Open Shelving in the Kitchen

Georgia designer Lesley Myrick likes open shelving in theory but not in practice. “They look great in perfectly styled magazine shoots,” she says. However, in real life, open shelves are often “a hot mess of mismatched mugs and dust.” Instead, she prefers “the clean look (and sanity) of closed cabinetry.”

Dallas designer Courtney Batten agrees. “Open shelves look beautiful on Pinterest, but that’s the problem. Who wants to keep their hardworking kitchen photo-ready 24/7? Keep some closed cabinets for practical, everyday storage,” she suggests.

Accent Wall

It’s time to nix accent walls, particularly those featuring angular moulding or trim, says designer Dréa Peters. “These types of walls can feel forced and disrupt the flow of a room. They often draw too much attention to one area, making the space feel unbalanced,” she says.

Sharp lines can be jarring and overly structured and make a room appear less elegant. Instead, take a more integrated approach to color and texture throughout the room “for a harmonious, timeless aesthetic.” 

Matching Wood Furniture

Sticking to just one material and finish will make your space look one-dimensional instead of lived-in and dynamic. Instead, Austin-based designer Alicia Hassen prefers “layering different species, finishes, and materials to create a warm, organic, and layered aesthetic,” she says.

“Some wood types have extraordinary character, with knots and grain patterns like a pine table or a reclaimed oak console that are best showcased alongside cleaner or modern-treated pieces. Think a painted piece of furniture, steel, or rift-sawn oak with vertical graining.”

Barn Doors

Barn doors became popular due to their rustic charm and space-saving function, but they’re not without their flaws. When Myrick’s home came with a barn door in the primary bathroom, her dislike for the trend heightened. “It’s incredibly loud to open and close and doesn’t block light,” she says. 

However, for small spaces (such as a laundry nook), barn doors can act as a way to shield an area from view that otherwise could not fit a traditional door.

Freestanding Bathtub

This first one may be surprising: a freestanding bathtub. “They are sculptural and a great focal point in the bathroom, but very difficult to clean around,” says Austin-based architect Brian Carlson of McKinney York. “We typically design bath areas with an undermount bathtub in a tile or stone deck. The horizontal surface is easy to clean and a great place to sit and place candles, products, or anything else.”

Faux Materials

Gainesville, Florida, designer Lori Evans has never been a fan of the overly trendy or fake. “If it’s on the end cap on sale at a big-box store, I don’t want it,” she says. Another thing she avoids is gray wood flooring. “I value authenticity and want things to be what they look like,” she says.

Designers are quick to spot—and avoid—materials that mimic luxury but fall flat. Faux marble countertops may look nice from a distance but can easily scratch, while luxury vinyl plank instead of real hardwood flooring is durable yet toxic. Evans’s takeaway? Always invest in real materials.

Too-Bright Lighting

Clear and visible light bulbs and harsh lighting will make your home feel like it lacks warmth and ambiance, says Peters. Lighting that makes your space feel more inviting and comfortable is always the aim. “Softer, diffuse lighting with covered bulbs often works better to create a balanced and cohesive look,” she says. 

Switch any cool-white bulbs for soft-white LEDs, add table lamps, sconces, and pendants for a visually interesting room.

Awkwardly Placed Television

For Florida designer Victoria Meadows, placing a TV in an unusual spot, like behind a couch or in a corner, is uncomfortable to look at. “Designers don’t always like the black rectangle in their beautifully curated room, but why sacrifice functionality for a client?” A better approach? Embrace the TV as part of the design (and consider using an artwork-inspired background effect for guests) or hide it within a built-in shelving system.

Space-Filler Furniture

“Designers would never buy something for the sake of having something to fill a space,” says designer Kelly Neely. “We are thoughtful in our approach and would rather hold out for something specific rather than choosing something safe.”

On the same note, designers would never sacrifice function for aesthetic or change something just to stay on-trend. Pro tip: If you’re feeling impatient about an empty corner in your home, try rotating the setup using a temporary piece you already own until you find something that’s just right.