While it's tempting to make impulsive furniture purchases or choose bold colors to refresh your living space, some home design choices consistently lead to regret. Interior design professionals are speaking candidly about the biggest mistakes they see homeowners make, offering insights into features that look appealing initially but prove problematic in daily life.
Corner sinks represent one of the most common regrets among homeowners, according to Paulina Hospod, an interior designer at AhA!nteriors. "One design choice I often see clients regret is the corner sink," Hospod explains. While these fixtures may appear to be space-saving solutions, particularly in smaller kitchens where every inch matters, they come with significant drawbacks. First, they're uncomfortable to stand in front of for extended periods. Second, they sacrifice valuable corner cabinet storage space for plumbing infrastructure. Third, they push the sink too far back into the counter, creating an awkward user experience. Hospod recommends sticking with more centrally located sinks whenever possible, noting that while they may require slightly more wall space, the improved functionality and storage options make the trade-off worthwhile.
Black plumbing fixtures have become increasingly popular on social media platforms like Pinterest, but their real-world performance often disappoints homeowners. "I've seen so many clients regret choosing them once they start living with the space," Hospod notes. While these fixtures may appear sleek and dramatic in photographs, the reality proves more challenging. The finish wears quickly, shows water spots and fingerprints easily, and manufacturers rarely back them with strong warranties. Instead of black fixtures, Hospod encourages clients to choose timeless finishes such as chrome, nickel, or brass. These alternatives not only age more gracefully but are also easier to maintain and more likely to withstand the test of time both functionally and aesthetically.
Bouclé fabric has gained tremendous popularity through social media exposure, appearing cozy and textured in countless home design posts. However, interior designers caution against its practical limitations. "Bouclé is one fabric I often caution clients about," Hospod explains. "While it photographs beautifully and adds great texture, in everyday use, it tends to disappoint." The fabric's characteristic loops allow crumbs and dust to settle deeply, making thorough cleaning difficult. Additionally, bouclé wears unevenly – lighter tones show wear patterns quickly, while darker versions highlight every speck of dust or debris. For homeowners who love the textural appearance of bouclé but want something more practical, Hospod suggests considering similarly textured fabrics with tighter weaves or performance-grade durability ratings.
Traditional lower cabinets without pull-out shelving present another common source of homeowner regret. Kerry O'Duibhir, chief executive officer at New Wave Design & Contracting, explains the problem: "Many people choose traditional lower cabinets with shelves, which look classic but make you bend down and dig in the back for heavy pots, pans, and small appliances." After living with their kitchens for some time, clients often realize that deep drawers or pull-out mechanisms prove far more functional, allowing users to see everything at a glance and reach items easily. O'Duibhir recommends rethinking lower cabinet storage early in the planning process, advocating for full-extension drawers or pull-out shelves to maximize usability and simplify kitchen routines.
Marble countertops, while undeniably elegant and photogenic, frequently become sources of frustration for homeowners. "Marble countertops! I love the look of marble as much as the next girl, but it is just not a practical solution in a kitchen," explains Alex Thies, owner and creative director at Adelyn Charles Interiors. The natural stone requires regular maintenance due to its soft and porous nature, making it prone to chipping, scratching, and staining. Even minor incidents like lemon juice splashes or wine glass rings can leave permanent marks. The level of caution required to maintain marble's pristine appearance often exceeds what busy households can realistically provide. As an alternative, Thies recommends quartzite, describing it as a natural stone with similar movement and coloring to marble but significantly more durability. "You'll still get that soft, organic look – but without worrying every time someone puts down a coffee cup."
Luxury vinyl and laminate wood-look flooring represents another design choice that Thies strongly advises against. While these materials may initially appeal due to their resilience and wood-like appearance, they consistently fall short of expectations. "It will never beat the real thing," Thies states. Common complaints include an unmistakable clicking sound underfoot, a synthetic feel that doesn't age gracefully, and a lack of the warmth and character that natural wood brings to living spaces. Although these materials may resist spills effectively, they lack the authentic soul that homeowners ultimately desire. Instead, Thies recommends engineered wood flooring in durable species like white oak, emphasizing that "nothing beats the warmth of a real wood floor underfoot." She suggests choosing character-grade options for those wanting something more forgiving, noting that harder wood species can be surprisingly easy to maintain and clean while providing the authentic experience that synthetic alternatives cannot match.
