Pallet furniture may not be the best decor choice.Photographee.eu/Shutterstock
Insider asked interior designers which decor trends rarely look as good in real life.
Even though they may appear clean in photos, all-white rooms call for a lot of upkeep.
Painted kitchen appliances and cabinets hardly hold up to common wear and tear.
All-white aesthetics never look as clean as they do on social media.
All-white rooms require a lot of upkeep.adpePhoto/Shutterstock
An all-white aesthetic may look polished in pictures, but Stacy Lewis, interior designer at Eternity Modern, told Insider that they don't show the whole story.
"When everything is brand new the paint, the couch covers, pillows, curtains, etc. the space truly looks, smells, and feels peaceful and heavenly," Lewis explained. "Give it a few weeks, and the vibe changes a lot."
The designer added that this style choice takes a lot of work to keep clean, especially if you have pets or kids.
Contact-paper countertops reveal imperfections.
Contact paper is commonly used on kitchen backsplashes and countertops.MaxkyTH/Shutterstock
Adding contact paper to countertops is a DIY trend, but interior designer Hilda Carroll said it's a choice worth reconsidering.
"In reality, it will take a great deal of time and precision to apply the contact paper perfectly," she explained. "The most likely result is a finish that has bubbles and maybe even creases."
Though she added that these flaws are less noticeable with the marble design than with the butcher-block pattern.
Pallet furniture may not be very comfortable.
Pallet furniture can also sometimes have splinters.bodiaphvideo/Shutterstock
Pallet furniture minimalist pieces mainly made of wood may look creative and relaxing, but Andra DelMonico, lead interior designer at Trendey, said to approach the trend with caution.
"On social media and in pictures, pallet-wood furniture looks creative and comfortable with its large seating areas and plush pillows thrown on top," DelMonico said. "However, in real life, these sofas and chairs aren't that comfortable."
These pieces don't include springs like traditional furniture and lack support since many people buy pillows instead of seat cushions with a firm interior.
Don't skimp and paint your kitchen appliances.
Story continues
If you can afford it, you're better off buying a colored appliance.Olena Gaidarzhy/Shutterstock
Instead of painting refrigerators and turning them into creative canvases, DelMonico recommended splurging on a colored appliance.
"If you want a colored, large kitchen appliance, just commit and buy one. Don't try to paint your current appliances," she told Insider.
You'd need to prepare and prime the surface before adding any paint, and even then, a brush or sponge can leave a streaky finish. Plus the coat likely won't hold up against scrubbing and cleaning in the long term.
Dark spaces can have noticeable flaws.
Dark bathrooms are a popular design choice.HamsterMan/Shutterstock
Dark, moody bathrooms are trendy, but photos don't always reveal how difficult the upkeep can be, according to Hillary Stamm at HMS Interiors.
If you are going to opt for the trend, be mindful about where you include it.
"In children's bathrooms or any spaces that get heavy traffic, this can be a poor choice, as any nick or dent will show quickly," she explained. "A month after installation, we have a dented and banged-up, albeit new bathroom."
Accent walls are not always a good fit.
Accent walls can make a room feel unfinished.KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/Shutterstock
Julie Brayton, lead designer of Brayton Interiors, told Insider that no matter how trendy and fun an accent wall might seem, it may not be a good fit from a design perspective.
"While these can photograph nicely, oftentimes it really throws off the balance in a room when you're actually in it and can make the room feel unfinished and unconsidered," Brayton said.
You can still make a statement with other forms of art or unique decor.
Shabby-chic sofas require a lot of maintenance.
The cushions often slide off of shabby-chic furniture.Enrika Samulionyte/Shutterstock
Pieces that look lived-in, shabby-chic sofas can be challenging to take care of, according to Morgan Blinn, interior designer at Rumor Designs.
"Shabby chic sofas are all over TikTok right now. The worn-in look is great in photos, as they are staged for the moment, but in real life, this style sofa takes a lot of upkeep for something that is marketed to be 'effortlessly' chic," Blinn explained.
The cushions on these pieces often slip, so you'll likely need to consistently readjust them. Though some higher-end products include straps to keep them in place.
Mismatched dining chairs tend to look more confusing than chic.
This trend may make your dining room look messy.KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images
It might seem like mismatched dining chairs add variety and personality to a room, but interior designer Leah Atkins of Leah Atkins Design said this choice can look unintentional.
