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50 Hilariously Bad Architecture, Construction, And Design Fails That Left Everyone Confused
There are countless architectural masterpieces that leave us in awe, and then there are the ones that leave us utterly confused. We’re talking about architecture, construction, and design fails that make zero sense.
From staircases that lead to nowhere to doors that open straight into walls, we’ve compiled a list of blunders so absurd they’ll make you laugh, cringe, and wonder how they were ever approved in the first place.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The “Sideways House”
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#2
My Grandparent’s Carpeted Bathroom
Bored Retsuko 3 months ago
I take a lot of pride in growing my own. But there's no shame in buying pre-mildewed!
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Nicole Weymann 3 months ago
Thinking back a generation or five "bathrooms" were a combo of outhouses for daily business, and movable tubs, shared every Saturday, one person after another in a drafty room. In terms of luxury I think the next big steps were "indoors, permanently installed and WARM/cosy". I guess it took another generation to realise that moist, warm rooms had better not have "cosy" floors, too.🤷
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#3
The Entrance Of Possible Death
Tabitha 3 months ago (edited)
Maybe not enemies, since the drop isn’t deep enough. It has to be a bottomless pit if you’re dropping enemies in there. Otherwise they can crawl back out. It’s probably just people they mildly don’t like today.
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John Dilligaf 3 months ago
you've heard of the mother-in-law house? I present the mother-in-law door.
Melinda Flick 3 months ago
The one side is likely fixed and doesn’t open at all. I know quite a few people with doors like that. Not beautiful, and I don’t like them, but they exist. HOPEFULLY that’s the case here.
We all love saving our hard-earned money wherever possible, don’t we? Whether it’s cutting corners by finding clever little hacks, or scrolling through Pinterest to make it your personal designer, the joy of creating something on a budget is real. Of course, saving money doesn’t mean compromising on style. With some creativity, you can make any corner of your home look magazine-worthy. And honestly, isn’t that the dream?
#4
Honey! Check It Out, Our New Apartment Comes With A Balcon- Ahhhhh!!
Tabitha 3 months ago (edited)
It’s possible that, at some point in the house’s history, there were stairs up to that door, like you’d have if there was an apartment on the top floor, and in the years since, either the stairs just fell apart and weren’t replaced, thereby forcing the tenant to come and go through one door (which is illegal, btw, because there have to be TWO exits in case of fire), or new owners didn’t want an apartment upstairs, so removed the private entry stairs. There are houses in neighborhoods that started out good and filled with families with kids, then the kids grew up, people moved away, and the neighborhood went the first step downhill, and what were single family homes got cut up into apartments, and eventually the neighborhood started becoming gentrified, and people bought those houses intending to convert them back to single family dwellings.
David Paterson 3 months ago
You'll notice that the bottom part is open separately from the upper half. By just opening the top half, you stop your horse from jumping out.
Nikki Sevven 3 months ago
Likely this photo was taken prior to construction of stairs to provide a fire escape.
#5
Nice Now This Is Useless
Lila Allen 3 months ago
Most restaurants " handicapped entrance" is through the kitchens from the alleyway behind the garbage dumpsters... my kid is in a wheelchair. I assure you it does not feel welcoming.
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#6
Infamous House In My Hometown. Yes, Those Are Stairs
Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
Eh...most houses I've seen have the auto parked in front 'cause the garage is full of too much stuff.
murmelinpaiva 3 months ago
I had to put my foot down about our hoarded garage after the squirrels built a nest in the engine compartment of my car. They were chewing the wiring and putting the headlights out.
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lucy smith 3 months ago (edited)
TBF a teenage me would have loved that for band practice...looks like a little stage! Beats practice in my mates dad's woodwork shed that smelled like we were one bad fuse away from a terrible explosion.
Bored Sailor 3 months ago
I park in my garage and with my Wrangler I could park in this one as well.
David Paterson 3 months ago
I lived in a house where the double garage was converted into a shop.
Load More Replies... Of course, while saving money is great, there are moments where calling in a professional is absolutely necessary. These posts are a perfect reminder of that. Some projects really can’t be DIY’d without the risk of turning into a complete disaster.
