Alice wrote me recently and said, “You guys have been doing this for a while, and I love your spaces. I also find that they hold up over time, in a way that a lot of other spaces do not. I have to ask. What are some things that drive you absolutey crazy in the design world?…” We thought this was a fun little topic, and that we’d cover it here today: Three Design Icks and Why You Should Stop Doing Them!
You don’t have to ask me twice, because I’m always down for a good overshare. {Hint: this isn’t some snobby design article. Promise. These icksvare just holding you back. Trust us.}
Nope the bottom photo is the after. Good times.
1. Three Design Icks and Why You Should Stop Doing Them: Basing Everything on Resale Value
This is my number one ick. It’s a red flag when clients call us in and then question every choice based on resale value. Jamin is also a realtor, and with our many years of experience, we can speak with some authority here. It’s the same stance I’ve taken and will always take – don’t base your design choices in your home that you own, on potential resale value. Read it again.
It may be your last home. Sorry, not sorry, but we don’t know how much longer we’ll be here. As in, on this earth. This might be it. We’re sadly not married to rich vampires who will live forever and sparkle in the sun. Do you really want to base your fixtures on what Janice from Iowa thinks? Whoever purchases your house will rip it out anyway. TRUST us on this one. It’s kind of my pet peeve to look at listings and see “NeWLy ReMoDLeD KiTChEn” ! That person wasted their money trying to appease the next buyer, and no one is enjoying it.
2. Three Design Icks and Why You Should Stop Doing Them: Proclaiming Something is “Out”
People saying something is “out”. Because it’s usually coming from a self-proclaimed “influencer” or a design mag, looking for rage-bait clicks. Ew, David. You’re giving me the ick, and it’s not a good look on you.
I’m a firm believer that if executed with intention, nothing is ever “out.” {Accent walls, sliding doors, and more… guess what? This applies.} Now, over time, do things need updates? Yes. I would say that houses can always benefit from a fresh look. But if your home represents you, and you’re doing what you love, we say go for it. Life is too short. No reason to let random strangers on the internet boss you around and make you feel bad about anything you’ve done to your house. That’s gross, and I almost always disagree.
3. Three Design Icks and Why You Should Stop Doing Them: Living in Fear.
Fear dominates every choice and/or holds you back from making one at all. And you may not even realize it. It’s called analysis paralysis for a reason. This often leads to defaulting, compromising, or never doing anything at all. You should go for it. Don’t listen to anything our grandmother’s sister’s aunt’s dog says about your house. There are a lot of people walking around as parodies of themselves, and they don’t even realize it. {And if you hire a designer, listen to them.}
Side note: To the people who often claim to prefer “experiences over things,” yet completely overlook their own homes. I’d argue that your home is an experience. It’s psychological. It’s your safe space from the world. Create a haven that makes every day feel like a vacation. You’ll probably feel the need to escape your authentic life a little less. True story.
What are some of your biggest design icks? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!
