Renovation Design Choices You May Want To Give Second Thought About.
Renovation design in your home is an exciting, sometimes overwhelming journey. From browsing endless Pinterest boards to flipping through design magazines, it’s easy to get swept away by all the trendy options out there. But let me ask you this—have you ever seen a design that looked stunning in photos, but later realized it wasn’t quite right for your day-to-day life? I’ve seen it happen too often in my years of helping homeowners remodel kitchens, bathrooms, and entire homes.
In this post, I want to share with you three renovation choices that, while tempting, can end up being more hassle than they’re worth. I’ve seen these mistakes time and again, and while they may look perfect on the surface, they can bring some serious regrets. So, stick with me, and I’ll show you how to avoid these pitfalls and create a space that’s not just beautiful, but practical for your lifestyle.
Freestanding Bathtubs: Beautiful but Not Practical
The Appeal
It’s easy to see why freestanding bathtubs are all the rage right now. They’re elegant, chic, and give your bathroom that luxury spa vibe that everyone craves. When you picture a freestanding tub, you likely see yourself soaking in a bubble bath, perhaps with a glass of wine, candles lit, and a peaceful calm settling over you. Sounds great, right?
They’re definitely showstoppers, often becoming the focal point of modern bathroom designs. Whether you’ve spotted them in a showroom, a glossy home magazine, or scrolling through Instagram, they radiate a sense of indulgence.
The Practical Reality
But let’s get real for a second. That picture-perfect moment? It doesn’t always align with the daily grind. While freestanding bathtubs look amazing, they come with a host of practical issues you might not anticipate.
1. Cleaning Issues
One of the biggest complaints I hear from clients after they’ve installed a freestanding tub is how hard they are to clean. If you place the tub too close to the wall or other fixtures, good luck trying to reach behind or around it without feeling like you’re doing some sort of gymnastic routine. It’s not just the tub itself either—the area surrounding it can be tricky to keep spotless. The result? You’re left with spots you can’t easily reach, which can accumulate grime over time.
2. Not Family-Friendly
Got young kids? You might want to think twice before committing to a freestanding tub. Lifting toddlers in and out of one can be a literal pain in the back, and the lack of any ledges around the tub means there’s no convenient spot for soap, shampoo, or bath toys. What seemed like a sleek and stylish choice can quickly turn into a headache when it comes to daily use.
3. Water Spills
Freestanding tubs don’t have the surrounding deck or enclosure like drop-in or alcove tubs do. That means water is more likely to spill over onto the floor, especially if you or your family members tend to get a little splash-happy in the bath. This can lead to water damage, mold issues, or simply a slippery bathroom floor that’s dangerous for everyone.
What to Consider Instead
I’m not saying freestanding tubs are a complete no-go. If your heart is set on one, you just need to plan carefully. Make sure there’s plenty of space around the tub for easy access and cleaning. Consider placing it away from walls and within reach of essential items.
Alternatively, if practicality wins for you, drop-in or alcove tubs are stylish options that offer far more in terms of everyday usability. They can still look high-end but offer more storage and ease for families or smaller spaces.
Oversized Kitchen Islands: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Why Homeowners Love Them
If there’s one design feature that screams “modern luxury,” it’s the oversized kitchen island. These mammoth pieces are often the centerpiece of kitchen renovations, and it’s not hard to see why. They offer an abundance of countertop space for prepping meals, casual dining, and even entertaining guests. It feels like the more space you have, the better, right?
For families, a large island becomes a catch-all spot—a place where kids can do homework, where friends can sit and chat while you cook, or where you can spread out everything you need for a big holiday dinner.
The Downsides You Don’t See
But here’s the thing: Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to kitchen islands. As enticing as all that extra space might seem, it can come with its own set of problems.
1. Disrupts Kitchen Flow
A kitchen is all about workflow. When you’re moving between your sink, stove, and fridge, you want those workstations to be in close proximity. Oversized islands can interrupt this natural flow, making it harder to move around efficiently. You might find yourself walking circles around the island just to get from one side of the kitchen to the other, which is frustrating when you’re trying to cook.
2. Hard to Clean
A giant island is also more difficult to clean. Reaching the middle can be a chore, especially if you’re on the shorter side or your arms just don’t stretch that far. And let’s not even talk about trying to clean the sides if the island is placed too close to walls or other cabinets.
3. Clutter Magnet
Finally, oversized islands tend to attract clutter. What starts out as a sleek, clean space for food prep can quickly turn into a dumping ground for mail, keys, random appliances, and anything else that doesn’t have a home. Before you know it, that beautiful island has turned into a disorganized mess.
More Functional Alternatives
If you’re renovating your kitchen and dreaming of an island, consider scaling back. A smaller, more proportionate island can give you all the benefits without the downsides. Make sure there’s enough space to move around it easily, and think about incorporating storage to keep the clutter at bay. You can also design the island with built-in seating or storage to maximize its functionality while maintaining a sleek, open look.
Glass Cabinet Doors: High Maintenance and Fragile
Why They’re Popular
Glass-front cabinets have been a hot trend for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. They give your kitchen an airy, open feel, and if you’ve got beautiful dishes or glassware, it’s a chance to show them off. The idea is that glass-front cabinets add a touch of modern sophistication, helping to elevate your kitchen design.
Why They Can Be a Problem
Like the other trends we’ve covered, glass cabinet doors look stunning in photos, but they can be a lot more trouble in real life than most people expect.
1. Constant Upkeep
Glass doors are magnets for fingerprints, smudges, and dust. If you’re someone who loves everything looking spotless and organized, be prepared for constant wiping and polishing. It doesn’t take long for glass to look dirty, especially in a kitchen where grease and steam from cooking can add to the grime.
2. Revealing Clutter
Unless you’ve got perfectly arranged, Instagram-worthy dishes inside those cabinets at all times, glass doors will reveal every bit of clutter. Most of us don’t have time to keep our cabinets that organized, and seeing all the mismatched bowls and Tupperware can make your kitchen feel more chaotic than calm.
3. Fragility
Glass, especially in a busy kitchen, can be more fragile than solid wood doors. It’s more prone to cracking or chipping, particularly if you’ve got kids running around or you accidentally knock something against it.
Better Alternatives
If you love the idea of glass cabinets but don’t want the hassle, consider mixing solid and glass-front cabinets. This allows you to display your nicest items while keeping everyday clutter hidden away. Another great option is frosted or textured glass. It softens the look while hiding the mess behind the doors, giving you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
When it comes to renovating your home, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends. Freestanding bathtubs, oversized kitchen islands, and glass cabinet doors all have their appeal, but as I’ve shared, they can also lead to regret if you don’t consider the practical realities.
Remember, balance is key. Design choices should work for your lifestyle, not just look good in a photo. By thinking carefully about how you’ll use your space every day, you’ll be far happier with your renovation in the long run.
Got any renovation regrets or success stories? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. And if you’re planning a remodel and want to avoid these common pitfalls, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help make your dream home both beautiful and practical.
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