But in plenty of other areas, from decor to layout, you can get creative and save big. It’s all about knowing when to splurge and when to save. And yes, sometimes those hilarious fails are proof of what happens when people get the balance completely wrong.
#7
Trying To Prevent Cyclists From Using The Ramp, By Blocking The Passage To Everyone With Wheels (Strollers, Wheelchairs, Etc)
dean tirmizi 3 months ago
this is a common thing, you just go around the barriers with wheel chair and stroller
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justanotherweirdo 3 months ago
The signs don’t have a slash through it, so shouldn’t it be allowed?
L.V 3 months ago
What's wrong with cyclist using the ramp? Motorcyclists definitely shouldn't, but I don't see who cyclists shouldn't be able to use it
Anne Roberts 3 months ago
So obese people and even pregnant women might have a hard time getting through those
Joe James 3 months ago
Cyclists ruin everything 🤷♂️ Run red lights, hold up traffic, endanger themselves, literally ruin everything. They get mad and start yelling when you try to pass them when they are going 10mph. Start yelling obscenities when they ard riding 3 wide hogging the lane and you are trailing them. Can't satisfy a cyclist. The roads were built for them. And they always want to use the most unreasonable roads. Can't be reasonable about it.
#8
"Don't Come Down The Stairs! I'm Pooping!"
#9
This One Certainly Stands Out
Lila Allen 3 months ago
It's just so utterly purposeless and odd.. deserves a reappearance or two
Load More Replies... For example, if you’re designing a room on a budget, the very first step is to set a realistic spending plan. Don’t underestimate how quickly costs add up. A rug here, a lamp there, and suddenly your credit card bill looks scary. That’s why you need to start with clear numbers in mind. Figure out what you can afford and break it down into categories like furniture, decor, and accessories. That way, you’ll know exactly where your money is going.
#10
My Uncle's House Got A Bathroom Without A Door, Literally The First Thing You See When You Enter The House
Lila Allen 3 months ago
I could never ever even if I was alone in the house
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Lousha 3 months ago
Well, I've been to a house that had a toilet without even walls... Just a - working! - toilet halfway up the stairs that led to the second floor.
Mi So 3 months ago
I just saw a Toronto real estate listing (on Degrassi St) that had a “bedroom” in the basement, with the bed facing the washer, dryer, big laundry tub sink, & a toilet. They at least had the courtesy to hang a curtain, but…😬 awkward. I don’t think there was even a door at the top of the stairs.
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Child of the Stars 3 months ago
At my parents' house, the bathroom in the master bedroom has no door. It's very weird to use, even though you can just close the bedroom door for privacy.
#11
I’d Fall Down The Stairs Every Morning
Ghostchaplain16 3 months ago
One spouse ad purchased a large life insurance plan, and the other spouse made this alteration, perhaps?
#12
This Bathroom In My Dad's New House. I’m 6’1”. The Room Is So Short They Had To Cut Holes In The Ceiling Over The Toilet And Sink So You Can Stand Up
Trillian 3 months ago
They would actually rather cut a hole in the ceiling than just pee sitting down like a civilized person???
Blackmoon The Dragon 3 months ago
Probably more for the idea that you need to stand up when you are washing your hands or leaving the bathroom- although yea that's a fair point XD
Load More Replies... SchadenFreudian Psychology 3 months ago
Well, you don’t HAVE to grow really tall. Stop at 5’2”, like I did!
Blue Bunny of Happiness 3 months ago
I lived in a flat that had sloping ceilings as it was in the roof space. As a woman, I had no problems. My 5’ 8” male friend came out of the bathroom incredulous as to how anyone used the toilet. I had to point out the obvious difference in how we used it.
Once you have your budget, the next thing is planning and research. Don’t just rush to the store and grab the first couch you see. Take time to gather inspiration, make a mood board, and compare styles. Pinterest, Instagram, and even thrift store catalogs can be lifesavers when you’re figuring out what vibe you want. Researching prices also helps you avoid overspending, since you’ll know what’s worth the money and what isn’t.
