3 min readHome additions and renovations are often inspired by the latest trends flooding social media feeds, but not every eye-catching idea is a smart long-term investment. In many cases, these trendy upgrades also come with a hefty price tag that doesn’t necessarily translate into lasting value. The most successful homes are not the ones packed with flashy features, but the ones designed with timeless style, functionality, and the homeowner’s personal lifestyle in mind.
Design experts say it’s important to look beyond the instant “wow” factor before committing to major upgrades. Some design trends may also require high maintenance, reduce usable space, or fail to appeal to future buyers if resale is ever a consideration. Before investing in a major renovation or big-ticket item, it’s worth weighing whether the addition will still feel practical and appealing years from now.
Here are several home upgrades designers would avoid, along with smarter alternatives that offer both style and long-term value.
Cheap Prefab Vanities
It’s easy to cut corners on bathroom costs, but inexpensive prefab vanities often show their price tag over time. The materials and craftsmanship rarely hold up to daily use.
“Cheap and generic prefab vanities can be tempting to use to keep costs down in a small bathroom remodel, but they are often the case of ‘you get what you pay for,’” says LaMarque. “There are many affordable pre-made vanities that are both beautiful, functional, and decently made that will both look and perform better in the long run. Or, you can always opt for a pedestal sink, or a vintage casegood piece and turn it into a vanity.”
Shiplap Walls
Shiplap has had a long run as a go-to feature for adding character, but designers say it’s one of those elements that’s starting to feel tired. Its installation is also surprisingly involved—and expensive.
“Shiplap is an architectural element that we have seen a lot of in recent years, and while it can absolutely add character, charm, and layers to a space, it can be costly to install and paint correctly,” says LaMarque. “Shiplap needs to be dead level, the wall behind it needs to be fairly even, and it really should be sprayed with an ultra-smooth paint finish to look right. If costs to install it correctly are out of your budget, skip the shiplap in favor of a more creative paint color, unique artwork, or even wallpaper with an amazing print or texture.”
Decorative Arches
Arches have popped up in everything from cabinetry to entryways, giving spaces a soft, sculptural touch. But not every home’s architecture can support the look naturally.
“Arches are something that we are seeing a lot at the moment—arched doorways, arched cabinetry, arched case goods, and decorative arched details,” says LaMarque. “While some architecture, such as 1920s Spanish colonial homes, includes arches throughout as a consistent style feature, trendy arches may quickly become a visual highlight that dates your home. Classic lines with subtle details that are timeless will hold up over time and age more effortlessly.”
The “Instagram Pantry”
Perfectly labeled jars, color-coordinated baskets, and rows of decanted cereal may look satisfying, but these pantries require serious upkeep. Designers say the look doesn’t always match how most people live day-to-day.
“I’d say the ‘Instagram pantry’—the hyper-organized, glass-jar-everywhere type—is one trend that doesn’t always justify the cost,” says Lesley Myrick, CEO and principal designer of Lesley Myrick Interior Design. “It looks amazing in photos but requires constant upkeep and isn’t realistic for most families. A well-designed pantry should focus on smart storage (yes, it can still be pretty!) and workflow first; beauty naturally follows when function is dialed in.”
Oversized Showpiece Bathtubs
Large freestanding tubs look luxurious in photos, but they don’t always fit into real-life routines—or bathrooms.
“Another home addition I’d skip is the oversized, showpiece bathtub that rarely gets used,” says Myrick. “They look luxurious, but most clients admit they end up being more decorative than functional. I always tell clients to invest in what they'll use regularly, like a generous walk-in shower or a custom vanity setup that elevates everyday routines. However, if you're a tub person, go ahead and install that gorgeous freestanding tub and enjoy it.”