"Mismatched dining chairs are a cool idea in theory and can look fun and eclectic in pictures, but they tend to look messy in real life," Atkins said. "It just looks like you are living in a shared college living space where everyone brought their own chair."
Instead, opt for a matching set that fits the aesthetic of your space.
Painted kitchen cabinets usually look "too good to be true" in pictures.
The paint may not look great over time.David Papazian/Shutterstock
Many folks paint their kitchen cabinets when they need an upgrade, but Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla, advised thinking twice about this DIY project.
He said usually the trend looks "too good to be true."
"Oftentimes photos of people's DIY projects are taken right after they finish their project," Shaffer explained. "In the case of painted cabinets, they'll quickly start to peel, the dry paint will show bumps and drip lines, and will eventually lose their shine as grime and dirt start to collect on the improperly finished surface."
Reupholstering furniture might not be worth the hassle.
It may be worth hiring someone to reupholster it for you.LOOK Photography/Getty Images
Shaffer told Insider that reupholstering furniture rarely ends up being as easy and seamless as it looks on social media.
"Shoving cushion filling into a vintage seating piece will turn into a mess, and I can guarantee you that about five minutes into the project, you'll get frustrated and end up discarding the entire piece and fabric," Shaffer said.
Even though he said reupholstered pieces "definitely look fabulous," he instead recommended buying a new sofa or chair, or hiring a professional to do the job, if your budget allows.
Read the original article on Insider
Read the original post:
Interior designers share 10 popular trends that never look as good in real life - Yahoo! Voices
- This Midcentury-Modern Reno in San Diego Is a Time Capsule of Retro Features - Architectural Digest - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- What Makes a 'Sustainable' Material When It Comes to Interior Design? - TriplePundit - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Kai Williamson Is The Interior Designer You Need To Know - Forbes - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent's kitchen redesign is sophisticated and sleek these are the key tweaks they made to ... - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- "I Straight-Up Tell Our Clients Not To Do It: People Are Revealing Which Current Interior Design Trends Will "Age ... - BuzzFeed - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Seann William Scott and Olivia Korenberg's Relationship Timeline - AOL - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- This Must-See Exhibit Explores Narratives Around Black Liberation - Interior Design - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Business of Home - Business of Home - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Shea McGee just revealed her brand new remodel | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- 3 Kitchen Island Trends That Interior Designers Love (and 2 to Skip) - Yahoo Life - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The Chic Home: Interior designer's tropical penthouse in Bukit Timah - The Straits Times - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Shop the best deals from Wayfair's 72-hour flash sale, according to an interior designer save up to 70% - AOL - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Alicia Keys' living room teaches how to decorate with art | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- Industrial Design in 2024: From Industrial Revolution to Timeless Evolution - Bored Panda - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- The restoration of a derelict 1500s English cottage turned into a family home | - Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2024 [February 16th, 2024]
- What the MatchesFashion men did next - Financial Times - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- What are the worst colors to paint a room? The shades experts say you should never use - Homes & Gardens - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- MapMyHouse app launched to connect interior designers, landscape artists and architects together - India TV News - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Designer of the Day: Jane Yang-DHaene - Surface Magazine - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Want to know more about the ins and outs of LEDs? This designer's new book lights the way - Home Accents Today - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Eight architecture and design vacancies based in Europe - Dezeen - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Architects are reviving the post-covid office space with hybrid workers in mind - Quartz - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- This 29-year-old's dorm room makeover went viral on TikTok. Now she's a full-time interior designer - CNBC - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Survey reveals two thirds of people shun design trends - BTR News - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Im an interior design fanatic Costco has the best bed sheets and products to help when my spray-on tan s... - The US Sun - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- School of Architecture Announces Fall 2022 Visiting Critics - Syracuse University News - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Liberace's Townhouse in Famed West Hollywood Complex Bought by TV Exec DIRT - DIRT - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer only one of the Kardashians has a good taste in decor & it might surprise you... - The US Sun - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Spruce up your sanctuary - The New Indian Express - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- 'The Janes' Posters Vandalized Ahead Of Bucktown Doc Screening On Women Who Helped Thousands Get Abortions - Block Club Chicago - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- Ginny Marquardt - The Suffolk Times - Suffolk Times - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- The worst home on the block became one of the best natural colors were the key - Homes & Gardens - September 13th, 2022 [September 13th, 2022]
