Nothing enhances the feel of a home quite like the hands of an interior designer. A professional knows how to make a space look unique, finished, and sophisticated. One The things that interior designers have in their homes that scream “professionally designed” are often Are you looking for something to accentuate your space? Check out these 14 items that interior designers would never put in their own homes.
Synthetic carpet
Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors says designers would never install synthetic carpeting in their homes: “We understand that carpeting is expensive, but when you compare the lifetime cost of maintaining a cheap man-made carpet and then replacing it with a high-quality wool carpet, you'll find that the costs are roughly the same. Wool carpeting is naturally fire-resistant, making it safe to use in nurseries and children's rooms.”
If wool carpeting isn't in your budget, wait for a sale or opt for an area rug instead.
Shower tiles that don't reach the ceiling
This can make the space look a little unfinished, says Isabella Patrick, principal designer at Isabella Patrick Interiors, Inc. “We see this all the time, and we're not sure if it's a budget issue or a design choice by the person designing the space. When designing showers and bathrooms, we don't always tile every surface of the drywall, but the shower wall area is tiled all the way up to the ceiling, and sometimes even all the way up to the ceiling.”
Bath towel bar
Liz Goldberg, founder and creative director of design studio Carolynleona, doesn't install bath towel bars in her clients' bathrooms, nor in her own home. She explains, “I've found that no one has time to neatly fold their towels on a bar—life is too busy. Instead, I use towel hooks to create an organized, clean space that's ready to toss and go.”
She adds that “a towel bar over the toilet is a big no-no,” instead recommending some artwork and towels on hooks so they're easily accessible when you step out of the shower.
Floating Shelf
According to interior designer Bradley Odom, floating shelves have no place in an interior designer's home: “All great design needs to be anchored in the space. The trend of random floating shelves in a room can feel very out of place with the rest of the room. Instead, opt for thoughtfully designed étagères or built-in bookshelves.”
Accent Wall
Whether painted or wallpapered, accent walls have been popular for years, but some designers aren't as big fans of the style. “I feel like accent walls have been making a bit of a comeback lately, especially in corners or architectural details. Even if done this way, it can take away from the cohesion of the space and take attention away from other thoughtful details rather than creating a cohesive room,” explains Odom.
Simple ceiling
Don't forget the fifth wall. Without a special ceiling treatment, a room can look really boring. Patrick says, “An interesting ceiling treatment, for example a very light shade, signals a thoughtful design process and makes the space feel more intentional. It also has the effect of opening up a room; even a dark ceiling color draws the eye upwards, creating a feeling of spaciousness as the eye moves.”
The limit is the sky (or the ceiling!), so if you're feeling experimental, think beyond paint: Patrick suggests wallpaper or gold leaf for a really glam look.
Builder grade sink
Designer Hollie Velten of the studio SPACES by Hollie Velten says she would never have anything like this in her bathroom. “I've always resisted the bland options sold by big box stores and plumbing showrooms. I always look for bespoke pieces with character for places I use every day and where I have personal time,” she explains.
She recommends adding a splash of bright color to your vanity or adding a pretty custom skirting around your existing unit.
Barn Door
Aside from Chip and Joanna Gaines, barn doors are not a favorite of most interior designers. “Barn doors are clunky and cumbersome and should be limited to their intended use. I'm not a fan of designs that don't match the original architecture of the space, so unless I'm living in a working barn, I'd opt for a traditional hinged door or an elegant pocket door,” says Odom.
Kitchen without a backsplash
Designers know how to make any space look perfect. A kitchen without a backsplash seems like it's missing something. Tiles add color, style and contrast to your kitchen. They also serve a practical purpose: cooking with oils and sauces can stain walls that aren't protected by a durable, easy-to-clean backsplash.
Huge kitchen island
“The huge overhanging countertop and Too “There's a lot of chairs,” Felten said, noting that such furniture can feel “invasive” in the space. He favors traditional work tables, cozy banquette nooks and custom pieces over large structures. “A space that's filled with love and conversation deserves something a little more heartfelt rather than overly elaborate,” he added.
Builder Grade Hardware
Nothing looks more uncreative than builder-grade hardware, like silver cabinet knobs and pulls. Luckily, this is an easy fix: Good hardware is relatively inexpensive to buy and requires only a screwdriver to install.
Adams especially dislikes builder-grade brass-plated door hardware: “It was so common in the '80s that it took a long time for brass to get back on trend. But a quality brass doorknob, whether lacquered or made from natural materials, just can't compare to the hardware sold at the hardware stores of old.”
Exposed wiring
Flat screen TVs have a clean look, but dangling wires ruin the look. The wires need to be installed behind the wall. Rental designers often purchase wire covers, which help hide unsightly wires without drilling holes in the wall.
Plastic wall hook
Patrick admits that he has a few of these items in his closets where most people never see them. do not have For display purposes. “Don't use them as kitchen dish towels or entryway tote bags!”
Plastic Shower Curtain
This may seem controversial since plastic shower curtains are so easy to clean and maintain, but Patrick shares his workaround for this. do “I use a plastic liner on the shower side of the shower curtain, and there are fancier options out there (like an opaque white one), but a plastic curtain by itself is never chic, regardless of the design.”
