10 Horrible Home Features You'll REGRET

Some home upgrades might look incredible on Instagram, but in real life? They're expensive, frustrating, and downright inconvenient. In this post, we’re breaking down 10 horrible home features you’ll regret installing. From trendy kitchen ideas to luxury upgrades that fall flat, you’ll learn exactly what NOT to do in your next remodel.

Watch the full video breakdown here or start your home journey the smart way at www.jebsmith.net/start.

#1: Microwave and Oven Combos

These look sleek in listing photos. One built-in unit, space-saving and modern. But here’s the catch: if the microwave breaks, you're often forced to replace the entire unit—oven and all. Worse, performance usually suffers. The microwave is smaller and less powerful, while the oven is often mid-range at best.

Better Alternative: Buy separate high-quality wall ovens and microwaves. You’ll enjoy better functionality, easier repairs, and longer lifespan.

#2: Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelving is the darling of home decor Instagram. White plates, a splash of greenery, rustic wood? Gorgeous. But the reality is dust, grease, and grime. Unless you're ready to clean your dishes before every use and commit to perfect styling, it turns into a cluttered mess.

Better Alternative: Use cabinets for most storage and reserve 1-2 open shelves for curated decor items.

#3: Oversized or Split Kitchen Islands

Big kitchen islands are hot in design trends, but they often kill your kitchen’s workflow. Islands that are too wide or placed too close to other appliances create traffic jams. Dishwashers, fridges, and cabinets become obstacles. Split islands? They disrupt countertop space and add unnecessary movement while cooking.

Better Alternative: Design islands with at least 42 inches of clearance all around. Prioritize function over size.

#4: Glass Cabinet Doors

Glass cabinets look upscale until you're constantly wiping off fingerprints, smudges, and dust. And unless your dishes are always perfectly styled and matching, the inside of your cabinets will look chaotic. They also crack more easily than you think.

Better Alternative: Use solid cabinet doors and reserve glass for one or two upper cabinets only.

#5: Waterfall Countertops

These countertops look sleek and luxurious—until you bang your shin or struggle to sit at your kitchen island. Waterfall edges are prone to chips and cracks and eliminate valuable legroom for bar stools. Plus, they're expensive to install and repair.

Better Alternative: Invest in quality counters and maximize seating comfort. Save the statement pieces for areas less likely to be abused by kids, stools, and pets.

#6: Open Floor Plans (Without a Private Space)

Open concept homes are beautiful but chaotic when you need quiet. Zoom calls, barking dogs, kids doing homework—all noise echoes through the space. If your home lacks a door, you’re losing essential peace and privacy.

Better Alternative: Have at least one closed room like a den or office. In smaller homes, even a large walk-in closet with a desk can work wonders.

#7: Marble Countertops

There’s no doubt marble is stunning. But it stains, etches, and scratches faster than you’d expect. A little lemon juice or wine spill can cause permanent damage. It’s not just impractical—it’s high-maintenance and fragile.

Better Alternative: Choose quartz that mimics the look of marble. You’ll get beauty without the babysitting.

#8: Home Theaters

Dedicated theater rooms were once the ultimate luxury. But with giant flat-screens and high-quality sound systems available for a fraction of the price, these dark, windowless rooms have become obsolete. Most turn into storage space anyway.

Better Alternative: Create a media or game room that adapts to modern living and multiple uses.

#9: Whirlpool Tubs

They're big, loud, and hard to clean. The jets get grimy, they take ages to fill, and most people don’t even use them. In fact, they usually become storage for towels and bath toys.

Better Alternative: A freestanding soaking tub. It looks elegant, is easy to clean, and actually gets used.

#10: Centerpiece Tubs in Primary Bathrooms

These dramatic, sculptural tubs placed smack in the center of the bathroom may look incredible in photos, but they waste tons of floor space and rarely get used. What people really want? A spa-worthy shower with rain heads, benches, and even steam options.

Better Alternative: Ditch the tub centerpiece and put that space into storage, shower upgrades, or dual vanities.

Final Thoughts: Design for Living, Not Likes

Home features that look good in a listing or online may not serve your daily life. Design for how you actually live, not just how it looks on Instagram. Focus on comfort, longevity, and practicality.

Want more tips like these? Watch the full breakdown here on YouTube and take the next step in your smart home journey at www.jebsmith.net/start.

Have an upgrade you regret? Drop it in the comments and stay tuned for Part 2!