Home Purchases to Reconsider: Insights from Interior Designers
Business Insider consulted with interior designers to identify home purchases that homeowners might come to regret in the future. Here’s what they had to say:
- Low Couches
While low couches may offer a trendy industrial vibe, they often sacrifice comfort and practicality, according to Sarah Bowen, founder of Spruce Up. Their sleek appearance may be alluring, but they may not provide the cozy seating experience expected in the long run.
- Shabby-Chic Furniture
Although shabby-chic furniture adds a romantic and nostalgic charm to spaces, overindulgence in this style can lead to clutter, cautioned Bowen. Too many weathered and vintage pieces may overcrowd a room, leaving limited functional space.
- White Appliances
Eddie Rider, luxury designer at Eddie Rider Designs, advised against investing in white appliances, citing their trend-based nature. Instead, he recommended opting for stainless steel or cabinet panels that blend seamlessly with the kitchen’s aesthetic.
- Gray-Toned Wood Flooring
Paige Garland, owner of Paige Garland Interiors, cautioned against gray-toned wood flooring due to its clash with surrounding elements. She emphasized the importance of incorporating warm tones alongside cool ones to maintain balance in the space.
- Faux-Leather Upholstery
Lesley Myrick, luxury interior designer, warned against faux-leather upholstery, noting its tendency to deteriorate over time. While initially cost-effective, faux leather may lose its polished appearance and durability, necessitating replacement.
- Viscose Rugs
Interior designer Joe Human advised against viscose rugs, citing their susceptibility to damage in high-traffic areas. Despite their softness and sheen, viscose rugs are prone to staining and yellowing, particularly in well-used spaces like living rooms.
- Sliding Barn Doors
Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design, deemed sliding barn doors a passing trend. Their limited sound-blocking capabilities and impracticality may not align with long-term homeownership goals, he cautioned.
- Large Entertainment Centers
Shaffer also discouraged investing in large entertainment centers, advocating for flexible furniture options instead. Avoiding built-in furniture allows for easier reconfiguration of spaces and accommodates evolving technology needs.
- Faux Flooring
Elle Cole of Elle Cole Interiors advised against faux flooring, emphasizing the importance of investing in genuine materials like wood or tile. While initially cost-effective, faux flooring may require premature replacement, leading to additional expenses.
- Rounded Windows
Michal Rubin, owner of MR Interiors, highlighted the challenges posed by rounded windows, particularly in finding suitable window treatments. Their unique shape may limit privacy and functionality, prompting regret among homeowners.
- Low-Back Dining Chairs
Rubin also cautioned against low-back dining chairs, citing their discomfort and lack of support. While aesthetically appealing, these chairs may not provide the comfort expected during extended dining experiences.
- Bouclé Fabric
Kelly Hayes, owner of Carriage House Studio, advised against embracing bouclé fabric trends, anticipating its decline in popularity over time. Despite its current ubiquity, bouclé may not withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, leading to disappointment.
By heeding the advice of interior designers, homeowners can make informed decisions and avoid potential regrets when furnishing their homes.
