10 Home Features That Irk Interior Designers

If you’re planning a remodel, addition or new build, it may get overwhelming trying to plan the layout and features of your home. That’s why having a full team in place with a builder, architect and designer is imperative from the start. 

You, as the homeowner, are in the driver’s seat, with a team of professionals there to bring your vision to life. You make the calls – and whether you’ve got a complete plan in your mind down to the last detail or you are looking to the design-build team for advice and ideas, it’s good to know what will work and what won’t from a professional perspective. 

Every experienced interior designer has a growing list of design pet peeves. Maybe it’s an antiquated style, or an inconvenient room layout, or even pieces that just don’t tie together a theme. Regardless, it helps to have some guidelines as you’re planning your design with your team. 

Here, Laura Gills shares her top 10 pet peeves when it comes to interior design, particularly because they inhibit a cohesive, stylish space. 

Textured ceilings

I’m originally from the East Coast. One of the most startling construction trends I encountered when moving to Ohio was the standard of textured ceilings for homes other than high-end homes. Ceiling texture is a conversation I have early in the new construction process. In today’s design expectations, smooth ceilings are a statement of quality. If it is a tall cathedral ceiling, it may not be very important, but for any standard height room – especially those with features like a tray and crown molding – ceilings tend to bring a higher aesthetic when they have a smooth finish.

Poorly planned architectural layouts

This is where having an interior designer working closely with the architect is paramount. Often, architectural plans can veer on the side of templated, meaning they assume design characteristics without taking into account your personal living habits. For example, assuming the TV will go over the fireplace, or built-in shelving without intentional functioning simply to take up wall space. 

Things as simple as doorway placement can ruin the daily function of a space if it blocks furniture or the view of a TV set when the door is open. Finding that out at the end of the process can be extremely frustrating. 

Inconvenient HVAC construction and location

If there is one thing that can mess up walls, furniture placement, and window treatments, it is a home’s HVAC system. Thermostats in the middle of a wall where art should go, return vents in conspicuous places, and massive vents can be eyesores in an otherwise beautifully designed room. Even minor details like vents on the sides of windows that will blow drapery panels can change the room’s vibe.

Good HVAC is very important but requires conversation. A professional interior designer can coordinate these plans with the architect and builder to ensure everything flows smoothly. 

Poor electrical planning 

Planning where to place electrical outlets and switches may seem like an afterthought, but can really impact a room’s appeal and function. No one likes a power panel that’s half on and half off of backsplash tile, for example, which is easy to miss, especially before drywalling. Same with a plug far away from a prep station in the kitchen where it’d be ideal to place appliances. Making sure to have the locations drawn into the final design plan helps to avoid these mistakes.

Likewise, insufficient lighting is very common with new construction if an interior designer hasn’t had the opportunity to perform a proper design process prior to final construction drawings. Knowing where you need to place lights will affect electrical budget and possibly the framing.

Ignoring the architectural style of the home

Your home's architecture may not be your favorite, but you can’t simply ignore it. Unless you are doing a complete home build, it’s important to consider the existing structure’s architecture and incorporate your take on it. For example, if you’ve got a Victorian home, it may not mesh well with an ultra-modern interior design. 

Consider your house’s architectural style and then infuse your own personality for a design that complements the entire home. Interior designers are well versed in understanding what types of furniture, accessories, décor and more works with existing styles and can provide excellent recommendations for a cohesive look. 

Duvets in bedrooms

I may be going out on a limb, but unless you are going for the big white fluffy hotel look or you’re up in the northern regions with big layering, I think duvets look messy. Unfortunately, the bedding industry is dominated by them. Duvets differ from comforters in that they are double-layered and have a cover, while comforters are more streamlined quilted blankets.

The argument here is that duvets may provide more warmth without adding additional blankets to a bed. However, if you don’t need heavy warmth and do well with a comforter, foregoing a duvet provides a more visually clean and appealing look.     

Area rugs that are too small. 

This is one of the most common pet peeves among designers. The purposes of an area rug include reducing noise, protecting floors, and tying together a room’s theme and design. A rug that’s too small for the space can’t effectively accomplish any of that. 

Area rugs don’t necessarily need to be the final piece planned for a room, but you should have a good idea of what furniture and accessories will be in place (and where) in order to plan the design, location and size of an area rug. The rug pulls your furniture arrangement together.  Most of your furniture arrangement should be sitting at least partially on it.

Misplaced or missized drapery panels

Drapery panels mounted to the top of the trim or panels that are too short will make widow spaces look sloppy. These are common problems when using ready-made drapery. 

Ideally, drapery rods should be mounted at least a few inches above a window, if possible. Mounting drapery panels higher will “lift” the room making it feel more upscale.

Drapes that are too short just don’t look right. Custom drapes can be sized to fit a particular window perfectly to give a room a polished aesthetic and serve both visual and functional purposes. If custom drapes aren’t in the budget, try to purchase longer panels and then hem them to the appropriate size.  

Too many flooring types in view

This is a typical problem when remodeling. Different rooms have been done at different times, and now you’re facing a hodgepodge of flooring types – from tile to wood to laminate. When it starts to look like a patchwork, it may be time to bite the bullet and redo the floors in a way that flows nicely and provides continuity. 

Unfinished rooms

The finishing touches make the space. Sourcing artwork can be a difficult concept for many people, and yet, it can take a room to an entirely new level. Artwork is deeply personal, and is one of the most difficult tasks I, as an interior designer, have with my clients. Having great communication between the homeowner and myself helps to narrow down the variety of artworks and styles that may work. Once we agree on the pieces, it creates a space that looks complete, personal, and cohesive. 

The finishing touches are also a significant piece of the budget. They add up and need to have value to them before the interior design project commences, or you risk the room never being finished. That’s another reason that it’s important to involve an interior designer at the beginning of the process – budgeting for all elements of your home will help you understand the full scope of the project and what to expect, rather than last minute surprises. 

As you plan your space’s upgrade or build, keep in mind some of these common professional design guardrails from the start to ensure a beautiful, fully finished home.