- How to bring the outdoors in, according to Atlanta's top interior designers - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer there are seven mistakes that make homes look rubbish & Im sick of seeing them... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer and you should NEVER have carpet in small rooms in your home what to do ins... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Road to Perfection: Interior Designer Eilish Rickard tries out the new DS 4 - image.ie - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer & there are four styles that will NEVER go out of fashion perfect if you hate re... - The US Sun - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Will Reportedly Exchange Vows This Weekend In Georgia - Scary Mommy - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- A place to find peace; walk the new labyrinth - Alpena News - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Interior Designer & Artist Vernica Ortuo Has Found a Way to Turn Her Side Hustle into a Creative Business - Remezcla - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Why this New Hampshire designer is turning her shop into a showroom - Business of Home - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- 5 kitchen renovation tips to end up with your dream cooking place - Courier Journal - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Jennifer Lopez Visits Hospital With Ben Affleck and His Mom Ahead of Wedding Weekend - E! NEWS - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- How a focus on wellness helped this Montana designer build her business - Business of Home - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- A career as an interior designer - The Hans India - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- How To Build A Sex Room: 9 Thoughts I Had While Watching The Netflix Design Show - CinemaBlend - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer the 10 expensive things that make your home look cheap... - The US Sun - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- MADE: Card designer treasures her work - Greater Wilmington Business Journal - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Interior design firm Quirk Studio: Eclectic with a touch of the eccentric - indulgexpress - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Im an interior designer these are the best changes you can make to keep cool & why thin curtains are a m... - The US Sun - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 26 Years Ago Today, TWA Flight 800 Exploded Over the Atlantic, Killing 230 - Frequent Business Traveler - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Just Listed Their Ultra-Private Beverly Hills Mansion for $19.6 Million - Robb Report - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Big Brother house experiences a surprise exit - The Boca Raton Tribune - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 5 colors to avoid in a kids' room the shades to steer clear of, according to color psychology - LivingEtc - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 'Big Brother 24' Spoilers: Who Are the Week 2 Nominations? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- What are the 6 types of kitchen layouts? The most popular designs to maximize space - Homes & Gardens - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- 2022 Best of the East Bay: Home & Garden - Diablo Magazine - July 18th, 2022 [July 18th, 2022]
- Everything to know about Japandi and how to infuse it into your home - CNN - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Ferguson & Shamamian and Bunny Williams Interior Design Collaborated on This Cloud-like City Loft - HouseBeautiful.com - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- This Is the Most Pinned Interior Design Style on Pinterest - BobVila.com - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- 'Your home should be a place that inspires': Lessons from the interior designer who has mastered the art of happy - Toronto Star - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Black Makers Reflect on the Cultural Roots of Their Crafts - Interior Design - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- What are the home decor trends for 2021 - Atlanta Journal Constitution - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- 3 Ways to Style Your (Very Gay) Coffee Table - Out Magazine - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- Interior design expert reveals seven things that are losing YOU money on your home including fake grass and - The Sun - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- These Families Are Stuck at Home During Covid, but Have Plenty of Places to Go - The Wall Street Journal - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- This old-fashioned pattern is set to be one of the biggest interior trends this year - interior designers can't get enough of it - LivingEtc - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- How to Create a Chic and Functional Home Office, According to Interior Designers - Glamour - February 20th, 2021 [February 20th, 2021]
- How the Boeing 747 Changed the Way Airplanes Are Designed - Architectural Digest - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Matthew Williamson on his new curated interior design platform - Evening Standard - February 14th, 2021 [February 14th, 2021]
- Interior designers share 5 bedroom trends that'll be huge this year, and 5 on their way out - Insider - Insider - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- The Mostand LeastSoothing Paint Colors, According to Interior Design Pros - Mansion Global - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior Design Tips to Help Brighten Up Your Space and Mood - Architectural Digest - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior designers reveal why brown is the color you need to bring into your home this year - LivingEtc - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- 13 of the Best Schools for an Interior Design Education - HouseBeautiful.com - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Designer of the Day: Louise Liljencrantz - Surface Magazine - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- The Herd: New hires, promotions & departures for 2.9.21 - RichmondBizSense - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Interior Design Society Opens Submissions for 2021 Designer of the Year Awards - Furniture Lighting & Decor - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- NYC Architect West Chin Says the Home Has Become the Nucleus of the Family - Mansion Global - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]
- Inside the life of the most golden employee in finance - eFinancialCareers - February 9th, 2021 [February 9th, 2021]