you’re looking at line, or even if your showroom bend over, take a look and see if they have that middle support underneath. It’s going to make a world of a difference. Trust me on this one.

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Final score:

5points

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#41 

Baseless Sinks

Yes, unbelievably minimal and completely beautiful, but this is why I want you to avoid them. This is a Neutrogena commercial nightmare. Unless your water pressure is at a glacial speed, it’s going to overflow in seconds and get everywhere. Kim Kardashian had these in her en suite and the craze for them has skyrocketed. Save yourself the water damage and avoid using these.

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Final score:

5points

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Chris the Bobcat 2 months ago 

Anyone who bases their fashion choices on what the kartrashians are using deserves whatever bad things come their way.

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#42 

Pin And Rail List Staircases

Pin and rail list staircases are honestly an engineering marvel. They are so beautiful based on this design. You cannot get away with this in Canada, but they’re really popular in the states. A railing is put in place because if, God forbid you slip and fall, you are able to catch yourself. If you don’t have these on these staircases, it’s game over.

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Final score:

5points

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erinstoy77 avatar

Erin S 2 months ago 

What do they look like?

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#43 

Backsplashes That I Would Avoid: Glass Mosaics

I hate them because of the way that they look. They’re so busy and the extra amount of grout means that they’re grimier and much harder to clean. And honestly, there’s no aesthetic mosaic that I have seen personally that works with a space.

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Final score:

4points

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#44 

That Shabby Chic Look

It can look great in photos, even when it comes to the Restoration Hardware cloud couch and all of its dupes out there on the market 99% of the time.

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Final score:

4points

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Miracle Max 2 months ago 

Hey, my home isn’t done in shabby chic, I just have old stuff!

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#45 

Matte Paint

Matte paint will always have a special place in my heart because it looks so incredibly beautiful in photographs. If you touch it, it is going to show your fingerprints everywhere. And if you’ve ever tried to clean matte paint, it just, you can’t do it.

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