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Good design is about finding the delicate yet pleasing balance between form and function. Though a lot depends on what you want to get done, a good rule of thumb is to keep your designs simple, so that they’re easily understood, practical, and aesthetic. But some people throw the rulebook out the window into the dumpster. And then they wing it.

Even though bad home interior designs are something you should practice social distancing from, you can’t deny that they can be hilarious… as long as it’s not your home we’re talking about! Bored Panda wanted to make you laugh and feel better about having to stay in your lovely home during the lockdown, so we’re bringing you the funniest, most facepalm-worthy interior design fails that prove common sense is actually quite rare.

Are you in the mood for some more horrendous examples of design? Well, once you’re done scrolling through this list and upvoting your fave horrible design pics, we invite you to check out earlier posts about design fails here, here, and here.

#1

Steps That You Can't See

Steps That You Can't See

Paarnahkrin Report

#2

Up The Drain It Goes

Up The Drain It Goes

Winsthorne Report

#3

My Uncle's House Got A Bathroom Without A Door, Literally The First Thing You See When You Enter The House

My Uncle's House Got A Bathroom Without A Door, Literally The First Thing You See When You Enter The House

muurilin Report

Designer Dieter Rams is one of the world’s brightest experts when it comes to design that’s done well. Back in the 1970s, he said that the world was full of “an impenetrable confusion of forms, colors, and noises” and then went on to create his 10 principles for good design. In our opinion, he expressed timeless rules that are as important now as they were back then.

For Rams, good design has to be innovative but also useful. It can’t sacrifice form or function for one or the other: it has to be a blend of both. If a product is self-explanatory, even better! That goes for designs everywhere—if something is over-designed, it can create confusion.

#4

My Friend's Under-The-Stairs "Bathroom" Where The Toilet Is Diagonal And Partially Installed Into The Carpeted Wall

My Friend's Under-The-Stairs "Bathroom" Where The Toilet Is Diagonal And Partially Installed Into The Carpeted Wall

dbqbbq Report

#5

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

aprilcotz Report

#6

Kitchen Made By A Sofa Maker

Kitchen Made By A Sofa Maker

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Similarly, Rams argues that good design is honest, long-lasting, friendly to the environment, has a shelf life longer than current trends, and does away with non-essentials. In short, aim for purity. Show the essence of the design. Do away with what’s unnecessary. More is less.

However, we’re not the only ones who think that bad designs can be a lot of fun (and not just a warning about what to avoid doing). The founders of the Ugly Design Instagram page, Jonas Nyffenegger and Sébastien Mathys, told Bored Panda in an earlier interview that bad designs jump out at people from the screen and grab their attention.

#7

At Least You Don't Have To Reach For It

At Least You Don't Have To Reach For It

Henry Franks Report

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#9

All It Needs Is A Jukebox And A Soda Fountain

All It Needs Is A Jukebox And A Soda Fountain

Czechs_out Report

What’s more, atrocious designs also keep on surprising people. Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of the (Un)Aesthetic Abyss, you realize that it was just the tip of the Iceberg of Bad Taste. What’s more, the founders pointed out that the world would be a very boring place if everything looked tasteful and nice.

#10

Imagine Having To Scrub Or Clean It

Imagine Having To Scrub Or Clean It

IdahoePotatoe Report

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so if you filled in the gaps with an epoxy resin, it might be cool, but this looks impossible to keep clean as it is.

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#11

I Almost Fell Down And Rolled My Ankle On This

I Almost Fell Down And Rolled My Ankle On This

I_am_lazy_15 Report

#12

New Kitchen Style

New Kitchen Style

DrFetusRN Report

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Troux
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate this, but not as much as I hate how much I like this.

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#13

Why Is There Wood Separating The Hallway In Half

Why Is There Wood Separating The Hallway In Half

a-random-pasta Report

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Slinkman
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something was not thought through here. Guess they thought they could ditch the bearing beam.