#13
A Combination No One Has Ever Wanted
Nuku Nyara 3 months ago
I'd only find the shower head helpful to clean the pee around the urinals
#14
They Put A Bed, On Top Of The Stairs
Svenne O'Lotta 3 months ago
That's really neat for when you have a sleepover and you don't like any of your friends
#15
These Stairs Where You Have To Hug The Wall Or Sprain Ur Ankle
Horosho Bodka 3 months ago
it's a good compromise for disabled and non-disabled access. Both will be annoyed.
PurpleTribe 3 months ago
Steven Holl may be keeping a low profile after the library in Queens, NY disaster, but there are signs his firm is still busy. “We see your Holl architect library and raise it by a Holl architect staircase.” ADA: nailed it (ADA = American Disability Act, referring to building accessibility codes)
Another great way to save is to hunt for sales and discounts. That beautiful piece you’ve been eyeing might be too expensive today, but wait a little and you may find it at half the price. Seasonal sales, clearance sections, and even online flash deals are all worth checking. Patience is key here, sometimes you need to hold back instead of making impulse buys. The reward? A gorgeous piece of furniture or decor that doesn’t blow your budget.
#16
How Do You Like Your Windows?
Lotekguy 3 months ago
The home doubles as a showroom for the window salesman, even though the rest of the family thought they were a real pane.
PurpleTribe 3 months ago
Homeowner: I’d like them installed to look like ’m in the middle of an ayahuasca experience. Contractor: say no more
#17
The World's Most Pointless Gate
James016 3 months ago
This is a great visual representation of what happens when BBC iPlayer asks if you have a TV licence.
Lila Allen 3 months ago
I have a friend whose dog would be stymied by this gate. They removed their fence but left the wrought iron gate while waiting to rebuild and that dog would stop and whine to be let through the gate every single time.
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Michael Melfa 3 months ago
Videogame logic says the door is locked and you have no way to continue without finding the key.
#18
This Toilet At My Sister's House
ChickyChicky 3 months ago
I would say the Netherlands. Can't tell if the toilet has a poop shelf from this angle though.
Verena 3 months ago
No shelf, but indeed looks like a typical Dutch "we don't waste space for useless features like toilets and stairs"-house from the 1950s thru 2010s.
Load More Replies...Then there’s the magic of second-hand markets and thrift stores. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find if you’re willing to dig a little. Lamps, vintage chairs, quirky shelves, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. And best of all, you’ll often find unique pieces that no one else has, which gives your home more personality.
#19
I Was Wondering Why I Kept Ending Up On The 4th Floor After Pressing 2
ElfVibratorGlitter 3 months ago
Does the lift stop like halfway on one floor and half on the other?
#20
Practical Bathroom
Mreoww 3 months ago
For display purposes only. For those who like to display this sort of stuff.
Lila Allen 3 months ago
It looks very unsupported. I'd be afraid it would come crashing down while in use
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#21
What Is The Purpose Of This?
les 3 months ago
it probably an old school. they had the blackboards on wheels so they could be shared among classes. the notch lets them do the moving
Another clever trick is to revive and repurpose what you already have. Before you toss out an old dresser or table, ask yourself if it could be saved with a little TLC. Sometimes, all it takes is a coat of paint, new hardware, or sanding down to give it a fresh new look. Repurposing also challenges your creativity; you start seeing potential where others see junk. And let’s face it, breathing life into something old can be incredibly satisfying.
#22
Ah Yes, A Crotch Level Shower Window
#23
I’ve Tripped In The Kitchen But Never On My Way To The Kitchen…
Lila Allen 3 months ago
I can practically feel my ankle twisting just looking at this
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#24
Sort By: Random
lucy smith 3 months ago
It's got a swimming pool, so not so far fetched. Although I'm not trusting an elevator in the TARDIS I'd hope in to take the shopping to the kitchen and end up in wartime Nuremberg.
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If you’re really looking to stretch your budget, DIY is the way to go. From wall art to shelving units, the internet is filled with tutorials that can help you create stylish decor with minimal spending. And the best part? It’s personal. No store-bought item can match the story behind something you made yourself. Of course, not every DIY project will turn out like the Pinterest picture, but hey, that’s part of the fun. You learn as you go, and sometimes those imperfections make the piece even more special.
