This Controversial Home Layout Has DIVIDED the Design World

This article explores various home design trends often considered controversial, highlighting why individuals genuinely appreciate and implement them in their living spaces, often for practical and personal reasons that are overlooked in broader design discussions. The piece compiles insights from members of the BuzzFeed Community, offering diverse perspectives on these polarizing trends. Open shelving in kitchens, frequently criticized for collecting dust and animal hair, is defended by one respondent who argues that consistent use of dishes and glasses prevents such issues. This individual highlights the aesthetic appeal of open shelving, noting it often receives compliments from visitors. The practicality of open shelving is emphasized by its user-centric benefit rather than theoretical maintenance concerns. Open floor plans are another trend that receives mixed reactions. One person expresses dissatisfaction with their current home's enclosed layout, preferring an open plan to avoid feeling isolated while cooking and to foster family togetherness, especially during holidays. This perspective underscores the social and spatial advantages of open floor plans, suggesting their suitability depends on a household's specific needs. Barn doors are championed as effective space-savers, particularly for compact living areas. A contributor views the opposition to barn doors as a "privileged stance," implying that critics might not understand the spatial constraints faced by those living in smaller homes. This viewpoint stresses the functional benefits of barn doors over their aesthetic or perceived trendiness. Microwaves placed over the stove are defended for their convenience and efficient use of kitchen space, especially in smaller kitchens. A kitchen and bath designer argues against the trend of moving microwaves to lower cabinets, noting that bending over to access them is impractical and can pose safety issues for children. The designer emphasizes that while alternative placements may appear sleek, they are not always practical for everyone. The preference for multiple smaller bedrooms over fewer large ones is articulated by a 43-year-old from Utah. This individual appreciates the cozy feeling of smaller rooms and the ability to host more family members during holidays. This highlights a focus on functionality and family accommodation over spaciousness. Clear shower doors, often criticized for showing water spots, are favored by a Georgian resident who believes they make bathrooms feel larger. This person also notes that they are typically used in private settings where modesty is not a concern, dismissing the idea that they compromise privacy. This perspective prioritizes an expansive feel in the bathroom. Mounting TVs above fireplaces is a debated trend. A respondent argues that neck pain from viewing such a setup is indicative of excessive TV watching, and expresses satisfaction with the aesthetic, particularly when using a frame television that resembles art when off. This highlights a personal preference for visual integration and minimizing the appearance of technology. Water closets, which separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, are praised by a germophobe for hygiene reasons and for providing privacy, particularly in shared living situations. This emphasizes the health and privacy benefits derived from such a layout. Open kitchens are viewed positively by a Californian resident, who sees them as conducive to a shared social experience during guest visits. This perspective values the communal aspect of cooking and entertaining, contrasting with the idea that kitchens should be hidden due to mess. Painted brick is defended by someone who found their original brick fireplace aesthetically unappealing, stating that limewashing it enhanced the space while preserving texture. This illustrates how personal aesthetic preferences can justify altering original features. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is praised for its durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort underfoot, especially for households with toddlers and pets. The individual notes its realistic wood appearance and resilience to spills and scratches. This highlights practical benefits over traditional flooring materials. Black-painted house exteriors are preferred by a Floridian resident due to their low maintenance compared to white exteriors, which required frequent cleaning. This demonstrates a practical advantage in terms of upkeep and long-term appearance. Open staircases are appreciated for allowing light to flow through a home. A 73-year-old from California mentioned incorporating safety rods to protect grandchildren, combining aesthetic preference with functional safety. This illustrates how design choices can be adapted for both beauty and safety. Laundry closets are preferred over dedicated laundry rooms by a respondent who finds them more practical, as laundry is typically folded in other areas of the house while engaging in other activities. This emphasizes efficiency and multi-tasking convenience. Quartz countertops are highly favored