I see a lot of stunning home images on social media. And the images always stop me in my tracks because, well, they’re beautiful. And like everyone else, I often get that immediate “I want it” feeling.
But then I pause.
I start to think about how that space would actually feel to be in. How it would function. How it might hold up over time. And that's when the cracks begin to show, not in the photo, but in the design.
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What initially looks like a dream home often reveals itself to be uncomfortable, impractical, or even risky once I look a little deeper. And if you’re someone dreaming of building or renovating your home, I’m willing to bet you’ve had this same experience of being pulled in by an image.
The unfortunate part is that it can be hard to know that the design that caught your eye is actually bad design. What’s even more unfortunate is that there are endless designers online that share pretty, but bad, design ideas.
The Debbie Downer of home design
I shared a post on Instagram the other day about how it’s not a good idea to put windows in a shower because it usually leads to mold growth and long-term maintenance headaches. That post made a lot of people sad (because who doesn’t love the image of a giant window in the shower with greenery all around you?).
It made me realize that I’m the ‘un-fun parent’ of home design. The one who says, “Sure, it looks good… but have you thought about how it feels? How it performs?”
Example of big window in a shower. Design: Casa Vibe / Sala 03 Arquitetura, Photo: Favaro Jr.
And I did that post after seeing a designer share tips on how to design a bathroom with a giant window in the shower. When I saw their post, I cringed because there is just no way to successfully put a giant window in a shower without there being a good change that it’ll create mold issues and possibly major structural damage.
That said, there are workarounds. If you love the idea of a big window in the bathroom, consider a wet room layout with the tub by the window and the shower located farther away. You still get that spa-like feel and view, without the risk of damaging your home.
Example of placing a tub in front of the window creating space between shower and window. Source: Pinterest
Design Isn’t Just About Looks
A lot of designers are very talented at making spaces look beautiful. But many don’t think as much about how those spaces will function and how they’ll feel to live in, day after day, year after year.
That bothers me because the people following these designers often assume beautiful design equals good design, and it doesn’t always.
Some of these magazine-worthy spaces will be loud, too hot, too cold, or make people feel exposed and uneasy. Others will cost a fortune to heat and cool, or require constant repairs because materials were placed where they shouldn’t be.
A beautiful home that’s uncomfortable, high-maintenance, or prone to damage isn’t a success, it’s just a pretty picture.
Lakeside Retreat by Balanced Architecture, Photo: Greg West
How to Think Beyond the Photo
We experience a space in many ways. Sight is just the beginning. We also notice sound, smell, temperature, texture, and most importantly, how the space makes us feel.
So here’s some advice if you’re planning your own home:
- Ask yourself how you want to feel in each room. A soaring, double-height living room might feel impressive, but it can be hard to heat, noisy, and tough to feel cozy in at the end of the day.
- Think through the logistics of design features. Love the idea of a wall of west-facing glass? Understand that it will flood your home with hot afternoon sun and could send your cooling bills sky-high.
- Start following designers that talk about how their design choices impact the spaces they create. It's a great way to feel comfortable that the design they've created isn't just beautiful, it's also practical.
- Choose a designer who gets the big picture. Work with someone who understands that comfort, durability, energy efficiency, and beauty should all work together, not compete with each other.
- Don't be afraid to ask your architect or designer questions about durability, comfort etc.
Lakeside Retreat by Balanced Architecture, Photo: Greg West
Final Thoughts
I know this post sounds like a buzz kill, but don't worry, a well-designed home doesn't have to be boring! It is possible to create a home that’s beautiful, functional, efficient, and comfortable. But you have to go deeper than the image. Study the design to make sure it's not going to cause you more harm than good. And if you aren't sure, ask a design professional.
I just created a new free guide that helps you avoid the top 10 design mistakes I see that sabotage a healthy and sustainable home. Click the link below to get the free guide!