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#14

Yup, The Fridge Fit Boss

Yup, The Fridge Fit Boss

waconcept Report

#15

My Parents Have A Bathroom With Carpet That Goes Up The Bathtub Walls. Bonus Points For The Terrible Wallpaper

My Parents Have A Bathroom With Carpet That Goes Up The Bathtub Walls. Bonus Points For The Terrible Wallpaper

jbird2525 Report

#16

Who Says Crown Molding Is Overdone?

Who Says Crown Molding Is Overdone?

buckleybuilds Report

#18

Middle Class Fridge. Lower Class Aesthetic

Middle Class Fridge. Lower Class Aesthetic

AcousticHigh Report

#19

It's Not A Mirror, It's A Doorway

It's Not A Mirror, It's A Doorway

daekaz Report

#20

A Shower Designed To Be As Hard To Stand In As Possible

A Shower Designed To Be As Hard To Stand In As Possible

Djuna Ivereigh Report

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Kisses4Katie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lemme just cling to this rock like a derpmaid while water runs over my body

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#21

This Bathroom Covered In Carpet

This Bathroom Covered In Carpet

whyangelinawhy Report

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Chris B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not plain ugly. Somehow it's appealing in a very strange 70s softcore adult movie master bedroom druglord nightmare.

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#22

This Single Square Inch Of Raised Carpet Complete With Lining

This Single Square Inch Of Raised Carpet Complete With Lining

fourskincheeze Report

#23

I Can Just Imagine The Whole House Shaking Like Crazy

I Can Just Imagine The Whole House Shaking Like Crazy

Pashunder Report

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Slinkman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, the air refreshner and toilet paper where placed there with a lot of optimism.

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#25

Imagine Trying To Piss While Drunk

Imagine Trying To Piss While Drunk

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#26

These Stairs Leading To A Bedroom Loft

These Stairs Leading To A Bedroom Loft

zillow.com Report

#27

My Friend Just Finished A Kitchen Remodel

My Friend Just Finished A Kitchen Remodel

SirCadwaladr Report

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they made do with the existing cabinets, so.. it was like this before

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#28

Prayers For The Contractor Who Had To Call These Homeowners And Explain They Needed A Second Set Of Front Doors Because. Math

Prayers For The Contractor Who Had To Call These Homeowners And Explain They Needed A Second Set Of Front Doors Because. Math

F. C. Tucker Company Report

#29

Today My Mom Hit Her Toe With This And Was Bleeding. I Hate This Kitchen So Much

Today My Mom Hit Her Toe With This And Was Bleeding. I Hate This Kitchen So Much

reemathenerd2 Report

#30

Why Is The Big Face Bleeding, Why The Monkey, Just Why

Why Is The Big Face Bleeding, Why The Monkey, Just Why

pleasehatethesethings Report

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#31

This Shower Has Blinds Instead Of Curtains

This Shower Has Blinds Instead Of Curtains

TrixoftheTrade Report

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Luuta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Psycho would have been a completely different movie with these in place.

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#32

This "Form Over Function" Kitchen In My Apartment

This "Form Over Function" Kitchen In My Apartment

chefmacari Report

#33

Social Distancing Looking A Lot Like Being Married For 10+ Years

Social Distancing Looking A Lot Like Being Married For 10+ Years

trautwein-gmbh.com Report

#36

This Staircase Bathroom

This Staircase Bathroom

bagniorrendi Report

#37

Why: 1. They Put In A Sliding Door To A Bedroom. 2. They Placed Curtains On The Outside Of It. 3. They Also Placed The Lock On The Outside

Why: 1. They Put In A Sliding Door To A Bedroom. 2. They Placed Curtains On The Outside Of It. 3. They Also Placed The Lock On The Outside

Eeve3_Lord Report

#38

This Entire Kitchen’s Counters And Backsplash Are Covered With This “Faux Mold” Tile

This Entire Kitchen’s Counters And Backsplash Are Covered With This “Faux Mold” Tile

iheartcatsandcoffee Report

#39

Imagine Being A Firefighter And Entering A Dark Smoke-Filled House From The Outside Through This Window

Imagine Being A Firefighter And Entering A Dark Smoke-Filled House From The Outside Through This Window

thenewyorkgod Report

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#42

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

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#43

My Grandma’s Bathroom

My Grandma’s Bathroom

Maxxerzz Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a used mobile home with the garden tub carpeted exactly like this. They attached the carpet with a staple gun and 49,000 staples. Took me forever to get them all out and toss the nasty carpet.

