Designers shared their regrets from this year's purchases, warning of these 2025 shopping blunders to avoid
Even the most experienced designers can make regrettable purchases when it comes to home decor. Often, these mistakes are due to impracticality, fleeting trends, or an overemphasis on aesthetics over function. Here are some common pitfalls, designer regrets, and their recommended alternatives.
### Poorly Chosen Upholstery
Designers have expressed regret over light-coloured, delicate ottomans that show every mark, crumb, or pet paw almost immediately. While these pieces may be beautiful, they quickly become impractical for everyday living. One example is the purchase of a pale, linen slipcovered ottoman that was not livable due to showing every footprint, crumb, and dog's wet paw within the first week [1].
**Alternatives:** Opt for darker performance fabrics or leather, which are more durable and forgiving. Vintage pieces with existing patina also age gracefully and hide wear [1][3].
### Trend-Driven Kitchen Features
Distressed cabinets, white farmhouse sinks, faux finishes, and appliance garages are examples of trend-driven kitchen features that designers regret. Distressed or glazed cabinet finishes are now seen as dated and can make a kitchen feel stuck in a past trend rather than timeless [2]. White farmhouse sinks are losing ground to more unique materials like fireclay, stainless steel, copper, or even stone and wood, which offer both durability and modern appeal [2]. Overly complicated faux finishes are falling out of favour in favour of simplicity—bold or neutral paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper for accent walls are preferred [2]. Appliance garages can take up valuable space; larger pantry drawers are now favoured for stowing small appliances efficiently [2].
**Alternatives:** Choose natural wood or classic painted finishes for cabinets, and consider sinks in unusual, durable materials. Prioritize smart storage solutions that maximize space [2].
### Quick Trends and Impractical Purchases
Cheap vacuum cleaners, insubstantial sofa upholstery, custom-made rugs, and sterile garden furniture are examples of quick trends and impractical purchases that designers regret. Budget appliances may seem like a deal but often break down quickly, leading to regret over the lack of durability and performance [1]. Thin, low-quality upholstery doesn't stand up to daily use and can sag or tear prematurely [1]. Custom rugs can be expensive and visually striking, but they sometimes limit flexibility in redecorating and may not suit changing tastes over time [1]. Furniture that looks good but isn't comfortable or durable for outdoor use can leave you longing for more practical, weather-resistant alternatives [1].
**Alternatives:** Invest in quality appliances and sturdy, comfortable furniture. For rugs, consider versatile, classic designs that can adapt to different rooms and styles. For outdoor spaces, prioritize comfort and durability over pure aesthetics [1].
## Key Lessons from Designers
- **Function Over Fashion:** Beautiful pieces that can't withstand daily life quickly become sources of regret. Prioritize durability, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children [1][3]. - **Avoid Overly Trendy Choices:** Styles like distressed cabinets or faux finishes can quickly feel outdated. Opt for timeless materials and simple, classic designs [2]. - **Invest in Quality:** Buying cheap often means buying twice. Spend more on key pieces that will last, and look for performance fabrics, quality construction, and reputable brands [1][3]. - **Embrace Flexibility:** Custom or highly specific items can limit your ability to refresh your decor. Choose pieces that are easy to update or move as your needs and tastes evolve [1].
By learning from these common regrets, you can make home decor choices that are both beautiful and practical, ensuring your space remains comfortable, stylish, and regret-free for years to come.
Some alternatives to consider include investing in higher quality teak from products manufactured in the United States, opting for darker performance fabrics or leather, and choosing ready-made rugs instead of custom ones. TOV Furniture offers a dark, moody green jacquard leopard motif ottoman that is durable and can disguise everyday wear, while Century Furniture offers architecturally inspired outdoor furniture that is manufactured in Hickory, North Carolina, and has been since 1947. The Ashley Tisdale x Rugs USA collab offers 100% wool rugs with nuanced shades and dimensions suitable for modern rooms.
- Instead of selecting light-colored, delicate furniture pieces that will quickly become impractical, opt for darker performance fabrics or leather, which are more durable and forgiving, like the dark, moody green jacquard leopard motif ottoman offered by TOV Furniture.
- Rather than adopting trend-driven kitchen features such as distressed cabinets or white farmhouse sinks, choose natural wood or classic painted finishes for cabinets and consider sinks in unusual, durable materials.
- Instead of making quick, impractical purchases, such as cheap vacuum cleaners, thin sofa upholstery, custom-made rugs, or sterile garden furniture, invest in quality appliances and furniture, focusing on durability, comfort, and reputation, like the architecturally inspired outdoor furniture manufactured by Century Furniture in Hickory, North Carolina.
