Post by cricketwife on May 7, 2021 22:56:27 GMT -5
HATE Kitchens that have a sink that overlooks the living room. I generally don’t care for open plan but I really HATE when there is just a random pillar in a room. I know it’s structural and not actually random, but they’re so awkward.
LOVE Jack and Jill bathroom, small half powder rooms, huge bathrooms that waste space, I don’t care, just give me a damn second toilet. OP, I promise you would NOT prefer to all share one bathroom than to have a Jack and Jill bathroom.
Fun story. Last weekend, H is gone. I’m taking a shower, a few minutes in to my shower, DS1 “needs to poo right now!” Sigh, fine. A couple minutes later, DS2 “has to pee RIGHT NOW”. I tell him, to go in the yard (sadly a fairly regular occurrence around here with the single toilet) but he’s scared to go alone (it’s middle of the morning and broad daylight! Child, c’mon!) but he won’t, so I drag my dripping wet, half washed body out of the shower and outside to supervise, clothed in a towel, the 4 year old peeing in the yard.
Our house is a 1950 cape. I love the general simplicity of the house- no wasted space are the rooms are small (I too find enormous rooms a bit silly). We have hardwood floors throughout the house which are beautiful especially now that we just paid to refinish them. We have built in bookcases in the living room and I love those. We have a screen porch which is a delightful thing to have in my opinion!
What I don’t like about our house - too small (1200) not enough storage. No mudroom or garage. Only one bathroom. The front door opens into the living room. These are all things that are not unusual for a 1950 cape and never bothered me until our family grew.
Overall I find as I peruse listings that I immediately know what a house was built more recently and I don’t like them. Most houses (in our price range) built after 1990 seem to have no character to me. I gravitate towards houses that were built in 1900-1960s but have since been updated. They look modern and beautiful but retain some of the old charm.
Loves: LVP. We put it in our beach house and it is awesome. It's a wood grain, really thick, and just the best for that house. Painted fireplaces. We originally were going to do stackstone in our primary (it's standard red brick currently), but since we painted the brick one at the beach house (it was white textured brick before, we painted it navy), I think we're going to do that in the primary too. Taupe paint--it's my favorite neutral.
Hates: Kitchen cabinets that don't go all the way to the ceiling. I'm tall (5'10") so maybe that makes me feel differently that someone who is 5'2", but damn, what a waste of space. Even if I as a tall person couldn't reach, I'd use a step-stool. That's a way better alternative than dead space above a long-ass row of cabinets. Sink/cooktop in the island. That's what we have now in our primary home, and it's the worst. Tan paint. Skinny plank hardwood floors: I think it'd be more tolerable if the stain was dark, but what we have now sucks--it's a medium brown skinny plank and I hate it. Agree w/ PPs re: sitting rooms in the master; we have that and it is the biggest waste of space. I'd take an expanded walk-in closet, or laundry room, or really anything instead of that.
If you'd asked me when I bought my first "house" (condo) in my mid-20's what I loved vs. hated my list would have been totally different. In a way I'm really glad that we weren't able to buy our forever home until we were 40 due to H's job moving us every few years, because I was able to live in a lot of different homes and discover all kinds of things I hate that I previously would have thought I'd love. Some of them are:
-Huge master bedrooms--like everyone else has said, it's just wasted space -Laundry in the basement -Open floor plans of any kind--I do not want to see my dirty dishes while I'm trying to relax on the couch after dinner -Homes without a basement or totally separate space for kids to play loudly without the noise driving me nuts -Tiny backyards and/or huge front yards -Homes built right to the property line -Dark flooring -Tile floors -Huge pantries--I found that we tended to overbuy and then forget about things that were hidden behind other stuff. -Stupid architectural details that require me to dust more--kitchen cabinets that don't go all the way up to the ceiling also fall into this category -White kitchen countertops
Things I love: -Skylights (not in the bedroom, though) -Having separate home office space for both me and H -Natural light -Double ovens -Multiple access points for outdoor spaces--we have a sliding door onto the deck from our room as well as one off the living room, and I swear we use the deck more often because we can get to it from several places in the house -Double sinks in the master bathroom
We live in a condo, so I pretty much hate anything that wastes space. Also hate barn doors unless on an actual barn, sterile white walls, and open concept as I previously mentioned in the UO thread (turns out maybe it's not so UO lol).