for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of aesthetic options, especially when compared to granite or butcher block. This highlights practical and aesthetic superiority over other countertop materials. Carpeting in bedrooms is advocated for its sound-dampening qualities, comfort, and warmth, particularly during colder months. This challenges the common aversion to carpet by focusing on comfort and practicality in a bedroom setting. Stovetop pot fillers are defended for their convenience, arguing that their utility in filling pots directly at the stove outweighs the minor inconvenience of moving the pot later. This emphasizes the convenience during the cooking process. Modern farmhouses, despite criticism, are appreciated for their clean, modern, and timeless aesthetic. A Texan resident defends this style, suggesting that much of the negativity stems from envy or misapplication of the style. Bare light bulb fixtures are defended, with an electrician recommending frosted bulbs to achieve a soft lighting effect while maintaining the fixture's aesthetic. This highlights how proper bulb choice can enhance controversial lighting styles. The absence of medicine cabinets in bathrooms is supported by a contributor who notes that medicine should not be stored in humid bathroom environments anyway. This practical advice addresses health and storage concerns. Wallpaper is lauded for its historical durability and ease of maintenance, especially for families with children, contrasting with paint which scuffs easily and is difficult to patch seamlessly. This advocates for the long-term practicality and aesthetic benefits of wallpaper. Farmhouse sinks are desired for their large size, which makes washing oversized pots much easier. This highlights a functional benefit for home cooks. Kitchen island cooktops are valued for enabling social interaction, allowing individuals to cook while engaging with family or guests. This emphasizes the social aspect of cooking and entertaining. Wood trim, often deemed outdated, is cherished by a 67-year-old from Ohio for its enduring beauty and the personal effort invested in its upkeep. This perspective emphasizes sentimental value, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of natural wood. Each of these perspectives offers a counter-narrative to prevailing design criticisms, underscoring that design preferences are deeply personal and often rooted in practical considerations. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ControversialTrends #PersonalPreferences #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingSpaces #DIYHome #ArchitecturalFeatures

The article explores a contentious debate among homeowners and design enthusiasts on Reddit: whether kitchen backsplash tile should match bathroom tile. While a degree of cohesion is generally expected in home design, the extent to which this 'matchy-matchy' mentality should apply to tile across different rooms is a point of division. Leading designers offer their professional insights to address this trend, largely advising against matching tiles in these distinct spaces. Designers Christina Salway and Amanda Lantz both express a preference for variety rather than uniformity. Salway notes that she rarely matches kitchen and bathroom tiles, citing the abundance of beautiful tile options available, which makes doing the same thing twice unnecessary. Lantz echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the endless variety of tiles allows for each room to have its own unique character. This perspective highlights a move away from rigid matching towards more individualized and expressive design choices within a home. Instead of direct matching, designers recommend focusing on creating a cohesive look through alternative means. Amanda Lantz suggests leaning into differing textures while maintaining a consistent color palette. This approach introduces visual interest and personality to each space without making them identical. Christina Salway advises considering how a person moves through a house, emphasizing the importance of weaving colors from one room into the next to ensure a harmonious flow. This concept promotes a broader, more integrated design strategy that transcends individual room boundaries. Annie Downing, another designer, supports this idea by suggesting that tiles throughout a house should feel like they belong to the same 'family,' even if their patterns, colors, or materials vary. This allows for a diverse yet unified aesthetic, preventing a home from feeling overly coordinated. The article concludes by reassuring homeowners that a fear of overwhelming a space with color is easily remedied, particularly in bathrooms. Christina Salway points out that white paint and a white shower curtain can easily tone down a bathroom, encouraging homeowners to embrace tile as an opportunity to inject personality and enliven the space, rather than defaulting to an all-white scheme out of panic. Ultimately, the consensus among designers is to prioritize individuality and subtle cohesion over strict matching when it comes to kitchen and bathroom tiles. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TileTrends #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #DesignTips #HomeRenovation #ColorPalette #TexturalVariation

