10 Surprising Items People Hate Having in Their Home

Written By: Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff
Friday, March 31, 2017

Warning: This article might cause you to feel ashamed, embarrassed and like youre 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, its 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? Its soft, it comes in lots of >

OK, I admit that I dont 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 theres more to carpet than what you think.

11 Reasons to Love Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Again

Photo by Paul Anater - Browse eclectic home design photos

2. Laminate flooring. As with most things, the cheaper you go, the cheaper itll look. Laminate flooring has come a long way. You can have enti>

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

3. Taxidermy. This is a tough one. Ive hunted before. I grew up in Texas. I have a friend who wants to train to be a taxidermist. But its just not for me mdash; from a moral, ethical and environmental standpoint. What Ive 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 everyones views and be respectful enough to have a serious, smart conversation about the subject, then weve made a little progress.

Take user mmers, for example. She sums the dilemma up nicely: "There are a few things I would have said lsquo;never to until I married my husband. Unfortunately we have some taxidermy things his office. I ra>

Photo by Mark Newman Design - Look for contemporary living room pictures

4. Vertical blinds. Ill 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. Thats 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 "dont draw attention to themselves or pretend to be something theyre not." I think thats a simple way to make a home more honest and inviting.

Design Workshop: The Beauty of Humble Materials

Photo by Todd Davis Architecture - More modern bedroom photos

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 >

Considering Wallpaper? Heres How to Get Started

Photo by Jill Wolff Interior Design - Search traditional living room design ideas

7. Too many knickknacks collecting dust. If I had a nickel for every time I dusted, I wouldnt have enough money to buy a stamp. Im guessing from the comments in the above-mentioned Houzz discussion that many people are just like me, so much so that theyve made it a mission to rid their homes of any tchotchkes that can accumulate dust.

But thats 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 mdash; learn how to fight dust instead.

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

8. Fluorescent lighting. I cant imagine any situation where fluorescent lighting makes a home feel, well, homier. In a home office or workshop? Fine. But a kitchen? Dont think so.

5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Mitchell Parker - See more Home Design Photos

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 Ive spent curled up rocking my newborn daughter, reading a good book or watching an exciting sports game. Theres nothing like it. Maybe its a dad thing.

The Beautiful Thing About Dads Chair

Photo by Jeni Lee - Look for eclectic living room pictures

10. Clowns. OK, I read Stephen Kings It, have seen Killer Clowns From Outer Space and wouldnt want my house filled with anything reminiscent of a clown. But lets cut some people some slack here. After all, Id be more than happy to have this Australian family of clowns in my home

My Houzz: An Australian Circus Familys Home Juggles Extra Room

Also See:

• Find Carpet and Flooring Professionals in Your Area
• Like Laminate? Know Your Flooring Options
• How to Display Your Cherished Collection

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