10 Popular Design Trends That FAIL in Real Life (And what to do instead)

[@albacristancho3104]

Open shelves in the kitchen don’t make sense for me… not enough storage space and they will get dirty in no time. Great video

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you so much, delighted you enjoyed it : )

[@tealkerberus748]

Subscribed, but I have to disagree on storage under the bed. Unless you're living in a student dorm or tiny apartment with no other storage, it's better to leave this space open for ventilation and avoid the risk of dust mites and mould in this naturally damp space. Human bodies release a lot of water as sweat overnight, and your mattress needs ventilation to evaporate that excess moisture each day. If the seasonal clothes you left in those drawers for several months seemed musty or had mould spots when you pulled them back out, that's why.

[@lanamarigregan]

Yes absolutely, it all depends on the space itself but usually the more storage the better. Thank you for your comment, and welcome to the community : )

[@nonawolf7495]

Thank you for this great advice - especially the use of large scale art. The trend I hate the most is "fakery"... like adding fake box beams, or fake brick to give your home some character. Those solutions are just not believable... but what can we do with a boring space? I hope you will do a video on this! My home office is a 10 x 10 drywall box with no natural light and zero character. Can good design overcome bad architecture? I hope so - many thanks for your wonderful videos ! ❤

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your response. Yes there are many things you can do to enhance a space with challenges. The use of a thoughtfully placed mirror in your office will help reflect light around the room and make it feel more open. I will for sure consider this concept for a possible upcoming video. Let me know if any other ideas come to mind for future videos. Always looking for more feedback to direct me on what the community wants to see more of. Thanks again : )

[@vbachman6742]

Depending on your style preferences, you could add wallpaper on one wall as an accent - even placing a large mirror on that wall. Or place bookcases on either end of a wall with a desk in the center.

[@nonawolf7495]

@@vbachman6742 Bookcase is definitely in my future. I recently put up a floor to ceiling mirror, and hung drapes to sell the illusion of depth. It helped make the space more interesting. Bland architecture is the worst - I've never had to work so hard to make a room look good. Thanks for your suggestion :)

[@irenelopezmartin2246]

You named it! Large scale art + accent lighting could be awesome. I don't know if you're renting, but there are lamps that can be attached to the wall without making holes on it and light bulbs that work with batteries. I'm thinking specifically on those that are small and opaque, and can be directed to light whatever area you want. You'll be adding personality with art, light on a space that very much need it, and interest by thoughtful lighting

[@lanamarigregan]

Thanks so much for watching ❤ if you liked the video don't forget to like and subscribe! 😊

[@tealkerberus748]

Also those statement lights should be on dimmer switches, so you can turn them up for useful light or dim them down for a moody photo.

[@eugeneflynn7435]

Love your voice and your practical advice. New sub.

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you so much : ) and welcome to the community!

[@momoffour2072]

Depending on the size of your kitchen, even small pendants may not be a good idea. In a smaller kitchen, they can just end up looking cluttered, so recessed lighting can be a better option.

[@lanamarigregan]

Yes pendants are not always necessary as part of the lighting design and layering. Thank you for your comment : )

[@pecanthecat]

helpful! thanks for the video. I'm in the midst of redecorating my space... I think I will still stick with a sectional, but trying for a smaller one so it will not overwhelm the room. 😊

[@lanamarigregan]

So glad it was helpful, thank you! Best of luck with your renovations 😊

[@lauraty3583]

Very well explained

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your kind comment : )

[@lormor460]

Great video. Simple and concise. New sub ❤

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you so much for your feedback. Delighted you enjoyed it. And a big welcome to the community! : )

[@yvettescott5696]

Quick,concise and helpful ❤

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your feedback, glad you enjoyed it : )

[@GradKat]

Totally agree with all these points!

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your feedback, glad you enjoyed the video : )

[@Redragon6442]

Regarding rugs....I agree rugs in the bedroom helps to anchor the bed especially in smaller bedrooms. However I have bad allergies and cannot have rugs in the bedroom. What else can I do?

[@lanamarigregan]

Allergies are usually related to the use of high pile rugs that would catch dirt and dust. There are low pile rugs in various materials that can be hypoallergenic and shouldn't cause you problems. It depends on what your specific allergy is but maybe have a search a a 'hypoallergenic rugs' available to your area and you should find some suitable options. Hope that helps : )

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

When I came to the US for the first time I was shocked to see that in their houses they prefer to have kitchen in their living room ! Why?? it only makes sense in a tiny house or small apartment..but not in a normal size house !