An interior designer named Shannyn Weiler sparked a debate on TikTok by asserting that an excessive display of family photos, termed a “shrine,” indicates poor taste in interior decor. Weiler’s argument centers on the idea that homes should not solely feature personal photographs but should incorporate a variety of art and design elements. She provided an anecdote from her own life, recalling how she and her husband, as young newlyweds with limited funds, filled their first apartment with wedding photos, creating what she now refers to as a "shrine." She extended this idea to parents with a single baby or grandparents with one grandchild, suggesting that such focused displays of one subject can dominate a living space. Weiler advocates for a more balanced approach to home decoration. She recommends integrating diverse artwork, including prints from sources like Etsy, and mirrors to create a varied visual environment. Her suggestion is to avoid having photographs of family members on every wall, emphasizing the importance of mixing different types of decor to prevent a "shrine-like" appearance. This perspective garnered significant attention and criticism from social media users. Many commenters expressed strong disagreement, emphasizing that their homes are primarily for their own comfort and enjoyment, not for impressing visitors. A popular sentiment was that displaying pictures of loved ones brings joy and personal connection to a home, making it feel lived-in and cherished. Some users highlighted that they prioritize photos of their children and family experiences over generic art or flowers. Commenters also pointed out that the idea of designing a home to avoid appearing "tacky" to others misses the fundamental purpose of a personal living space. They argued that individual preferences should dictate home decor, irrespective of external opinions on taste. Some shared personal experiences, like one individual who disliked growing up in a home that prioritized aesthetic over personal touches, feeling that their mother valued material things more than family memories. Conversely, a minority of respondents agreed with Weiler’s professional opinion. These individuals shared the view that too many personal photos can appear narcissistic or visually unappealing. They noted instances where homes filled exclusively with wedding photos, for example, suggested a lack of broader interests or a somewhat dated aesthetic. One commenter mentioned a friend’s home with an abundance of wedding pictures, which they found tacky, and ironically, those friends later divorced, reinforcing the idea that such displays might not reflect a well-rounded interior. Despite the backlash, Weiler's viewpoint is not unique within interior design circles. Sarah Han from Apartment Therapy echoes a similar sentiment, suggesting that an abundance of self-portraits in a home can be perceived as vain. Weiler posted a follow-up video acknowledging the varied reactions and explaining that while some design advice may initially seem unappealing, trying new ideas can sometimes lead to unexpected satisfaction. Her follow-up stressed that individuals may find some design principles resonate with them after experimenting, even if their initial reaction is resistance. #InteriorDesign #FamilyPhotos #HomeDecor #TikTokTrends #DesignPhilosophy #PersonalExpression #AestheticDebate

The article explores the emerging trend of "broken-concept" layouts in home design, moving away from both traditional closed-concept and fully open-concept floor plans. This innovative approach aims to offer a balance between openness and defined spaces, addressing common challenges associated with the extremes of previous design trends. A broken-concept layout utilizes subtle architectural and design elements to delineate areas without resorting to solid walls or doors, thereby maintaining a sense of spaciousness while providing privacy and functionality. Several design professionals offer insights into implementing broken-concept layouts. Josh Linder of Evolve Residential highlights the use of a 'tunnel' feature, not only as a secondary entrance to a dining area but also as an opportunity for dramatic architectural interest and a display stage for client treasures. Linder emphasizes that this approach allows each space to have a distinctive point of view with unique color palettes and wallpapers, fostering creative design opportunities. Jeff Aird, a designer who reworked a Paris apartment, advocates for incorporating archways and partial walls. These elements provide acoustic separation and defined functionality while preserving a sense of spaciousness and connection. Aird stresses the importance of using soft architectural elements like archways, columns, or thoughtfully placed furnishings to define spaces without fully closing them off, creating intrigue by offering glimpses into adjacent areas while ensuring each zone feels contained and purposeful. David Piscuskas of 1100 Architect discusses the strategic use of glass as a quasi-wall. Glass panes separate rooms without impeding visual flow, allowing for distinct areas within an overall open