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7 Renovations That Homeowners Almost ALWAYS Regret, According to the Experts Who Fix Them
Design trends that look stunning online don't always translate to real-world living.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Design and construction professionals have seen it all when it comes to renovation regrets, from impractical layouts to high-maintenance finishes that homeowners grow tired of almost immediately. Experts share the common pitfalls they're frequently called in to correct, including marble countertops, open-floor plans, open-air outdoor living spaces, trendy tiles, barn doors and shiplap walls, glass-front cabinets, and doorless showers.
Why it matters
As homeowners increasingly turn to social media and design blogs for inspiration, they may overlook the practical realities of certain design choices that look beautiful in staged photos but prove challenging in everyday life. Understanding these common renovation regrets can help homeowners make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The details
Marble countertops are a classic look, but the soft, porous stone can stain easily, making it impractical for heavy-use kitchens. Designers often recommend sintered stone alternatives that are more durable. Open-floor plans, once popular, are now falling out of favor as people crave more privacy, especially with the rise in remote work and multi-generational households. Expansive outdoor living spaces can be difficult to enjoy year-round due to factors like humidity and storms, leading designers to enclose these areas. Trendy tile choices may look great in photos but can quickly become dated, prompting homeowners to replace them. Barn doors and shiplap walls, popularized by the farmhouse trend, are often removed for being impractical, with designers opting for more functional alternatives. Glass-front cabinets and doorless showers, while visually appealing, can create maintenance and safety issues.
- The farmhouse trend started to explode around 2015.
The players
Laura Hammett
Founder and creative director of Laura Hammett Interiors.
Bethany Adams
Interior designer at Bethany Adams Interiors.
Robert W. Burrage
Founder of Palm Beach County, Florida-based RWB Concierge Builder.
Alexis Woodbury Earman
Interior designer with The Woodbury Home in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Lesley Myrick
Interior designer based in Atlanta.
Ashley Macuga
Designer at Collected Interiors.
Shiva Samiei
Interior designer.
What they’re saying
“Clients love the look of marble but then find the reality is you can't spill a drop of food or drink before it gets stained. For clients who love to cook, especially with colorful spices, we recommend stones that still look beautiful, but are much more durable and hardier.”
— Laura Hammett, Founder and creative director of Laura Hammett Interiors
“To accommodate these requests, I've added hidden pocket doors behind new built-ins and sleek glass and steel framed partitions and doors to section off more open spaces.”
— Bethany Adams, Interior designer at Bethany Adams Interiors
“As a result, we often find ourselves enclosing these outdoor spaces to create comfortable, usable areas that can be enjoyed year-round.”
— Robert W. Burrage, Founder of Palm Beach County, Florida-based RWB Concierge Builder
“Many homeowners choose tiles based on inspiration photos and current trends. Though these tile choices can be beautiful in pictures, the owner can grow tired of the trend and want to replace it with something more classic.”
— Alexis Woodbury Earman, Interior designer with The Woodbury Home in Wilmington, North Carolina
“Many people saw the farmhouse trend as both current and timeless and rushed to 'upgrade' their homes with these design elements. But when these types of additions don't prove to be functional for your home or lifestyle, it's a design disaster.”
— Lesley Myrick, Interior designer based in Atlanta
The takeaway
As homeowners increasingly turn to social media and design blogs for inspiration, they may overlook the practical realities of certain design choices. Understanding these common renovation regrets can help homeowners make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes, ensuring their homes are not only beautiful, but also functional and tailored to their specific needs and lifestyles.