I also really hate houses that have no entryway closet or anywhere to take off your coat/shoes.
I love Portuguese tiles, plus lots of styles of houses that would look odd in coastal BC but look amazing elsewhere. Oh, and I like parquet - I don't get why people here hate it so much.
I love high ceilings and large open kitchen/family rooms. I love large islands as an eat in kitchen. I love mud rooms and separate laundry rooms and lots of storage and organized closets. I love detailed architecture, even if it’s a bit excessive like multiple rooflines, but not too crazy and it has to look congruent. And I love lots of natural lights and skylights. I like jack and Jill bathrooms between kid rooms and I like having two en suites so guests can have their own bathroom. Also love well done landscaping with usable outdoor living space.
I also like old original houses to see the details and think it’s super cool but I wouldn’t want to live in one. Like my brothers old Victorian is super cool and has an amazing attic and front/back staircases, butler pantry, etc but it’s not my style.
Don’t like: Overly elaborate trim lots of small boxy rooms with too many doors Pedestal sinks Decorated glass - except original stained glass detailing Kitchens without enough storage or counter space Carpet Elaborate curtains Built in things that always end up looking dated Rooms without lighting. We like it bright
My real theory though is do what you love and if you hate it in 20 years change it.
I absolutely loathe fireplaces with those windows right above them. I don't know why that was so popular with builders for a short time in the early 2000s.
Speaking of the super bright white house trend with black windows, it is SO common in my new construction area. They look great personally but I do wonder whether or not this is just a trend. Like will they look cool still in 10-20 years?
Our house is a creamy white (w some gray shakes/black shutters) with white windows lol so probably not as “cool” now but has a bit more classic look in my opinion.
Don't like - 2 story houses that are just boxes. You walk in and immediately know where everything is. I'll take a split level ranch any day. Shiplap, barn doors and all of the associated kitschy crap Open shelving in kitchens Random columns Cheap laminate cabinetry that looks like plastic Mismatched wood floors - cherry over here, oak over there. Wtf, pick one and stop being cheap. Totally open showers seems like they'd be cold Garish tile backsplashes - especially the ones from the early 2000s with the skinny rectangular tiles in a handful of alternating colors No trees on the property
But what pains me more than anything is walking into a house that is a particular style and then the owners tried to make it into something else. Mid century - or anything modern - that someone tried to turn into Italian or French Provincial or something like that. Stop it. Go buy a different house that is more suited to your tastes.
We spent the last 6 months looking at houses and I have seen some things...
OP, I promise you would NOT prefer to all share one bathroom than to have a Jack and Jill bathroom. [
lol. Yeah, I might not now that I wouldn’t be the one with the Jack and Jill. As a kid, the next place we lived we all four shared one bathroom and there were many fewer problems.
As an adult, I’d rather put in a powder room or hall bath so guests don’t have to go through a bedroom to pee. In a house with more than one, at least one toilet should be convenient.
I see them all over the Zillow listings in my area. And it makes no sense with the all 90s builder basic cloned homes around me. It's so odd. Usually they install the barn door in the primary/master bedroom going into the bathroom, since so many of these homes are lacking a real door.
Now a barn door in a barn, or farmhouse, sure, that makes sense. :-)
OH there are some beautiful old homes here with the original wood for windows, doorways, doors, trim, etc. It is beautiful, I would NEVER paint that white!
Yes, the previous owners painted half the wood trim in this house white but left the rest.. very odd! I really like the wood trim.
We are about to move out of a home with an open living plan on the 1st floor. We lack walls for bookcases and furniture, and it really frustrates me. Our next home (which we're renovating) is more divided, which will take some getting used to. BUT it has ample wall space for bookcases, a piano, and other furniture that would be pushed against a wall. It also has closets in the main living areas because there are actually walls...!
When we lived in Georgia, we had a mudroom, which ended up being a great spot for my treadmill and spin bike, lol.
