Needless to say, Instagram, TikTok, and of course the original one itself, Pinterest, have all tricked more people than a bad dating profile (well, if you want to call it like that). Okay, sure, those whole “fun everyday lifestyle” everyone already knew that, though. But no, it goes way beyond that. Actually, it’s home decor and DIYs to be more specific. Basically, some projects look amazing in a photo, especially when all you want to do is refresh your home, but in real life? Well, they’re a total nightmare.
Sure, they sound smart at first, then end up costing time, money, or just flat-out sanity. So, what exactly seems like a great idea for your home, but actually ends up being a horrible idea?
Faux Wood Beams
This one might surprise people the most, and yeah, it makes total sense. This one would be super surprising. But how? Well, faux beams are all over the place right now, promising rustic charm without the weight or price of real wood. Yeah, seriously, it’s a cute idea. But what’s the problem, though? Well, most of them are Styrofoam. Yes, Styrofoam. Meaning, they dent if you so much as look at them too hard, and up close, they don’t feel like anything but… plastic. Besides, real beams age beautifully, and fake beams just age badly (and they’re bad for the environment).
DIY Outdoor Kitchens
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with an outdoor kitchen, especially if you live somewhere where you live, eat, and sleep BBQ. And yeah, technically, building your own outdoor kitchen sounds like the ultimate DIY brag. Except it’s not just countertops and a grill. It’s plumbing, gas, electricity, and weatherproofing all rolled into one. It’s not like you can buy outdoor IKEA furniture and call it a day; it doesn’t work that way, plus, one wrong move and your “dream kitchen” becomes a fire hazard.
That’s absolutely why an outdoor kitchen contractor is worth it. They’ll do it safely, make it last, and save you from explaining to neighbors why your grill exploded mid-BBQ. You can have your cake and eat it too, and still brag because it’s an outdoor kitchen, the ultimate luxury!
Flipping Your Books Backwards
How are you supposed to show off your bookshelf wealth when no one can actually see what books you own, right? But yeah, people are really out here turning their books around so only the neutral pages show. It’s meant to create that minimalist aesthetic, but it makes zero sense. How are you supposed to know what book you’re grabbing? A bookshelf shouldn’t have to lead to a scavenger hunt. Besides, bookshelves are meant to tell a story, not look like a beige block of nothing.
Chandeliers Over Bathtubs
It sounds glamorous: soaking in bubbles under a sparkling chandelier. Except, newsflash, water and electricity aren’t besties. It’s a safety hazard, and most building codes don’t even allow it. Yeah, that’s simple.
Black Fixtures
It’s surprising, but bear with this explanation for just a moment. So, black faucets and showerheads are sleek, stylish, and bold. Well, for about five minutes. Then the hard water stains roll in, and suddenly they look like they’ve been through a dust storm. Unless you’re the type who enjoys scrubbing faucets daily, black fixtures are just high-maintenance heartbreak. Go for finishes that actually forgive real life.
5 Design Trends that Look Fancy but Live Terribly
Until next time, shine amongst the stars!
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Some design trends are better left on Instagram ✨ From faux wood beams to chandeliers over bathtubs, here are 5 design ideas that look fancy but live terribly in real life
Outdoor kitchens always felt a little odd to me – there are so much to clean when you have created an outdoor space like that. Thank you for sharing these realities.
You’re so right, Jupiter! 💛 Outdoor kitchens look glamorous in theory, but the upkeep can be a lot. I’m glad this post highlighted some of those hidden realities, it’s always better to know before diving in. 🌿✨
My outdoor kitchen was professionally done, but only because I have seen plenty DIYs from friends and oh boy oh boy,
Oh wow, I can only imagine! 😅 DIY projects can be such a gamble sometimes. It sounds like you made a smart choice going with a professional for your outdoor kitchen—bet it turned out amazing!
What a refreshing take on design advice. it’s so helpful to hear about what doesn’t work in real life, not just what looks good on Pinterest. I really appreciated your honest breakdown of each trend and the practical alternatives you suggested. This post is both eye opening and useful for anyone rethinking their space.
Thank you so much, Clark! 🌟 I totally agree, what looks gorgeous online doesn’t always work out in real life. I’m glad the practical alternatives stood out to you. Wishing you lots of success as you rethink your space! 🏡✨
I swear. The amount of garbage that takes of as a trend is crazy to me. I will say, though, that I’d love an outdoor kitchen. But I would never, EVER try to do it myself. *shudder*
Right?! Some trends are all style and zero sense 😅. Outdoor kitchens look amazing, but the thought of DIYing one? Yeah… I’d pass too. Definitely a “hire a pro” situation! 🍴✨
I can’t agree more…The outdoor kitchen is a dream, but it requires a ton of maintenance and care. As you said, it might be worth it as a DIY project.
Exactly! It’s one of those “looks amazing in pictures, tricky in real life” situations 😅. Definitely a project where calling in the pros saves a lot of headaches, and maybe a few tears too! 🍴✨