Every designer has them. Those little interior design moves that make our eye twitch, our shoulders rise, or our inner editor want to step in and gently say, “Um…no.” Today I’m sharing a few of my biggest design pet peeves, not to shame, but to elevate the conversation around handsome, thoughtful, intentional design.
Shower niches with accent tile.
Why are we framing the shampoo bottles? A shower niche should quietly serve its purpose, not demand attention. When the niche becomes the focal point, the entire shower loses its sense of calm and cohesion. Design should support function, not spotlight it unnecessarily. Keep niche tile consistent with the field tile. Or, ditch the niche and do a long subtle ledge.
Muddy color palettes.
Olive is beautiful. Marigold is delicious. Chocolate brown is marvelous. But when every strong color shows up to the party with no pauses, no contrast, and no place for the eye to rest, the result is visual sludge. This trend showed up heavily at the last High Point Market, and while I appreciate experimentation, I’ll happily pass on the mud fest.
Swags and jabots.
They choke a window. Unless you are living at Versailles, these treatments belong safely archived. Windows should breathe, not be strangled by fabric theatrics. Clean lines at the window frame the glass and magnify the view.
Decorative sconces or art flanking a flat screen.
Why? The only possible exception might be a true home theater with stadium seating and an unusually long wall. Even then, tread carefully and stay away from the screen. The screen is not art. Let it be what it is and stop framing it like a masterpiece.
Artwork misses.
Art hung too high, or, in the wrong spot, or too small in size, or in the wrong context is like nails on a chalkboard. Artwork is a design power tool and deserves intention, scale, and respect for the story it tells within a space.
Poorly edited rooms.
Even the most intensely layered, bohemian space needs a clear through line. Without thoughtful editing, it becomes noise. And suddenly you’re loosening your collar and hoping someone opens a window.
Great design is always about clarity, intent, rhythm, and restraint…and knowing when to stop – and when to go.
Xo! Donna
You’ve got this my friend – I’m cheering you on.
💌 Find this post helpful? I’d love to hear from you! Or, drop me a DM on Instagram @decorating.genius
Need help pulling it all together?
If you’re a DIY Design Lover, check out my Decorating Genius System™ – a fun, no-stress way to design rooms you’ll love living in. 🎉
Use code BLOG20 for 20% off 🎉
And to my Design Professional Lovelies – if you’re ready to grow your most Profit Proud yet client-centric business with more clarity, confidence, and profit without the overwhelm, hop on the waitlist for my
Successful Design Biz Academy.
Doors reopen soon, and I’d be honored to support you on your journey.