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#44

The Bathroom Door Of The New Place My Girlfriend And I Just Moved Into. I Was Sat At The Dining Table When I Took This

The Bathroom Door Of The New Place My Girlfriend And I Just Moved Into. I Was Sat At The Dining Table When I Took This

Humphiee Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's clearly an exterior door on that bathroom, it even has a deadbolt lock!

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#45

The Queen’s Seat

The Queen’s Seat

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#46

Clean Entrance

Clean Entrance

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Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks practical for farmhouses and the like for a back door, walk in, wash off all the mud, keep moving. It is like next level mud room.

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#47

The Raised Cutout Of This Ceiling Doesn’t Allow The Fan To Suck In Any Air

The Raised Cutout Of This Ceiling Doesn’t Allow The Fan To Suck In Any Air

Rexmatt Report

#48

These Tiles That Are Designed Pre-Worn And Dirty

These Tiles That Are Designed Pre-Worn And Dirty

toppstiles.co.uk Report

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MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh, they don't even look like they've been put in properly straight. Why do this, when the rest of the kitchen looks clean and lovely?! 😟

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Robert Robi Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So that the owners don't live in a delusion that there are perfect things :D

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Thenatural
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep...they are...not meant for large floor area's....when used with Victorian style bathroom suites the effect is quite nice but not here with a modern kitchen

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Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Easily solved: add some more grout, level it out and roll linoleum overtop...

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BananaAnna
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't eat off the floor, they haven't cleaned it in a month or two.

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those tumble-edged tiles are for WALL installation, not floors.

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Zaydn Brown
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Janis Wise
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a dumb ass idea, that someone obviously bought right into.

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Sarjana Lastname
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is easy to fix, no problem. If there is no mold or problems beneath you can paint tiles and ad new seams between the tiles . It just takes time, but is ecological.

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TaKeNNNNNNNN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

smack some bleach on the lines, wait for a while, and voila! clean tiles.

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Amber Twigg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that looks painful, screw it, regrout it. no experience required you can do better. if not turn out blame them lol the boss will belive it lol.

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PixxelDust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dark tiles would look better in this room anyway. You don't want a room that is all white, it resembles a fever dream. Dark grey would provide a good contrast.

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Lindy Mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After all money spent on the cabinets and new appliances they had to settle for tile that was on Closeout.

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weatherwitch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you imagine trying to sell a house with a kitchen floor like this?? It looks like it's not been cleaned properly in Years 🤢

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Gayle Owens
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They want that old abandoned 1950's psychiatric hospital vibe

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TomiSmith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you enlarge the picture, it makes the tile look sunken.

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Bonny Saxon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me, I'd be on that floor with bleach and a toothbrush until is was 'clean.'. Might be a good choice for my manic days...

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Stan Chung
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe for a set design for fast used look. nobody else buying new would want

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Denise Mclean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, that color is Ivory. It is gray, white and ivory. The floor makes me dizzy !

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Mickie Shea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This saving lots of money by building right on top of the dirt. Used for thousands of years.

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CHRISTIE WAGNER
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again this is the designer invoking symbolism: nothing is eternal ergo the floors are only going to be spotless for a short time after initial use so just cut to the chase and show it as it will be.

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Vivienne Date
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah thats what I tell all my guests too .. [Those tiles are MEANT to look dirty ]

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Russell M
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are obviously not photos from interior designers, stupid. This is from DIY idiots, give me a break

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#49

How Would Any Of This Work

How Would Any Of This Work

DogWhistlersMother Report

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wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a horrible design, but it will work. steam doesn't care if something is perpendicular or what

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#50

Creativity

Creativity

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Note: this post originally had 143 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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