Design Trials
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
They say hindsight is 20/20—but in the world of interior design, hindsight often looks like a velvet sofa that stains when you so much as glance at it, or a kitchen so minimal you can’t even find your own kettle. Design regret is a rite of passage, and the good news is, it’s one you don’t have to go through yourself—if you’re willing to learn from those who’ve gone before.
We’ve scoured real forums, home blogs, and design confession threads to find the most common (and most entertaining) home design mistakes that real people have lived to regret. So before you knock down walls, paint everything grey, or install that matte black tap, take a pause—and have a read.
One of the most repeated regrets across the board? Grey. One homeowner summed it up perfectly: “I painted everything grey and now I live in a sad cloud.” What once felt sleek and modern now feels cold and lifeless. The trouble with grey is that when it dominates a space without warmth or texture, it can quickly turn dreary. If you’re still tempted, the trick is to balance grey with natural woods, earthy tones, and soft textures. Grey can still work beautifully—but it needs company.
Then there’s the classic white sofa. “White couch + toddler = pain,” someone wrote, and you can practically hear the regret through the screen. Yes, they’re stunning, but in a household with children, pets, or even the odd snack, they rarely stay white for long. The smarter choice? Slipcovered sofas in off-white, beige, or grey that can be thrown in the wash, or opt for darker tones and textured fabrics that hide the evidence of real life.
Another surprising one is the glass dining table. At first glance, it’s stylish, light-reflecting, and modern. But according to one user: “We bought a glass dining table. Fingerprints. Forever.” They’re beautiful, but high-maintenance. If you’re someone who hates constantly wiping down surfaces, consider timber, marble, or even frosted glass instead.
Open shelving is another trend that seemed like a great idea… until reality hit. One person wrote: “We ripped out all the kitchen cabinets for open shelving. Now it’s just clutter on display.” What looks curated and charming on Instagram quickly becomes visual chaos in real life. If you love the aesthetic, go for a mix of open and closed storage—and rotate what’s on show, like a gallery, not a pantry.
Then there’s the all-too-common fireplace TV mount. “We put the TV above the fireplace. Now we all have neck problems.” It’s a decision many regret once they’ve spent a few hours craning upward to watch the news. Unless your fireplace is unusually low, try mounting the TV at eye level for seated viewing. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s ergonomic—and your neck will thank you.
Matte black taps also make the list. “Matte black taps. Gorgeous. Impossible to keep clean.” They attract water spots, fingerprints, and soap residue like magnets. If you’re not the sort who enjoys polishing taps daily, consider brushed brass, stainless steel, or textured finishes that are more forgiving.
On a more practical note, electrical regret is a big one. “We didn’t put enough plugs in the kitchen. Now we’re doing the toaster dance.” Renovation forums are full of people kicking themselves for not adding extra sockets. Always install more outlets than you think you’ll need—especially in the kitchen and bedroom. You’ll never wish you had fewer.
And finally, the romantic dream of open-plan living often turns to noise-filled chaos. “We went full open-plan. It’s beautiful. And loud. So loud.” Without walls, there’s no sound buffer. Noise from the kitchen, telly, and daily life blends into one echo chamber. Zoning with rugs, curtains, bookcases, or even sliding doors can help bring back a sense of calm and structure without undoing the open-plan flow.
Design regrets don’t make you foolish—they make you human. And every regret is just a sign that your home is growing and evolving, just like you. The key is not perfection, but intention. Ask yourself: is this choice beautiful, or just trendy? Is it practical for my actual life—or just photogenic for five minutes?
When in doubt, try it small, test it temporarily, and always leave room for change. Because even the best homes have a few design hiccups—and that’s what makes them feel lived in.
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