Now that we live in a place that is snow or mud like 3/4 of the year, and sand the other 1/4, give me all the spaaace for a mudroom. We’re thinking of bumping ours out further because bags and coats overfloweth. Are you doing built in cabinets/bench? I’d love to see the finished product. Fancy mudroom designs are my current obsession.
Come over for an actual tour, neighbor!
I say it’s about time! Let me know if you’re headed in my direction this summer, too
I have the strongest opinions about kitchen design.
Hate: Kitchen faucets with turn knobs rather than a single handle. I need to be able to use my elbow to turn on the sink if I have raw meat germs all over my hands.
Anything on surface of kitchen island, but especially a cooktop. It’s super inefficient to vent vs having against a wall.
U-shaped kitchens where the sink is nestled at the bottom of the U and the dishwasher is right there on the side. How do you wash dishes and load the sink?
Side by side fridges/freezers
Tile countertops
Love: Induction cooktops. Had one in a rental in Europe and immediately wanted one for our own home. Gas isn’t an option anyway.
Long pulls vs two knobs on lower drawers.
Under cabinet lighting
Quartz countertops
One large single kitchen sink
Garbage/recycle pullout
Large pantry, which I unfortunately do not have. Trying to space out grocery store visits by stocking up has highlighted how little storage we have.
Pantry cabinets Appliance garages Wall niches Vertical blinds on sliding glass doors Giant master bathrooms with the separate tub taking up a whole wall
Post by penguingrrl on May 8, 2021 19:22:19 GMT -5
Hates: Floor plans with only one “living” space. When we go to SILs the kids want to watch a movie and the adults don’t and it turns into the adults talking louder then the kids turning the volume up. It’s not fun. We have a formal living room and separate family room and they’re not related as far as audio issues and I like it so much better.
Carpet. After moving into my house and seeing how much dirt and dust were left when we removed the carpet when the seller was a seeming neat freak I was so grossed out
Most newer builds because they tend to have inadequate sound insulation from room to room and ridiculously oversized primary bedrooms (I only sleep in mine and don’t go in much otherwise, I don’t need it to be big)
Love; My formal living and dining rooms. I sit in my living room daily and use the dining room at least weekly if not more. We don’t have a TV in my living room and it’s just for reading or entertaining guests (which we do often when it’s not a pandemic) and it’s nice to have a space totally separate from the kids and their tv show/video game to entertain.
The trim in my 1926 house. It’s all original and so pretty. It has been painted white, which isn’t historically accurate but is a look I personally prefer.
White cabinets. They make the room nice and bright. And I’ve never had an issue with them looking dirty, they wipe easily.
Post by MixedBerryJam on May 8, 2021 21:06:06 GMT -5
I had no idea passions flowed So freely regarding home design! I haven’t read all the replies yet but I have two, I think. I am terrified of spiral staircases. Don’t put two up-and-down studio apartments together, connect them with a spiral staircase, put up a couple of paper screens and call it a two bedroom starter home. Does the purchase price include the cost of my broken leg? No.
Also, garages that face front. Also, of all the options for increasing curb appeal out there, you’re gonna throw some olde tyme-y wrought iron stable latches on a triple garage door that I can’t even open with a remote? Next!
Nonny in that pic you posted about the window, what in the world is the point of those curtains?! 🤣🤣
LOL! I just grabbed a random photo and was so focused on the grid windows that I didn't even notice the curtains. It's like earrings for your window I guess.
OH there are some beautiful old homes here with the original wood for windows, doorways, doors, trim, etc. It is beautiful, I would NEVER paint that white!
Yes, the previous owners painted half the wood trim in this house white but left the rest.. very odd! I really like the wood trim.
When we sell our place the next owners will probably say the same about us. I just personally despise all the wood trim in our house and we’ve painted it in some rooms but not others. It’s not an “old” home (1989) so it just looks dated to me. I told H I will never, ever buy another house with this much wood trim unless he signs in blood that we will hire someone to come and paint it all in one full sweep.
