You Will Actually Die When You See This Small Bathroom Before & After

This article, published on October 1, 2025, details common home renovation regrets based on insights from contractors and interior designers. It highlights how design ideas, though visually appealing on platforms like Pinterest, can often be impractical in real-life application, leading to significant homeowner dissatisfaction. The piece delves into seven specific renovation choices that frequently result in regret, offering explanations from industry professionals on why these choices are problematic and suggesting more practical alternatives. The first regret discussed is the installation of marble countertops. While aesthetically classic, marble is a soft and porous stone highly susceptible to staining, particularly in kitchens with heavy use and colorful spices. Laura Hammett, founder and creative director of Laura Hammett Interiors, frequently advises clients to opt for more durable sintered stones like Neolith to avoid the high maintenance and staining issues associated with marble. Next, the article addresses open-floor plans, a trend that has seen a decline in popularity, especially with the rise of multi-generational households and remote work. Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors notes that clients now desire more personal space and privacy. Her solutions include incorporating hidden pocket doors behind built-ins and using glass and steel-framed partitions to section off open areas, offering a balance between privacy and maintaining an open feel. Open-air outdoor living spaces also feature prominently among homeowner regrets. Robert W. Burrage, founder of RWB Concierge Builder, explains that environmental factors such as humidity, heat, and seasonal storms can severely limit the usability of expansive loggias and open lounging areas. Consequently, many homeowners eventually opt to enclose these spaces to create more comfortable, year-round usable areas. Trendy tiles are another source of renovation remorse. Alexis Woodbury Earman, an interior designer with The Woodbury Home, observes that homeowners often select tiles based on current trends or inspirational photos, only to tire of them later. Her recommended remedy is to use neutral-colored tiles as a base and introduce color through paint, allowing for easier and more cost-effective aesthetic changes over time. The article also singles out barn doors and shiplap walls, popularized by the farmhouse trend around 2015. Lesley Myrick, an Atlanta-based interior designer, points out that barn doors are highly impractical due to their inability to block sound and light effectively. Shiplap walls, while stylish, are notorious for collecting dust in the gaps between boards, making them difficult to maintain. Myrick's projects often involve replacing barn doors with single-paneled alternatives and removing shiplap to improve functionality and cleanliness. Clear glass doors for kitchen cabinets or pantries are identified as another common regret. Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors explains that these doors expose clutter and mismatched items, making even new kitchens appear untidy if not meticulously organized. She suggests replacing clear glass with reeded glass, which preserves an elegant look while obscuring the contents within. Finally, doorless showers are discussed as a design choice that often proves more troublesome than beneficial. Interior designer Shiva Samiei notes that doorless designs frequently lead to water splashing outside the shower area, causing potential moisture damage and slip hazards. Furthermore, they can create an uncomfortable, exposed showering experience. Custom glass panels and improved drainage solutions are often necessary to mitigate these issues, allowing for a modern aesthetic without sacrificing practicality and comfort. #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #MarbleCountertops #OpenFloorPlans #OutdoorLivingSpaces #ShiplapWalls #BarnDoors #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #MarbleCountertops #OpenFloorPlans #OutdoorLivingSpaces #ShiplapWalls #BarnDoors

80 months ago

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