12 home purchases you'll probably regret in a few years, according to interior designers

Sarah Bowen, interior designer and founder of Spruce Up, told Business Insider that going all in on industrial style may cause regrets down the road.

"Low couches are an undeniably bad interior choice many who opt for the industrial style fall for," she said. "Yes, the low couches look cool, but they're not typically comfy or practical."

Although it's "a romantic, feminine style" that brings comfort and uniqueness to many spaces, Bowen said, too many shabby-chic purchases can lead to regret.

"It's easy to go overboard with this style choice, adding more and more weathered, vintage pieces until your space is brimming with oldies-but-goodies," the designer said. "This is generally a decision people quickly regret, as they end up with limited workable space in their homes."

Eddie Rider, luxury designer at Eddie Rider Designs, said white appliances aren't worth splurging on.

"White appliances are definitely a trend and not nearly as timeless as stainless steel or matching/blending cabinet panels," he said. "Often the cabinets and the appliances do not match the white tones, and it throws the whole vibe off."

Instead, the designer suggested matching the trim in your kitchen to any white cabinets.

Paige Garland, interior designer and owner of Paige Garland Interiors, cautions against gray-toned wood flooring — especially since it's expensive to replace if you regret it in a few years.

"Gray-toned wood flooring is unnatural and clashes so hard," she told BI. "I think a big mistake people make is knowing they want cool tones and going all the way with that cool-toned everything — you still want pops of warmth here and there whether you know it or not."

Luxury interior designer Lesley Myrick said people often believe faux leather is a good alternative to genuine leather. But when it comes to couches, this isn't the case.

"It just isn't the right material for sofas and sectionals. It may look good for a year or two but will eventually begin to deteriorate by cracking, flaking off, or both," she said.

Instead, opt for a real leather sofa or a different material that's easier to maintain and clean.

According to Joe Human, interior designer of Designs By Human, you might want to steer clear of viscose rugs.

"Viscose rugs are super soft and have a lovely sheen but are very easily ruined when used in the wrong application," he said.

There might be a safe spot for the material in a low-traffic bedroom, but light-colored viscose rugs in a living room are a recipe for disaster.

"Any spill will turn them yellow," the designer added. "Instead, splurge for a real wool rug or, if you can, silk."

Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla Online Interior Design, said sliding barn doors are merely a trend.

"Requests for overhauling modern-farmhouse decor have become a daily thing," he told BI. "From the very beginning, I knew that the Joanna Gaines aesthetic was a fad. Let's face it: Interior-design TV shows are the fast fashion of interior design."

Before paying upwards of $1,000 each for rustic barn doors, the designer said to consider the fact that they likely won't do a great job blocking sound. They may not be functional for your home in the long run.

Entertainment centers with built-ins can help house all of your electronics, but Shaffer said there are much more flexible options.

"I'm very surprised entertainment centers are still on the market and could never imagine living with such a monstrosity," the designer told BI.

Not investing in large, built-in furniture makes future moves easier and allows you to rearrange your space for the latest technology, like TV projectors.

Elle Cole of Elle Cole Interiors recommended avoiding faux flooring even if it seems like a cost-friendly option.

"Material that looks like wood or cement tile (sticker tile) isn't going to finish out well. It's better to get real wood or tile and enjoy your floor for years to come instead of a season," she said. "Flooring is a great expense, so do it well the first time."

Michal Rubin, owner and principal designer at MR Interiors, said most clients end up regretting rounded windows, even if they add character to a space.

"They lack practicality mainly because of their unique shape," she said. "Finding window treatments is less than easy. Clients often spend tons of money on custom treatments just to cover the window for the privacy they need."

Many people opt for low-back dining chairs for a modern look, but Rubin recommended choosing something else.

"Low-back dining chairs are desirable because they look 'less bulky' and can appear more modern. But I can guarantee this choice is a regrettable one," the designer said. "They are usually uncomfortable, and if you're hosting, guests will prefer a seat back that can hold."

Kelly Hayes, owner and principal designer at Carriage House Studio, told BI that even though bouclé is a trendy fabric now, it'll likely go the way of early-2000s chevron print in a few years.

"While bouclé currently covers every available surface from sofas to dining chairs, the actual application in real-life situations with pets and kids and repeated use means this fabric will look a lot more like the Velveteen rabbit than the Coco Chanel skirt suit we aspire to own," she said.

This story was originally published in April 2023 and most recently updated on February 29, 2024.

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