10 Things People Really Don’t Want in Their Homes

Warning: This article might cause you to feel ashamed, embarrassed and like you’re committing home design sins. OK, maybe not. But what you are about to read is a list of common household design elements that many homeowners, according to a recent, lively Houzz discussion, absolutely refuse to have in their home.

The dirty, and hilarious, truth is that many homeowners — even the most extreme yet playful haters — make do with these things in their own homes, and are actually quite fond of them. Plus, what many people are probably reacting to are those basic, off-the-shelf options that fill old, dated homes and apartments (like mine). Actually, many advancements have been made in things like carpet and laminate. And the point is, it’s all fun and you should never take your house too seriously anyway. Just make the most of what you have — and never say never.

1. Carpet. Oh, come on. Why is everyone so down on carpet? It’s soft, it comes in lots of styles and colors, and it’s fairly affordable. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable. My kids have customized our carpet with markers, juice and dirty shoes.

OK, I admit that I don’t quite understand putting carpet in the kitchen or a bathroom. And stock apartment carpet is more than ho-hum. But let designer Judith Taylor convince you that there’s more to carpet than what you think.

11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again


Cherry Laminate Flooring - $3 2. Laminate flooring. As with most things, the cheaper you go, the cheaper it’ll look. Laminate flooring has come a long way. You can have entirely manufactured floors that look like exotic woods or even tile or slate.

Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less

3. Taxidermy. This is a tough one. I’ve hunted before. I grew up in Texas. I have a friend who wants to train to be a taxidermist. But it’s just not for me — from a moral, ethical and environmental standpoint. What I’ve found is that many homeowners who agree with me still find themselves in households with taxidermy because their spouse or significant other is really into it. I think if we can find a way to accept everyone’s views and be respectful enough to have a serious, smart conversation about the subject, then we’ve made a little progress.

Take user mmers, for example. She sums the dilemma up nicely: “There are a few things I would have said ‘never’ to until I married my husband. Unfortunately we have some taxidermy things (his office. I rarely have to see them. He’s a hunter). We try to compromise. Sometimes it’s more successful than other times.”


4. Vertical blinds. I’ll admit, I was a little taken aback by this one. I like my vertical blinds, especially the ones in my bedroom, and especially after I hang a large blanket, a dark red fitted sheet and blackout curtains over them. That’s just me.

As longtime designer Becky Dietrich points out, however, vertical blinds have come a long way, work great for large windows and sliding glass doors, and are now available in materials like sheer fabrics.

How to Choose the Right Window Blinds

5. Fake flowers. Actually, pretty much fake anything. I definitely can get behind this one, though of course there has been a vase of fake flowers in my home at various points in my life, ones I let stay for far too long.

Architect Eric Reinholdt advocates for humble materials that “don’t draw attention to themselves or pretend to be something they’re not.” I think that’s a simple way to make a home more honest and inviting.

Design Workshop: The Beauty of Humble Materials


6. Wallpaper. Again, I think this is a case where many people have an image in their head from a time long, long ago. I can remember the floral-print wallpaper in my parents’ bathroom, yellowed and peeling. But today things are different.

“Just a few years ago, wallpaper was considered a fusty relic of another era,” says Houzz writer Fred Albert in his piece on considering wallpaper. “But in recent years, it’s come roaring back, riding a wave of popularity fueled by improved selection, an interest in textured surfaces and an increasingly sophisticated public exposed to interior design via TV and the Web.”

Considering Wallpaper? Here’s How to Get Started


7. Too many knickknacks collecting dust. If I had a nickel for every time I dusted, I wouldn’t have enough money to buy a stamp. I’m guessing from the comments in the above-mentioned Houzz discussion that many people are just like me, so much so that they’ve made it a mission to rid their homes of any tchotchkes that can accumulate dust.

But that’s not the right solution. Our homes should be filled with memories and things that make us happy, no matter how abundant or small. Keep your collections and display them with pride — learn how to fight dust instead.

What You Need to Know About Dust and How to Fight It

8. Fluorescent lighting. I can’t imagine any situation where fluorescent lighting makes a home feel, well, homier. In a home office or workshop? Fine. But a kitchen? Don’t think so.

5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting



9. Recliners. People seem to fall into two camps: those who like big reclining chairs and those who loathe them. Sorry, I love my recliner. Granted, it looks like a big lump of ugly, but when I see it, all I think of is the times I’ve spent curled up rocking my newborn daughter, reading a good book or watching an exciting sports game. There’s nothing like it. Maybe it’s a dad thing.

The Beautiful Thing About Dad’s Chair


10. Clowns. OK, I read Stephen King’s It, have seen Killer Clowns From Outer Space and wouldn’t want my house filled with anything reminiscent of a clown. But let’s cut some people some slack here. After all, I’d be more than happy to have this Australian family of clowns in my home!

My Houzz: An Australian Circus Family’s Home Juggles Extra Room

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