Pretty Designs That Are Actually Terrible

Kitchen and Bath Trends: Design vs Decorating

Decorating and designing are very different things. Trends are mostly about decorating, and some trends are actually very bad design. Let’s talk abut popular Tallahassee home design trends that don’t work.

Good design, especially kitchen and bath design, has rules. Rules can be broken if done thoughtfully but too often in popular trends they are broken just because they “look pretty” and that can actually hurt your home’s design.

Remodeling your home is expensive and time consuming, few people have the time or money to do it over if design mistakes are made. Understanding the difference between decorating and design is important so you can navigate through the good trends vs the bad.

Popular Kitchen and Bath Trends that Are Actually Design Mistakes

We’ve collected a few examples from Instagram over the last few months to highlight some popular Tallahassee home design ‘trends’ to avoid and what to do instead.

Most of these kitchens have been ‘staged’ with accessories and other elements and touched up by a professional photographer so they look incredible. But behind the glamour are some real design flaws.

Tall cabinets on The Counterop That Limit counter space.

A kitchen made for not cooking in. No counterspace next to the range. Wall sconces next to the hood that are bound to get covered in soot and grease from the gas cooktop. And the obigatory pot filler even when the kitchen sink is just two steps away. 

Solution: Always plan for 24″ – 30″ of counterspace to the left and right of your range. You can have this look without sacrificing function if you maintain that spacing. 

Shelves over the range

This one is not as bad but also not great. Adding a shelf over the range is just asking for a cleaning issue as grease and other particles from the cooktop are bound to dirty the shelf.

That shelf is bound to be a cleaning nightmare. This kitchen also breaks another rule… not enough counterspace next to the range. 

Solution: If you really want open shelving next to the range a shelf on either side of the cooktop would be better. 

Massive Islands

There is such a thing as too big and in many high profile designs the islands are way too big. An island longer than 9 or 10 feet can be a burden to walk around in most kitchens. And an island that is deeper than 48″ can make is seem like the person on the other end is in the next room.

A well understood design rule is that most people can comfortable reach about 30″. So often used items are placed within 30″ whether up on a shelf or across a countertop.  Again–another popular Tallahassee home design trend that’s bad.

Large islands can be a burden to walk around. If you need seating more than 4 or 5 people consider two islands, a L-shaped island or add a peninsula. 

Linear Drains

I get it, it’s fun to be different. Design can become boring for the designer if they do the same thing a lot. But different for the sake of being different is no better. 

Linear drains definitely have their place. In barrier free showers where you want uniform look for the floor they are a great solution. 

But most people don’t realize they are also more maintenance, they have to be cleaned regulary or they get pretty gross. They are also quite a but more expensive and we see them installed incorectly all the time. 

Double Shower Heads in a Small Shower

For two people to shower together requires space… about 60″ of space to be comfortable. When you place shower heads too close together it does not work well for showering together and when you shower alone it feels weird because your standing to one side of a large shower instead of in the middle. 

Linear Drains have their place but most peoplel don’t realize they are more maintance and expenisve. They are unecessary in a curbed shower design like this. 

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs are beautiful but not always practical.

For one they are less safe… getting in and out of a freestanding tub can be precarious for somone who is not sure footed and the risk of slipping and falling is higher.

The other issue we see is designers try to cram a free standing tub into a space that is too small, creating nooks and crannies that are hard to clean and making the space look crowded and busy.

Do you need a tub?

There is a bit of a misconception that master bathrooms should have a tub. That is not exactly true. Remodeling is often about compromise so you have to prioritze things.

Most people would prioritize storage and counterspace first, then shower size, then having a separate toilet room and finally, if there is space remaining, a tub. Everyone is different though and that’s why proper planning and design is so important.

Freestanding tubs can be beautiful but they are not as safe and too many people try to cram them in a space that is too small. 

Walk-In Showers That Are Too Small

Walk-in showers can look great, but when they’re too small, they’re not very practical.

For one, they can feel cramped. Moving around becomes harder, and there’s not enough space for shower essentials like shampoo and soap. Plus, small showers can be harder to clean because you don’t have enough room to reach everything.

Do you really need a walk-in shower?

It’s important to make sure your shower has enough space for you to move comfortably. Aim for a minimum of 36 inches wide and 60 inches long. If space is tight, consider adding shelves or a recessed niche to keep things organized. Planning ahead is key to making sure your shower works for your needs and execute a popular Tallahassee home design trend right.

Small walk-in showers might look nice, but they just don’t work. With not enough space, water ends up splashing out, making a mess on the bathroom floor every time you shower.

Why Are These Design Mistakes So Common?

Inexperience is one reason. There are lot of people doing design that just mimic what they see in magazines and online. They think design is about decorating and don’t understand the core design principles for proper kitchen and bath design.

A design and planning process that is rushed is another reason. A lot contractors simply do what the client asks. They don’t care if it’s good or bad design if  “that’s what the client wants”. Even if they work with designers they pressure them to get it done so they can get to work.

But a kitchen or bath remodel lasts for decades so it pays to slow down and get the details right in the planning stages.

What You Can Do

Focus on Function Over Popular Design Trends

Your home should work for you. Don’t get caught up in the popular design trends just because they look good—consider how the space will function daily.

Plan for Your Lifestyle, Not Just Trends

Make sure your design choices work for your family’s needs. Popular design trends might look good, but your home’s functionality should always come first.

Work with An Experienced Designer

Someone with a clear design process, with training and experience in kitchen and bath design and someone with knowledge of buildign code and NKBA standards. Someone like McManus Kitchen and Bath !

Botttom Line

Rather than following popular Tallahassee home design trends that will soon fade, opt for timeless designs that add lasting value to your home. These choices will keep your home stylish and practical for years to come.

At McManus Kitchen and Bath, we’ve been transforming Tallahassee homes for over 20 years. We’d love to help you create a home that’s both beautiful and practical.