Designers share their 2025 purchasing regrets: Mistakes to avoid in your shopping choices this year
In the world of interior design, beauty and practicality often go hand in hand. However, some home decor items are more prone to disappoint than others. Niki Cheng, co-founder of 18th Street Design Collective, regrets ordering a custom-made rug due to long lead times, steep prices, and lack of returns. Instead, pre-made rugs can be just as beautiful, affordable, and available without the wait.
One common regret among designers is the purchase of pale, precious ottomans. These light-colored ottomans in delicate fabrics like linen slipcovers show every mark, crumb, or pet paw quickly. To avoid this, designers recommend ottomans made with darker performance fabrics or vintage pieces with built-in patina that mask wear better.
Foreign-made teak tables are another regrettable purchase. These often fail to meet durability or sustainability expectations. Designers suggest solid, well-crafted local hardwood tables instead, though specific recommendations are not detailed.
Cheap vacuum cleaners are another item to avoid. These tend to fail quickly and do not justify the initial saving. Investing in more reliable models is advised, though details are sparse. Conventional wisdom suggests that investing in high-end appliance brands like Dyson is worthwhile due to their superior performance and longevity.
Insubstantial sofa upholsteries are another regret for designers. Sofas with delicate or low-quality upholstery wear out fast. Designers suggest choosing performance fabrics or leather instead, especially for homes with pets, to balance beauty and durability.
Custom-made rugs are another item that designers sometimes regret. More durable, practical rug choices are preferred but specifics are not provided. Sterile garden furniture is another item to avoid as manufacturers’ overly minimal or plastic-looking outdoor furniture may feel unwelcoming. Alternatives include furniture with more warmth or texture.
Additional pieces designers warn against (from secondary sources) include futons that double as beds, which are uncomfortable and impractical. Glass-top coffee tables, which require constant cleaning and pose safety risks in homes with children or pets, are also discouraged. Particle board furniture, which lacks durability and often falls apart quickly, is another item to avoid. Solid wood furniture is recommended instead.
Common themes include prioritizing durability, practicality, and how pieces fit into real daily life over purely aesthetic or trendy choices. Designers emphasize selecting materials and designs that support how owners actually live, such as performance fabrics and solid construction, to avoid disappointment.
For example, Jade Joyner, principal designer at Metal + Petal, regrets purchasing a pale, linen slipcovered ottoman due to its susceptibility to stains and damage from everyday use. Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, regrets purchasing a teak outdoor coffee table from RH due to its poor quality and quick deterioration.
Instead, designers recommend alternatives such as the Ashley Tisdale x Rugs USA collab offering 100% wool rugs with nuanced shades and dimensions suitable for modern rooms. Jade Joyner suggests purchasing an ottoman made from a darker performance fabric or a vintage piece with patina instead. Target offers an antiqued green patio furniture with a gracefully curved silhouette that gives a vintage feel.
Quince makes a performance velvet that is soft, matte, and durable, making it a good alternative for sofa upholstery. The TOV Furniture ottoman with a dark green jacquard leopard motif is a suitable alternative for its durability. Century Furniture's architecturally inspired outdoor furniture, manufactured in Hickory, North Carolina since 1947, is a high-quality teak option.
Finally, Jacu Strauss, creative director at Lore Group, is getting a replacement Dyson vacuum cleaner due to regret over a cheaper model. The particular model Strauss is getting is at the lower end of Dyson's lineup, making it less expensive than other models.
In conclusion, when it comes to home decor, it's important to prioritize practicality and durability over purely aesthetic choices. By choosing materials and designs that support daily life, owners can avoid regret and enjoy their home decor for years to come.
- In the realm of home-and-garden, garden furniture that looks overly minimal or plastic may not welcome warmth and comfort, contrasting with practical choices like furniture with more warmth or texture.
- For furniture pieces such as sofas, it's advisable to choose performance fabrics or leather, as delicate or low-quality upholstery might not balance beauty and durability, leading to quick wear and tear.
