Even the most design-savvy among us occasionally make mistakes. A trendy sofa may have looked excellent – that is, until it encountered reality. Or a low-cost device that appeared to be a wise choice, abruptly failing by the third week. Preferences change, practicality turns out to be valuable, yet often remorse arrives ahead of time.
Midway through 2025, I posed a question to five designers: which home purchases do they now regret?
Their responses vary from typicalinterior design trendsnares to the surprisingly unnecessary – evidence that even experts occasionally succumb to the wrong choice. Yet these are more than just warnings. Consider them as corrective measures, guiding us toward what truly functions.
You don’t always realize what you want until you experience what you don’t. Fortunately, they have already gone through it. Here are the home decor items that designers say didn’t meet expectations – and what they would have preferred to purchase instead.
Pale, precious ottomans
“I purchased a linen-upholstered ottoman in a light oatmeal color for our bedroom, expecting it to add some softness and texture,” says Jade Joyner, principal designer atMetal + Petal, an interior design company based in Athens, GA. What did it bring instead? ‘Stress,’ she says with a joke.
‘It captured every footprint, crumb, and dog’s damp paw within the first week. Stunning? Definitely. Practical? Not in the slightest,’ Jade says. She wishes she had chosen an ottoman made from a darker, more durable fabric, ‘or even better, something vintage with some natural wear already present,’ she adds.
This Ottoman from TOV Furniture embodies a dark aesthetic. The dramatic dark green jacquard with a leopard pattern is striking enough to conceal the usual wear and tear, while the densely woven fabric withstands daily use more effectively than the fragile linen she now wishes she hadn’t chosen.
Foreign-made teak tables
“I usually don’t shop at RH, but we made an exception for a teak outdoor coffee table that was perfectly sized for our seating area. Big mistake!” says Jennifer Jones, principal designer at a San Francisco-based design firm.Niche Interiors.
This table appeared very unattractive only a few weeks after I bought it,” she says, “with stains and inconsistent discoloration,” she adds, “next time, I will choose better quality teak from items made in the United States.
Locating teak furniture that is genuinely produced in the U.S. is quite challenging (many brands, even those based domestically, still have their manufacturing done overseas). However, this outdoor furniture designed with architectural inspiration from Century Furniture is a rare exception. The company has been producing items in Hickory, North Carolina since 1947, and the quality is evident.
Cheap vacuum cleaners
Popular belief suggests that high-end appliance brands such as Dyson are overrated for a good reason. We’ve all heard the stories – and in our hearts, we understand the truth. But when it’s time to make a purchase, do youreally Willing to spend hundreds on something as ordinary as a vacuum? As the old saying goes: buy it cheap, buy it twice.
That’s precisely what occurred to Jacu Strauss, creative director atLore Group. “I purchased a more affordable vacuum cleaner and I regret it, so I am now obtaining a replacement Dyson. The”best vacuum cleaners“they’re worth the price!” he says.
This specific model is positioned at the lower end of Dyson’s range – so although it still requires an investment, it won’t completely drain your monthly finances.
Insubstantial sofa upholsteries
“I bought a mohair velvet-style sofa that has unfortunately been damaged over time,” says Franky Rousell, Founder and CEO ofJoliea company that specializes in sensory design to improve quality of life.
Certainly, it appears lovely, but I don’t believe it’s worth the cost. Occasionally, choosing a strong, reliable fabric is preferable for furniture that is used often!
Avoiding similar heartache, Quince delivers an exceptional performance in velvet. It is soft, matte, and truly refined – yet importantly, its texture remains durable. Offered in a variety of vintage-themed colors, it’s a couch fabric that is easy to clean and suitable for busy areas.
Custom-made rugs
“One of my greatest disappointments this year was purchasing a custom-designed rug,” says Niki Cheng, a designer based in New York City and co-founder of18th Street Design Collective. Custom, as she discovered, is a risk. ‘Although the concept seemed thrilling and personalized, the truth was less appealing,’ she states. ‘The time required was extensive, the cost was high, and most troubling of all—there were no returns if it didn’t fit well in the area.’
The risk is entirely up to you. “Looking back, I’ve discovered that many pre-made rugs are just as attractive, much more budget-friendly, and available without the delay,” she says. “Unless it’s for a very particular requirement, I would go for pre-made every time.”
Honestly, with options like this Ashley Tisdale x Rugs USA collaboration – 100% wool, subtle tones from auburn to chocolate, and sizes that fit contemporary spaces – it’s difficult to disagree. Custom-made isn’t always superior.
Sterile garden furniture
The outdoor furniture trendsIn 2025, trends are comparable to indoor styles, as people favor a more worn, old-fashioned aesthetic. Therefore, when Jacu Strauss bought a brand new stone bench for his backyard, aiming to achieve a natural, aged appearance, he realized he had made an error.
“I purchased new stone garden benches, and although they are acceptable, I would have rather gone for weathered, old-fashioned ones,” he mentions. If you’re looking for a vintage style, you can find many examples ofoutdoor items at secondhand storesthat can help you save money and appear the part. Stone is timeless, but keep an eye on wrought iron furniture as well, which is very popular this summer.
This patio furniture dealTarget strikes a more appealing tone. Its aged green finish and elegantly curved shape give it a timeless feel, as if it has always been there. Combine it with a patterned outdoor cushion to enhance both charm and comfort at once.
Hopefully, you’ve removed the clutter and created room for what truly functions. Now that you’re in a phase of reducing influences, explore thethings designers advise you can skip purchasing on Amazon– and what is worth exploring instead.
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