#25
This Stove In A Premium Airbnb
April Pickett 3 months ago
It would probably be better at the pub. Authentic cuisine and the company would be fine.
Load More Replies... Mi So 3 months ago
Electric ranges often have integrated button control panels (sort of like a microwave's controls).
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Bored Sailor 3 months ago
Some times you have to make do with the space you have or go without. Why ridicule those who can not buy a huge house.
ILoveMySon 3 months ago
It is the placement that is a concern, I believe.
Load More Replies... #26
Why Do I Kinda Like It Tho?
#27
Escalator/Stairs Combo
Ryan Mercer 3 months ago
Had to pair it with the transparent trash can to reach the $15 minimum for shipping.
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When it comes to home décor, there are plenty of clever ways to save money and still create a beautiful space. But let’s be honest, for some things, only a professional can truly get the job done. These posts highlight some of the funniest and most outrageous construction, architecture, and design fails out there. From questionable layouts to baffling design choices, they’ll leave you laughing and scratching your head at the same time. So, which one of these fails had you cracking up the most?
#28
Door In The Floor
Day Andie 3 months ago
My in-laws had one like this. Door opened out of the hallway like this, then there was *two steps* up to the sliding doors off the kitchen to the left, but only *one* step up to the covered deck. More sprained ankles than you can count. Three weeks after my knee surgery I was helping my husband carry a light but awkwardly long rug through the kitchen. His stepping down the kitchen steps off-balanced me, and I tripped and landed smack on that knee on the deck step. My knee surgeon was PISSED! Not sorry when that house was sold.
#29
The Place I Just Moved Into Has This Infuriating Drawer In The Kitchen
#30
Closet Space
StarCrossedFriday 3 months ago
And for Slenderman if he needs a place for the night.
Load More Replies... lucy smith 3 months ago
A closet for who?? Tommy from the Morlocks in Xmen?? A bit of a niche reference but someone will get it....right?
#31
The More I Look At This House, The Worse It Gets
Ozymandias73 3 months ago
At first, I thought the windows on the main door were the only oddball thing. Then I kept looking at the picture.
Kelly H. Wilder 3 months ago
For me, it's the offset steps. I'd break my ankle coming out of the door.
Lila Allen 3 months ago
there is nothing about this picture I can explain
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#32
They Tried To Accommodate For Blind People, But Failed To See The Problem With This Design
Ylime 3 months ago
The bumps on the ground are for blind people but they lead right into the railing.
Load More Replies... #33
Beautiful Parisian Bathroom
Lighting Llama 3 months ago
The more I look at it the worst it gets. Toilet in the middle of the room, the shelves to the left are corner shelves not in a corner, the sink facet looks like it’s in the corner of the sink. What’s going on?
Martin König 3 months ago
Heva you ever been in a room in London, Paddington? This one looks SO COMFY and big in comparison.
Svenne O'Lotta 3 months ago
Lol that's normal when you live in an old European city. By Copenhagen standards, that's a dámn ballroom
#34
Hotel Bathroom Sink With Barely Enough Room For Your Hands Because The Spouts Are Too Long/Low
StarCrossedFriday 3 months ago
Of course, he could have huge hands. If only there was a banana.
Stephanie Did It 3 months ago
I don't think a banana would get his hands very clean.
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#35
Community Features: Lighted Sidewalks
Bored Sailor 3 months ago
This is photoshopped, look at the wet lines and the fuzzy blur to the lower sides of the pole.
Uncle Schmickle 3 months ago
I once bought a newly completed house in a new estate. There was a light pole right in the middle of the drive. No kidding.
lucy smith 3 months ago
Mr Tumnus really let the area surrounding the Lampost loose it's Narnia charms
Johnnynatfan 3 months ago
As soon as they go for inspection to open it to the public they will be made to take it out and do it properly.
#36
This Bathroom In My Neighbor's House
#37
The Ad Literally Says, "Modern Kitchen, Great Layout, Bright And Spacious!"
