Nowadays, who doesn’t go on Pinterest when they are planning a home decor project… or, heck, even just daydreaming about one? The ubiquitous social media site has become the quintessential idea-sharing space of the millennial generation, causing everything from cookie recipes to hairstyles, baby shower ideas to homemade laundry detergent hacks to go viral. Not surprisingly, Pinterest is where many homeowners plan out their “dream home” look before undergoing home-appearance projects, especially those of the DIY variety. But while some things might cool cool on your computer screen, they aren’t always the best idea in real life. Yes, the phrase “Pinterest fail” applies to more than just cake decorating and pictures of newborns posed in carved gourds. Here are some super-trendy home decor ideas that you should not attempt in reality.
Marble Countertops
First on the list? Marble countertops. Sure, you’re sick of granite. Yeah, you want an upscale, neutral material for your kitchen’s biggest feature. But hold your horses, Linda. Something that you ALSO want in a counter material - but you aren’t thinking of it right now - is durability and low-maintenance. Marble covers neither of those categories. As a counter material, it is porous, meaning that it will soak up stains from things spilled or left sitting on it. A few years from now when you plan to sell your home, marble may sound nice, but only if it's held up to the test of time. If it looks dingy or dated, it's a huge investment that may not pay off. Quartz is a lookalike material that’s not only cheaper, but much tougher.
All-White Decor
Next up: all-white decor. Oh, sure, you’ve seen those Pinterest photos of picture-perfect white rooms like something out of a daydream… a fluffy duvet, stacks of pristine pillows, a lush, high-pile carpet, and billowing curtains over an open window, all in shades of snowy white. Cream, white, beige, and other light neutrals are definitely Having a Moment right now. But unless you have no kids, no pets, no guests, and basically nothing to do with your time besides dust, bleach, and scream at visitors to wash their hands, all that white is going to get looking dingy and bleh. How about going with gray, which is another hot neutral, and sticking to a few well-placed white accents?
Wall Stencils
Wall stencils are another trend you’ve seen on social media that you should probably leave alone - unless you have a professional willing to do them for you. Sure, that forest of birch stencil will make your living room look super cool, but you have to have the patience of a saint and the luck of the Irish to keep things from going askew. One slip of the stencil, or one moment where things aren’t lined up perfectly, and bam! - all your hard work now looks like crap. What’s wrong with a regular accent wall? Or peel-and-stick wallpaper… now that’s a trend worth investigating.
Funky Floor Materials
Last on the roll call is funky flooring materials. Yes, we’ve seen that pin of the penny floor. Yes, it looks nifty - but really, who has that many freaking pennies? Also, who has the patience to glue them all down and seal them properly? This last bit is the problem with all those floors constructed of old newspaper, paper grocery bags, or other unusual materials. Flooring is meant to be durable, and to last for many years of hard use. These materials, which are not intended to be used as flooring, can be hard to seal properly, leading to eventual bubbling or damage. And years from now, a future homeowner may not love that newspaper vibe, which means you not only have the upfront work, but you'll have to install proper flooring when you try to sell your home.
In short, think twice before you sink your time and money into a Pinterest-inspired home makeover. You have to consider how long you plan to own the home - if you'll be selling soon then some nutty ideas may just lower your home value. Ask yourself: Is this idea practical for your home and lifestyle? If the answer is a reluctant “no,” best to move on to the next pin.
