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House Beautiful published a report on 13 home features that a group of designers said they would avoid in their own spaces because of installation demands, maintenance, cost or limited practicality. The supplied report details eight of the features, including zellige and cement tile, waterfall islands, smart-home packages and freestanding tubs; it does not provide details for the other five.
House Beautiful has published a report on 13 home features that designers said they would not choose for their own spaces, citing trade-offs such as high maintenance, installation challenges, cost and limited everyday usefulness. The supplied text describes eight of the 13 features, and frames the advice as expert opinion rather than a universal verdict on what homeowners should install.
The examples described include zellige tile and cement tile, both praised for their appearance but flagged for upkeep. Jamie Chappell of Fireclay Tile said handmade zellige pieces vary in size and thickness, which can slow installation; she also said the surface can chip, craze and stain, and needs regular sealing. Chappell described cement tile as porous and susceptible to staining and etching, with sealing and careful maintenance required. She also cited its weight and labor-intensive installation, as well as the water and energy involved in making it.
For kitchens, designers Yvonne Harty and Brieanna Cunningham raised concerns about waterfall islands, saying they can add cost while reducing storage, seating and options for outlet placement. Harty also warned that exposed corners can chip. Cunningham suggested using an attractive stone slab as a backsplash instead, while Harty proposed a furniture-style island. Cunningham separately criticized expensive smart-home packages, saying systems can malfunction, lose connectivity or encounter software-update problems.
The other examples in the supplied report are white linen furniture, built-in coffee makers, disposable furniture and freestanding tubs. Designer Jessica Alpert said white linen is difficult to keep clean, particularly in busy homes, and that built-in coffee makers require frequent cleaning and maintenance. Cara Shahbandi of Stanton Home Design recommended saving for durable furniture rather than buying low-quality pieces likely to need replacement. Harty said a freestanding tub may be awkward in a small bathroom, where cleaning behind it can be difficult; an alcove or deck-mounted tub may work better for daily use.
The report highlights a practical question for people planning renovations: how a feature works after installation can matter as much as how it looks in a showroom or online. Sealing requirements, cleaning access, repairs and replacement costs can affect the long-term value of a decision, especially when a renovation budget is limited.
These are designers’ judgments, not product-performance tests. A homeowner may still prefer handmade tile, a statement island or a freestanding tub, but the reported trade-offs can help prompt more specific questions before committing: What upkeep is required, what happens if a component fails, and does the layout suit the household’s routines?
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The Features Covered in the Report
The article addresses renovation decisions ranging from finishes and furniture to appliances and technology. Its framing reflects concern that fast-moving home trends can encourage people to spend on features that may be difficult to maintain or less functional than expected. The experts quoted focus on practical experience and potential drawbacks, rather than arguing that every listed feature is unsuitable for every home.
The source material provided here contains full descriptions of eight items, although the headline promises 13. It does not include the names or supporting comments for the remaining five, so they cannot be reported on from this material.
““Because each piece is handmade, there’s a lot of variation in size and thickness, making installation slow and tricky.””
— Jamie Chappell, Fireclay Tile
Limits of the Supplied List
The source text does not name five of the 13 features promised in the headline, and it does not give a publication date. The article also does not provide comparative cost data, maintenance schedules, product testing or evidence that the cited drawbacks apply to every product or installation. The comments should be understood as attributed professional opinions, not a finding that the features are inherently poor choices.
Questions to Ask Before Renovating
For readers weighing similar projects, the report points toward checking installation requirements, ongoing care and repair access before making a purchase. Homeowners can ask designers and contractors how a material performs in their specific room, what maintenance it needs, and whether a less costly or more practical alternative would meet the same need. The source provides no further reporting or follow-up date.
Key Questions
Which home features are described in the supplied report?
The text describes zellige tile, cement tile, waterfall islands, smart-home packages, white linen furniture, built-in coffee makers, disposable furniture and freestanding tubs. It does not identify the other five features referenced by the headline.
Why did the designers raise concerns about zellige tile?
Jamie Chappell said handmade pieces can vary in size and thickness, making installation slow and difficult. She also said the tile can chip, craze and stain and needs regular sealing.
Are waterfall islands or freestanding tubs always impractical?
No. The report presents designers’ concerns, not a rule for every home. Its comments focus on factors such as limited storage or seating, exposed corners, bathroom size and access for cleaning.
What information is missing from the source?
The supplied text omits five items from the 13-feature list and gives no publication date, comparative cost analysis or independent product testing.
Source: housebeautiful.com