[@lanamarigregan]

People like open plan living as it can be more social, especially for those that like to cook and still talk to/keep an eye on family for example. I believe it can work both ways and depends on the individual and the space what works best for their needs. Hope that helps : )

[@l.5832]

Once upon a time it was trendy....but the real reason is because open floor plans are MUCH cheaper to build. The builder saves on lumber, drywall, paint and labour time. Then they convinced the public it was a great idea. Many have come to their senses and are seeking conventional kitchens where there is control over sound, smells, and temperature not to mention the visuals!

[@tealkerberus748]

Open plan works very well for a lot of people. Aside from anything else, it helps to break down outdated gender roles - instead of the wife being away by herself working in the kitchen while husband and children relax in the living room, they are all in the same room together while she cooks and it is more natural for her to ask for help or for them to volunteer, so that preparing meals becomes a family activity rather than mother-as-servant like the bad old days.

[@l.5832]

@@tealkerberus748 So, it breaks down gender roles by forcing them to "be in the same room while SHE cooks".....🤣🤣🤣

[@tealkerberus748]

@@l.5832 Being in the same room is the first step towards joining in, and eventually taking equal responsibility. Or in my household, taking over, since I'm not physically able to get up and cook for them (or myself) any more. My two adult children are both excellent cooks, because they were helping and learning from a young age.

[@sueannethecelebrantbyyours1020]

It’s very difficult to find a non slip rug for timber floors and this becomes a hazard and the glue tape to hold it in place soon disappears…any ideas or suggestions Orr better still where to get a good non slip rug for a timber floor… thank you for all the tips here today 😊

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. There are non slip mats for under the rug that you can buy and that will keep the rug from slipping without the need for rug tape. Although it can be advantageous to use both, the tape is good for the corners in particular to reduce any tripping. Hope that helps : )

[@RED-cy7ig]

Thanks. Common sense and good design over trends.

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your comment, so glad you enjoyed the video : )

[@tracycarr4604]

100% agree!

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed the video : )

[@hereforit2347]

I agree with all points. 💯

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you : )

[@chanboubou9245]

Storage under the bed: why not declutter instead??

[@lanamarigregan]

It all depends on the person and the space, but something to consider! : )

[@spacecaptain9188]

Nothing on my shelves are there for display. I use them. They will not look staged, and I don't expect them to look staged. When did that become the expectation?

[@debbieredfern2267]

When we became so concerned with impressing other people instead of using them in a practical way 😊

[@lanamarigregan]

It they are there being used frequently then they are absolutely perfect for you! Beauty and aesthetics certainly have their place and well displayed items can bring great joy but each individual has to assess everything in their own context and needs for their space. Thank you for your comment. Hope you enjoyed the video : )

[@podiumgro]

❤

[@lanamarigregan]

: )

[@spacecaptain9188]

Cupboards are less clean than open shelves because they're a great environment for pests, bacteria, and mold. It's even more cluttered than open shelves, and you can't see it so you don't ever clean it properly. I'd rather have a mess I will actually address than one that festers for ages, and goes unnoticed until it's filled with roaches and stale food.

[@debbieredfern2267]

The answer to that problem particularly with the wall cupboard is to have pull down racks that allow you to see and access items easily, a huge help for anyone but a big consideration for the elderly and you can't overfill them. Best thing at lower level are pull out drawers and full height pull out larders. Again you can't over stock them and everything is visible. I do agree if you are stuck with high wall cupboards they can be a nuisance to check but I personally would only have a tiny area of open shelving for useful and aesthetically pleasing things that are moved and allow for wiping the shelves frequently. 😊 Also everyone should not overstock food items that could end up not used and having to be thrown away. Food waste is a worldwide huge problem in developed countries 😢

[@lanamarigregan]

Yes both have their advantages and disadvantages for sure, up to each person to know what works best for them, but from a design perspective, if you don't maintain the open shelving it might bring you more stress. And absolutely yes, needs to clean both. I have a kitchen organisation video coming up that will hopefully help that topic also. Thank you for your comment : )

[@cristinapiano6190]

🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝👌👌👌👌

[@lanamarigregan]

Thank you Cristina : )

[@eskimoki9630]

Just listening, I hear Saoirse Ronan :)

[@lanamarigregan]

Hi there! Yes I'm Irish : )

[@eskimoki9630]

@ the two of you really have very similar voices and accents, from what I can tell. Very melodic, I could listen for hours!

[@hereforit2347]

Is this a Scottish accent?

[@lanamarigregan]

No, Irish : )

[@hereforit2347]

@ : Thank you. 😊