I’ve been looking at a lot of home listings lately:
Hate: -A massive Master suite with seating area and then 3-5 tiny bedrooms. I would much rather have all bedrooms roughly equally-sized or just one slightly larger Master. - No mudroom or entryway - Dining room right off entrance and away from the kitchen. I love and want a dining room, but I noticed a lot of floor plans stuck them right at the entrance (and carpeted!) and away from the kitchen.
Love: - Outdoor space (front and back porches) - Laundry rooms - Eat in kitchen - Bedrooms on the same level (I have a young kid and a Master on one level and rest of the bedrooms on a different level doesn’t work for me) - playroom/play area - a lot of natural light
Most other things are cosmetic - like flooring choices (prefer non-carpet) and updating bathrooms/closets. But I have seen a lot of floor plans and outdoor spaces that are just not ideal.
Dislike farmhouse decor, barn doors etc, words everywhere (I am guilty of having 2 chalkboards - currently looking for artwork to replace them!) formal living rooms heavy black furniture (I loved it in the early 2000s), red decor, ornate furniture tile with squiggly edges (not sure how to describe it) that was popular in the early 2000s, slate tile, tiled countertops. hate having our bedroom facing the street and above the garage (it’s cold in the winter and hot in the summer) I grew up with a Jack and Jill bathroom and hated it. I hate hate hate open shelving in the kitchen. I don’t know who is neat enough to keep it looking nice but it isn’t me.
Love: mid century (doesn’t have to be authentic, I love West Elm) peacock blue contrast cabinet colors like white on the outer cabinets and blue or grey for the island ceiling fans (don’t care that every designer on hgtv thinks they’re ugly... do these people never get hot?) I’m team open floor plan for lyfe (but we don’t have kids). Love greige and mixing a few warmer items with cooler tones. coming around to house plants and more natural elements Big showers over big tubs (we have a tiny shower and I hate it). LOVE our LVP floors. They look great but we’re clumsy and the floors can handle it.
OH there are some beautiful old homes here with the original wood for windows, doorways, doors, trim, etc. It is beautiful, I would NEVER paint that white!
We once saw a house that didn’t just paint the beautiful and detailed old trim white. In one room, they painted the window trim 4 different color. Like the top piece was red, the bottom was blue and then the sides were green and yellow. Our realtor and I both nearly cried.
We're house hunting a bit and have looked at both new and old homes.
Love: masters with no tub but a huge shower with a seat
Second floor laundry
Double master closets
Second floor open loft/sitting room. For either office or kids hangout.
Hate: This is NOT common but saw in a house yesterday and I cannot get over it. Master on first floor (fine) but it had TWO (the ONLY two) doors to the patio area. So guests either had to go through the master or the garage and around or from the front yard there was a gate too. Dumbest "custom option" ever.
Also, too many rooms in the main living area/floor. I just want ONE big open room for the kitchen/eat in/living. Maybe, an office. Maybe. But really I'd prefer no formal living or dining area.
And after reading through all of these, I may have talked myself out of moving. We have redone every single room on our house except the master bath (next on the list) extensively, to our tastes and I love it. Sure there are still some things I'd love to not have or change but nothing will be perfect and we're not up to as many projects as we were. We're tired, lol.
Only reason we were going to move was to a specific neighborhood that would be awesome for the kids, and probably us, but they'll be gone in the blink of an eye.
Not so much a design thing, but functionality. A lot of the homes built around here from the early 2000’s and earlier don’t have any lighting in the bedrooms. You have to provide it with lamps. It was an annoyance when we moved in and then a friend who is house hunting commented on noticing that about so many houses. Not one of our 3 bedrooms has any installed lights. They do all have ceiling fans though, but those may have been put in by previous owners and not original to the house.
OMG this is the worst. Our house does not have any overhead lighting in the bedrooms. Nor does it have ceiling fans. I keep wanting to put in lighting but don't want to deal with the dry wall repair and painting lol.
Maybe someone has said this in 4 pages, but (a) this was a builder cost savings thing. So annoying. And (b) as long as you have an open attic above, you shouldn’t need any drywall repair or painting. So easy peasy on the top floor.