10 Things People Really Don’t Want in Their Homes
Warning: This article might cause you to feel ashamed, embarrassed and like you’re committing home design sins. OK, maybe not. But what you are about to read is a list of common household design elements that many homeowners, according to a recent, lively Houzz discussion, absolutely refuse to have in their home.
The dirty, and hilarious, truth is that many homeowners — even the most extreme yet playful haters — make do with these things in their own homes, and are actually quite fond of them. Plus, what many people are probably reacting to are those basic, off-the-shelf options that fill old, dated homes and apartments (like mine). Actually, many advancements have been made in things like carpet and laminate. And the point is, it’s all fun and you should never take your house too seriously anyway. Just make the most of what you have — and never say never.
1. Carpet. Oh, come on. Why is everyone so down on carpet? It’s soft, it comes in lots of styles and colors, and it’s fairly affordable. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable. My kids have customized our carpet with markers, juice and dirty shoes.
OK, I admit that I don’t quite understand putting carpet in the kitchen or a bathroom. And stock apartment carpet is more than ho-hum. But let designer Judith Taylor convince you that there’s more to carpet than what you think.
2. Laminate flooring. As with most things, the cheaper you go, the cheaper it’ll look. Laminate flooring has come a long way. You can have entirely manufactured floors that look like exotic woods or even tile or slate.
Laminate Floors: Get the Look of Wood (and More) for Less
3. Taxidermy. This is a tough one. I’ve hunted before. I grew up in Texas. I have a friend who wants to train to be a taxidermist. But it’s just not for me — from a moral, ethical and environmental standpoint. What I’ve found is that many homeowners who agree with me still find themselves in households with taxidermy because their spouse or significant other is really into it. I think if we can find a way to accept everyone’s views and be respectful enough to have a serious, smart conversation about the subject, then we’ve made a little progress.
Take user mmers, for example. She sums the dilemma up nicely: “There are a few things I would have said ‘never’ to until I married my husband. Unfortunately we have some taxidermy things (his office. I rarely have to see them. He’s a hunter). We try to compromise. Sometimes it’s more successful than other times.”
4. Vertical blinds. I’ll admit, I was a little taken aback by this one. I like my vertical blinds, especially the ones in my bedroom, and especially after I hang a large blanket, a dark red fitted sheet and blackout curtains over them. That’s just me.
As longtime designer Becky Dietrich points out, however, vertical blinds have come a long way, work great for large windows and sliding glass doors, and are now available in materials like sheer fabrics.
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10 Things People Really Don’t Want in Their Homes