Babs Ishkabibble 3 months ago
Just wow. All for the convenience of a dishwasher that is anything but?
Alex Martin 3 months ago
How did they install it? There just isn't enough space to maneuver the washer into that space and it it ever breaks there is no room to service the dishwasher unless you hire ant man or plastic man.
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Kate Mothers 3 months ago
How in the he!! do you open and use the dishwasher?! The door can't open all the way, or so it appears.
lucy smith 3 months ago
I feel like some dudes gonna pop up in that window every time I walk into the kitchen like "hey I see you like cabinets! You wanna buy some cabinets"
Jackie Lulu 2 months ago
When you buy all the cabinetry, and then have to make it fit, or else!
#38
Benches Designed By Someone Who Hates The Concept Of Sitting Down
FoxThatHasFennecaphobia 3 months ago
Wouldn't it be possible to lay on the slant?
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John Dilligaf 3 months ago
hostile architecture, so the homeless cannot sleep on them.
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#39
This Is A Mailbox Not Far From My House
I have to drive by it everyday. I desperately want to swerve my Jeep into it to take it out of its misery. I don't think the owner was trying be artistic, he just doesn't know what he's doing.
Lady Eowyn 3 months ago
It looks like his mailbox had been vandalized more than once, and this time he (or she or they) just want to be certain it won't happen again.
BrownEyedGrrl 3 months ago
I love this idea! I've had to replace my mailbox 3 times in 8 months because of some dumbazz hitting it.
Gordon Guitar 3 months ago
it grew around the around the mailbox. It's an invasion. (Plot 31 Sci-Fi TV)
#40
Wheelchair Ramp Or M.C. Escher?
Blue Bunny of Happiness 3 months ago (edited)
Designed to reduced the gradient of the ramp. Ramps for self propelling wheelchair users need to be at least 1:16 and for ambulatory ramps at least 1:12 (at least they were when I was ordering them 25 years ago in the UK.)
Lila Allen 3 months ago
Yeah but by the time you managed to get through this mess your battery would be dead. And standard wheelchair owners would be exhausted
Load More Replies... Stephanie Did It 3 months ago
Attach rubber bumpers to wheelchairs so they go ping ponging down like pinball machines.
#41
I Mean You Could've Rotated The Toilet But Whatever
Tim Douglass 3 months ago
I don't think you can rotate the toilet here. I'm sort of guessing, but it looks to me like where the drain is would put the side of the toilet into the wall if you tried to mount it parallel to the wall. The only way to fix this one is to re-plumb the drain.
camomooey 3 months ago (edited)
They sell offset toilet drain flanges just for that purpose.
Load More Replies... Jen M 1 month ago
But imagine what crawls outta the walls at night. My biggest fear is spiders squeezing out from behind escucheon plates at plumbing penetrations as it is. If this is in a humid climate, this is just asking for a bug invasion. No thank you!
Load More Replies... #42
Stairs Everywhere
Debby Keir 3 months ago
If that's in a basement, then perhaps the toilet had to be raised to allow for drainage.
Jen M 1 month ago
Correct answer. The sink and toilet drains are level here. This is the absolute lowest elevator that allows for gravity drainage to the sewer connects without employing a sump pump. And a sump pump that pumps sewage is NOT something you want to have to maintain if you can avoid it by simply creating a very real porcelain throne. All hail the king!!! 👑
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KDav 3 months ago
If you've never passed out and fallen off the toilet, this might make some sense. But for those of us who HAVE, this is a level of dangerous I don't want to consider.
ILoveMySon 3 months ago
Correct. I was quite ill recently and that is a real possibility.
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Pseudonym For An Author 3 months ago
Is it wrong that I kinda want to go somewhere and see this?
Gunný Petersen 3 months ago
Trumps toilet before they put all of the gold on it. the perfect throne for him and suits him well.
#43
I Was Scrolling TikTok And Saw This. Whyyyy Would They Do That
PurpleTribe 3 months ago
Known as a Witch’s window. The 45 degree angle was believed to stop block flying witches from entering. The design was utilitarian because they were used to let light flow in awkward areas especially near or above stairwells.
