In the world of interior design, trends come and go, but some styles evoke strong opinions—both positive and negative. A recent article published on April 19, 2025, dives into the home design trends that have sparked debate among homeowners, with many expressing their disdain for certain popular choices.
One of the most criticized trends is the doorless bathroom. "Why would anyone build a doorless bathroom, much less in a bedroom?" one anonymous commenter lamented. The concern here is both practical and personal; the lack of privacy can lead to uncomfortable situations, especially for those who prefer a bit of seclusion during their bathroom visits.
Another contentious design feature is the faux wood beam. While natural exposed beams can add character to a home, the use of faux wood beams has left some feeling deceived. An anonymous critic from Indiana remarked, "I recently saw a TikToker put up a faux wood beam made of foam, and I swear I nearly threw up." This highlights the divide between authentic rustic charm and artificial attempts at achieving it.
Built-in appliances also drew ire, with one homeowner calling them "definitely dumb" unless they can be easily removed for repairs. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration with designs that prioritize aesthetics over functionality.
Color choices have not escaped scrutiny either. The trend of painting everything in "agreeable gray" has left some feeling disillusioned. One homeowner shared their experience, stating, "When we repainted our living room, we read about how agreeable gray is perfect, so we got a tester pot and painted a wall that was out of direct sunlight. It looked like wet cardboard." This anecdote emphasizes the importance of testing colors in different lighting before committing.
Oversized homes on small lots have also raised eyebrows. One frustrated commenter pointed out the impracticality of having a 4,000-square-foot house on a tiny plot, where there is little outdoor space left. This concern resonates with many who value outdoor living and space for activities.
Doorless showers are another design element that has been put under the microscope. One anonymous critic noted that using these showers often results in a drenched bathroom, leading to a messy and inconvenient experience.
Excessive pillows on beds and couches have also made the list of pet peeves. "Pillows, pillows, and more pillows!" lamented one homeowner, who pointed out that while they may look pretty when arranged perfectly, they often end up jumbled or thrown on a chair, creating more clutter than comfort.
In addition to these trends, the article also discusses the issue of large master bedrooms and bathrooms that minimize the number of bedrooms in a home. One commenter expressed that not every bedroom needs to be a party space, suggesting a more balanced approach to room sizes.
Garages that dominate the visual aspect of homes were highlighted as another design flaw. "Please, for the love of aesthetics, stop creating this atrocity!" one commenter exclaimed, advocating for more thoughtful designs that enhance curb appeal.
Another common complaint involves the layout of homes where bathrooms lead into closets. This layout can create awkward situations, especially if someone is using the bathroom while another person needs to access the closet.
Two-tone kitchen cabinetry has also been criticized, with one anonymous voice suggesting that future homeowners will be unhappy with mismatched colors. The sentiment here is that a cohesive color scheme is often more appealing and easier to maintain.
Above-ground sinks, which are often seen in modern designs, have also come under fire. One critic labeled them "above-ground sinks," implying that they create unnecessary clutter and cleaning challenges.
Free-standing bathtubs were described as creating unreachable spaces that require frequent cleaning, prompting some to question their practicality in everyday use. Similarly, the lack of mudrooms or small entryways in favor of larger living spaces has left many feeling that functionality is being sacrificed for aesthetics.
Kitchen sinks located in center islands have also been criticized for their impracticality. One homeowner pointed out the challenge of managing dirty dishes in such a prominent location, where they are on display until washed.
Missing stair banisters were labeled a safety hazard by one concerned commenter, who emphasized the importance of safety features in home design.
Pot fillers, which have become a trendy addition to many kitchens, were questioned for the quality of water they provide. One critic noted, "It's not like it gets used every day and the water is fresh," raising concerns about the practicality of such features.
The trend of kitchen cabinets reaching the ceiling has also been criticized as a waste of money, with many feeling that they are impractical for everyday use.
Fake balconies, described as "just big, sliding glass doors to nowhere," have also drawn the ire of homeowners who feel they detract from the overall aesthetic of a home.
Lastly, DIY paneling and barn doors were labeled as tacky by one commenter, who expressed that such features do not belong in a modern home.
As the article illustrates, home design is a deeply personal journey, and what resonates with one person may not sit well with another. While some trends may dominate the market, it's clear that individual preferences play a significant role in shaping our living spaces.