feel. This method addresses clients' desires for both functionality and a sense of expansiveness, pushing beyond traditional 'either-or' propositions in interior environments. Interior designer Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau suggests adding steps or incorporating sunken living rooms to create natural changes in elevation. This design choice visually and physically separates spaces without the need for walls, fostering a cozy, tucked-in atmosphere that contrasts with adjacent open areas, reminiscent of a revived 1970s trend. Finally, Susannah Holmberg presents color-coding as a solution for smaller spaces where significant architectural changes are not feasible. By using wallpaper and paint on ceilings, designers can demarcate areas, such as an entryway, creating a distinct impression even in the absence of physical barriers. This method allows for a 'showstopper, first impression moment' that sets the tone for the rest of the home's design. The broken-concept layout, therefore, represents a versatile and nuanced approach to modern home design, offering adaptability and creative freedom. #HomeDesign #FloorPlans #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTrends #BrokenConcept #SpacePlanning #ResidentialDesign #DesignInnovation

The article explores an often-neglected space in home design that interior designers consistently prioritize: the hallway. While homeowners typically focus design efforts on main rooms such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, a poll of 15 interior designers revealed that 10 experts identified the hallway as a crucial area that should not be overlooked. The hallway, frequently perceived as merely a transitional space, possesses significant untapped potential for enhancing a home's aesthetic and cohesive feel. Designers emphasize that investing creative energy in hallways can transform them into integral parts of the home's overall design narrative. Kelsey Matyas of Kelsey Deirdre Designs describes the hallway as "connective tissue — not just between rooms, but between design ideas." Sarah Beth Wood of Rigby Wood Interior Design highlights that passageways, especially those connecting key spaces, should be carefully considered, particularly in new construction. She suggests incorporating architectural millwork, faceted lighting, and wall coverings to elevate a basic hallway into a special journey. Homeowners often default to neutral paint and bare walls in hallways, neglecting proper lighting and architectural opportunities. This oversight results in a lack of personality in what could be a visually engaging area. Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, states that small spaces like hallways can set the tone for the entire home, making it feel more inviting and personal. Yena Jung of By Yena Designs adds that these overlooked nooks and hallways can be transformed into memorable areas that draw attention. The article provides several practical suggestions from designers on how to elevate a hallway's design. Lighting is a key element, with recommendations for playful overhead fixtures like pendants or flush mounts, and decorative wall sconces to illuminate long corridors. Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors notes that repetition of light fixtures in longer hallways can create a strong statement. Architectural details, such as molding or wainscoting, are also highly recommended to add visual interest. Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects, suggests enhancing hallway openings with custom stained wood fretwork, arches, or pilasters instead of simple casing. Wall treatments offer another avenue for transformation, with designers advocating for bright paint colors, funky wallpaper (even on the ceiling), or textural paints like limewash or Venetian plaster, or a high-gloss finish. Ceiling design, often referred to as the "fifth wall," is presented as a significant opportunity to create impact in a small space. Hatton advises experimenting with bold ceiling treatments such as barrel or groin vaults, coffering, or eye-catching paint colors. The article also highlights the importance of mirrors and artwork, suggesting that large canvas prints or gallery walls can make a narrow corridor feel larger and add personal flair. Jung points out that a simple mirror in a corner or on a wall with a window can make a space feel more open and inviting. Runner rugs are recommended not only for protecting floors but also for introducing vintage styles or colorful patterns to transform the hallway's vibe. Interior designer Taniya Nayak suggests incorporating various prints through rugs, curtains, wall art, or even table books for a maximalist aesthetic. Finally, the article promotes the inclusion of tiny built-ins, even in small hallways, to serve functional purposes such as a homework area with a desk, a home bar, or a drop zone in an entry hall. Seth Ballad of DC Ballard & Mensua Architecture notes that even a simple niche bookshelf can add character to the space. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HallwayDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #LightingDesign #WallTreatments #CeilingDesign #HomeStyling #SpaceUtilization