Thanks to shows like ‘Fixer Upper’ and websites like Pinterest, home design and remodelling have become more popular than ever. So much so, that one 2019 survey found 9 out of 10 homeowners have plans to remodel their house.
In general, DIYing has become nearly as popular as remodelling. While most people understand certain things should be left to the professionals, some design trends seem “easy” enough to tackle on your own. But, that isn’t always the case.
The problem with the recent home design “boom” is that there are some trends that can do more harm than good. They might be ridiculously expensive, impossible to DIY, or downright dangerous for your overall well-being.
So, whether you have an outdated house you’re trying to remodel, or you just want your home to better showcase your sense of style, let’s take a closer look at three dangerous home design trends you might want to rethink before trying yourself.
1. Vintage Looks
What’s old is new again, even in the world of home design. Many people are opting for “farmhouse” or rustic trends in their houses, which can create cozy, comforting feelings. But, some old-fashioned trends need to remain in the past.
For example, if you’re interested in vintage appliances for your kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom, you could be harming both your health and your electric bill. Some hazards associated with old appliances include:
- Exposure to toxic gases
- Asbestos
- Fire hazards
- No safety measures in place
If you’re already in an older house, you might try to save money on your remodel by using pre-hung doors or leaving the old doors in place. Unfortunately, they aren’t very energy efficient. Pre-hung models can actually develop gaps on the bottom or sides, requiring you to seal them just to maintain some kind of energy efficiency. Choosing to upgrade your home with energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors can still allow you to achieve a rustic look without causing harm to yourself or your wallet.
2. Ceiling Changes
Today, some of the most common ceiling trends include mirrors, carvings, and mouldings. In the 1960s-1980s, however, a different trend was taking over the country, but it’s not as delicious as it sounds.
Popcorn ceilings were popular in the mid-20th century, adding a textured look to ceilings that sparked visual interest. As with many things from that era, the look has gone out of style in recent years. If you live in an older house and you want to make a change to a more current trend, you might be tempted to scrape away your popcorn ceiling and start over.
Doing so could have serious health repercussions.
Most popcorn ceilings used different substances to create textured “bumps”, including asbestos. If your home was built before 1985 and has popcorn ceilings, you can be fairly certain it contains asbestos. If you remodel, you run the risk of breathing that in, increasing your risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung conditions.
That doesn’t mean you need to live with popcorn ceilings forever. If you’re concerned about asbestos in your ceiling, the best thing to do is call a professional. Hiring an expert certified in asbestos removal will ensure the safety of you and your family. It’s only after everything is safely cleared away that you should even begin to think about touching your ceilings.
3. Exposed Brick
In addition to farmhouse trends coming into style, industrial looks are also growing in popularity. That has encouraged many homeowners to feature exposed brick in areas like their kitchen or living room.
Exposed brick is a great way to add warmth to a room, especially if you discovered it behind a wall that had been sealed over. But, whether you installed it yourself or found it, this trendy look can be dangerous. Some of the cons of brick walls include:
- They’re hard to clean
- They aren’t energy-efficient
- They hold onto dirt and water
That last point is really what can cause harm when you’re dealing with exposed brick. Remember, brick is porous. That makes it easy for water to get trapped inside, which can lead to mold development. Certain types of mold can cause damage to the overall structure of your home. More importantly, it can cause respiratory issues. If you have a family member who is immunocompromised or already struggles with issues like asthma or allergies, mold can make their symptoms worse.
If you want to unleash your inner HGTV host, there are plenty of home renovation and design options to choose from. But, before you start any project, it’s important to know the risks. In doing so, you can decide which projects are worth it to “DIY” and which ones are better suited for professionals. Keep these dangerous home design trends in mind as you consider remodelling your space, and consider starting with something a bit easier and safer to achieve the look and feel you want.