Interior design trends can look appealing at first. However, some choices may become impractical over time. Three interior designers have shared the home design trends they regret following and what they would choose instead.
Accent Walls Can Feel Unbalanced
Accent walls can add colour and create a focal point. However, designers say a single painted wall may not always work well.
Maren Baker, founder and principal designer of Maren Baker Design, regrets using accent walls in her home before becoming a designer.
She suggests using full-room colour or wallpaper instead. Homeowners can also add artwork, texture, or other design elements to create more visual interest.
Leather Sofas May Lack Comfort
Leather sofas can give a living room a stylish look. Yet, they may not always be practical for everyday use.
Julia Newman, founder and principal designer of Julia Adele Design, says buying a leather sofa was one of her biggest design mistakes.
She found the sofa difficult to maintain. It also felt cold in winter and hot in summer. Newman eventually replaced it with a fabric sofa.
Fabric options can offer a more comfortable choice for frequently used seating.
Appliance Garages Need Careful Planning
Appliance garages can help keep kitchen counters clean. They provide storage for coffee makers, blenders, air fryers, and other small appliances.
However, the design needs careful planning. Lesley Myrick, CEO and principal designer of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, regrets some details of her kitchen appliance garage.
The cabinet was shallower than expected because of construction requirements. She also chose a lift-up door that could swing up to eye level.
Myrick says she would choose double pocket doors instead. They could make the storage area easier to use.
Practical Design Matters
These examples show why functionality matters alongside appearance. Homeowners can avoid future regrets by considering comfort, storage, space, and everyday use before choosing a trend.
