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House Beautiful asked interior design professionals which home features they would avoid in their own spaces, citing maintenance, cost, durability and everyday usability. The report covers 13 choices, but the supplied source details only eight; the remaining five are not identified here.
House Beautiful has published a report on 13 home features that interior designers say they would avoid in their own spaces, pointing to concerns such as difficult upkeep, installation costs and limited everyday function. The supplied material describes eight of the features in detail, so the other five cannot be identified from the source text provided.
The examples named in the source are zellige tile, cement tile, waterfall islands, smart-home packages, white linen furniture, built-in coffee makers, disposable furniture and freestanding tubs. The designers’ objections vary: some features require repeated cleaning or sealing, while others may sacrifice storage, seating or durability for a particular look.
Jamie Chappell of Fireclay Tile says handmade zellige varies in size and thickness, which can make installation slow and difficult. She also warns that its surface can chip, craze or stain and needs regular sealing. Chappell raises similar upkeep concerns about cement tile, describing it as porous and susceptible to staining and etching. She also notes that it is heavy and labor-intensive to install.
For kitchens, Yvonne Harty of Harty Interiors says waterfall islands can add cost, limit storage and seating, and leave corners vulnerable to chips. Designer Brieanna Cunningham of C&C Partners also points to restricted storage and outlet placement. Other concerns include smart systems that may malfunction or rely on Wi-Fi, pale linen that is hard to keep clean in a busy home, and built-in coffee makers that require ongoing maintenance. The source does not provide details on all 13 items.
Trade-Offs Behind Popular Finishes
The report highlights a practical question homeowners face when choosing features for a renovation: does the visual appeal justify the cost and care? A material that looks distinctive in a photograph may demand more maintenance, while a built-in feature can affect storage or require servicing. Those trade-offs matter because renovation choices can be costly to change once installed.
The advice is not a universal rule against these designs. Suitability depends on a home’s layout, budget, household routines and tolerance for maintenance. For example, Harty says a freestanding tub can work in a sufficiently spacious bathroom; her concern is placing one where there is too little room around it. The report is best read as a list of considerations, not a finding that every feature is a poor choice.
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Design Appeal Versus Daily Use
The report frames its recommendations around long-term value and function, as well as changing home-design trends. Its introduction notes that both professional renovations and smaller refreshes involve decisions about appearance, cost and future upkeep. It argues that designers’ experience with features that come and go can inform those decisions.
For specific alternatives, Harty suggests a furniture-style island with posts or panels, while Cunningham says a desired stone slab could instead be used as a backsplash. For freestanding tubs, Harty points to alcove or deck-mounted options. On furniture, Cara Shahbandi of Stanton Home Design recommends saving for pieces intended to last rather than buying low-quality items that may need replacing quickly.
“Because each piece is handmade, there’s a lot of variation in size and thickness, making installation slow and tricky.”
— Jamie Chappell, Fireclay Tile
Five Features Missing From Source
The supplied article text promises a list of 13 design decisions but includes descriptions of only eight. The identities and details of the other five are not available in the provided source material, so they are not named here. The supplied material also gives no publication date, survey methodology or information about how the designers were selected.
The comments are attributed opinions from the named professionals, not measurements of how frequently these problems occur or proof that each feature performs poorly in every home. Costs, installation requirements and maintenance needs can vary by product, contractor and household.
Check Details Before Renovating
The source provides no announced follow-up, product testing or policy change. For homeowners weighing similar choices, the next step is to compare installation and maintenance requirements with the room’s layout and how it will be used. Ask contractors or suppliers about sealing schedules, repair options, warranties, service needs and the impact on storage or access before committing.
Because the supplied text is incomplete, readers seeking the full list of 13 features can consult the original House Beautiful report. The recommendations should be weighed against individual needs rather than treated as a blanket ban on any design choice.
Key Questions
Which home features are identified in the supplied report?
The supplied text describes zellige tile, cement tile, waterfall islands, smart-home packages, white linen furniture, built-in coffee makers, disposable furniture and freestanding tubs.
Why does the report raise concerns about zellige and cement tile?
Jamie Chappell says zellige’s handmade variation can complicate installation and that it needs regular sealing. She describes cement tile as porous and prone to stains and etching, with labor-intensive installation and frequent maintenance.
Are designers saying these features should never be used?
No. The source reports designers’ concerns and preferences; it does not establish a universal rule. Space, budget, household routines and willingness to maintain a feature can affect whether it makes sense for a particular home.
Does the supplied material list all 13 features?
No. It names and discusses eight features. The other five are not included in the supplied text and cannot be verified from it.
Source: housebeautiful.com