#44
Just... How? How Would You Even Utilize This??
#45
What A Bathroom
Uncle Schmickle 3 months ago
Is that a " his and hers " ? Reminds me of the ancient Roman public conveniences, where you could sit and have a conversation with your fellow citizen about the affairs of the day.
SchadenFreudian Psychology 3 months ago
If that’s in a bar, some drunk could fall and break their neck. Lawsuit!
#46
Stairs Everywhere (Going Nowhere)
Babs Ishkabibble 3 months ago
Ankle twist special. Fall into the orthopedist, then get your pain meds at the pharmacy!
#47
$1800/Mo 1 Bedroom Apartment In NJ
#48
My Family Got A New House And This Is Where They Put The Light Switch For The Stairs
#49
"Bathroom Window" In Our 12 People Airb&b (Toilet‘s To The Left, Also In Plain Sight)
#50
Why?
BeesEelsAndPups 3 months ago
Yep. That's my guess too. Keeps sewage gases out
Load More Replies... #51
Been Stuck Sitting In This Horrid Chair All Afternoon
#52
This Building Right In Front Of Our Apartment
Mreoww 3 months ago
I was looking at the windows and thinking that’s it’s acceptable. But then I saw the doors.
Janissary35680 3 months ago (edited)
The doors may have opened or were intended to open onto small balconies originally. It's hard to tell from the picture, but it may be that the doors on floors 3 and 4 were never opened or were opened and then subsequently blocked. I can't make sense of the misaligned/nonstandard windows on the top floor except that in Turkey in the past, they would be a sign that the floor was an illegal addition made by bribing construction/building inspectors to look the other way. Given how close it is to the building at the right, the whole structure reeks of illegality.
Load More Replies... Janissary35680 3 months ago
I'm guessing those little windows at the right are bathroom windows.
#53
Elevator At The Department Of Architecture
#54
Saw This Posted To A Community Page, Its Hideous
#55
My Landlords “Carpenter” Hooked Us Up With This Beauty Today
#57
How Would Any Of This Work?
#58
Found This In An Applebees Restaurant I Went To Recently And Had To Take A Picture
Firstname Lastname 3 months ago
Sit the kid there, trap them in so they can't run off. Or the ones who are kids at heart who like sitting in cubbies (like me)
#59
User-Friendly Pool Ladder
#60
Unusual Shower Door Design
Babs Ishkabibble 3 months ago
So you have to walk through the shower to use the toilet? Lovely.
Owen 3 months ago
I think the interesting part is the lack of toilet paper. You just do your business, dance around in the shower for a bit and go about your day. 😂
Load More Replies... #61
This Toilet At The Hotel I Went To
#62
Emergency Exit
#63
The Urinal Is Right In Front Of The Stall Door In A Bathroom At My University
#64
At A Hotel I Am Staying At In Johannesburg. Cool Idea, But Sucks For Anyone In A Wheelchair!
#65
I’m Apartment Hunting And Ran Across This “Bathroom” That Was Apparently Designed By A Psychopath
Jen M 1 month ago
We have a water closet behind a seperate door, within our master suite. So its the main bathroom, tub at the end, shower on one side, double sink on the other, and the water closet behind a seoerate door next to the shower. Its a common master en-suite type design in the US, and allows a couple to both get ready simultaneously. My master closet is also entered from a door next to the tub. I really like the design. Its useful, helpful, efficient.
#66
This Bathroom Design... Chef Kiss
Sara Frazer 3 months ago
I mean, kinda goofy but not the worst... I wish I had that much counter space in my bathroom!
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Tony Bondi 3 months ago
Your ads are some of the most intrusive I've ever seen on a website. Might as well plaster every pixel with ads BP
Gordon Guitar 3 months ago
Great collection, Well Done, You. (now go play that guitar, one can never practice enough.)
Tony Bondi 3 months ago
Your ads are some of the most intrusive I've ever seen on a website. Might as well plaster every pixel with ads BP
Gordon Guitar 3 months ago
Great collection, Well Done, You. (now go play that guitar, one can never practice enough.)
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