It’s easy to get used to design flaws in your home after living there for a few years. But have it at the back of your mind that guests will quickly notice them. From poor lighting to awkward layouts and a lack of color harmony, check out these design flaws on our list that can be eyesores for guests.
Bathroom Next to Kitchen
Having a bathroom next to a kitchen is more common in older houses. These homes had this unappealing layout because of the plumbing limitations of the time, which limited where bathrooms could be because of the location of the main drain line. It’s not necessary in modern homes and is one of the first things visitors notice.
Overly Simple Floor Plans
Complex home designs cost more, require custom-fitting windows and doors, and need more cleaning than simpler spaces. Overly simple ranch homes built in the mid-20th century can have boring, uninspiring square and rectangular layouts that lack character.
Awkward Living Room Layout
Not every home has an easy-to-furnish layout. Home & Texture notes that some “houses and apartments have different shapes and layouts that can be quite awkward to navigate.” This layout is noticeable to guests but can be worked around with clever solutions.
Poor Lighting
Homes nationwide fail to take advantage of natural light, leading to higher energy costs. However, having too many windows also has downsides, including less privacy, more glass to clean, and the need to cover them during hot summer days.
Too Little or Too Much Storage
Too much and too little storage leads to extra clutter in homes. Too much storage leads to features like walk-in closets that incentivize buying things you don’t need, while not having enough can make living spaces cluttered. House Beautiful argues that walk-in closets are unnecessary and that “the extra space makes you hold onto things you probably shouldn’t.”
Too Little Circulation
Americans nationwide don’t get enough fresh air. They wake up in air-conditioned or heated rooms, commute in buses, cars, and on subways with sealed windows, and then work in offices with no open windows. Older homes often have windows that have been painted shut, and newer home windows may be nailed down to prevent home invasions.
Disorganized Kitchen
A disorganized kitchen will increase the amount of work and time needed to cook meals. Visitors will notice cluttered countertops with too many appliances, so keeping your kitchen simple and organized is best.
Poor Materials
Cutting corners in a home is difficult to hide. Cracks, hairline fissures, and gaps in the walls become obvious over time and lead to higher upkeep costs. To avoid these problems and higher costs in the long run, it’s best to choose a well-built home.
Outdated Décor
Décor trends can massively change over time, so if your home’s bathroom, kitchen, or living room hasn’t been redecorated in decades, visitors will notice it. This can be good if your living room is furnished with vintage pieces, but outdated bathrooms and kitchens will show their age.
Multi-Purpose Bedroom
Smaller flats may necessitate a multi-purpose bedroom that functions as an office, sleeping space, and home gym. However, the Sydney Morning Herald argues that “this versatility comes at a cost” and can make it difficult to “create a peaceful environment that promotes restful sleep.”
Lack of Color Harmony
Homes can look like a hodgepodge of different spaces if their rooms have different or mismatched color schemes. Color cohesion throughout your home is important, but there’s no point in choosing a color that doesn’t fit a room just because it’s used throughout the house.
Unused Gym Room
A home gym is great for creating a personal workout space, but it might be best to sell the equipment and change the room’s purpose if it’s rarely used. An unused gym room that’s collecting dust will stick out to visitors.
Excessive Non-functional Décor
Décor that doesn’t serve a purpose can look great, but prioritizing aesthetics over usability has drawbacks. Too many hard pillows on sofas or empty vases can make your home seem uninviting to guests.
Poorly Maintained Exterior
The condition of your home’s exterior and front garden will massively impact guests’ first impression. Curb appeal is important, so regularly maintain your driveway, garden, and pathways to impress guests.
Poor Brickwork
If you’re rebuilding a wall in your home or backyard, using a highly recommended bricklayer is essential. Homebuilding & Renovating advises checking if the bricks are evenly spaced and laid perfectly straight when assessing the bricklayer’s previous work.
Mismatching Art
Like color schemes and furniture, mismatched art can make your home look like the different rooms of an art gallery. Pick complementary pieces that fit with your home’s color scheme to get a harmonized look that impresses guests.
Incorrect Scaling
Mismatched sizes in rooms will stick out like a sore thumb. An oversized chair next to a small desk or a huge bedside table next to a single bed will throw off the look of a room, so make sure items avoid extremes.
Compromised Privacy
Privacy is important in home layout and the location of windows. A bathroom window that your neighbors can look into is off-putting, and bedrooms that lack a proper closing door can leave guests feeling a lack of privacy.