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Call the Aesthetics Police because we’ve got a crime spree to report. They say there’s no arguing about taste, but there are some truly awful design decisions out there. They don’t just ask to be judged, they demand it. ‘Quirky and unique’ don’t quite cut it anymore.

We like to think that we’ve got a good eye for quality designs. And on the flip side, we think we know what best to avoid when decorating your home. That’s why our team here at Bored Panda has put together this list of the very worst home interior design fails. Some of these are so epic, they’re bound to make your inner designer wince. Check out the best of the worst, and remember to give the pics you hate with a burning passion a big old upvote.

Read on for Bored Panda’s in-depth interview about our sense of aesthetics, how it forms, and how we can develop it. Spoiler warning: nobody is ever truly lost, no matter how bad their current sense of style might be.

Meanwhile, if you find yourselves in the mood for some jaw-droppingly horrific design ‘solutions,’ take a look through Bored Panda’s recent articles about them right here, here, and here.

#1

Staircase Beautified With Loose Boulders And A Broken Pelvis

Staircase Beautified With Loose Boulders And A Broken Pelvis

SteveCalloway Report

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

If you don't want your kids to play slinky, just ask. This is overkill.

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#3

This Chandelier At A Restaurant I Ate At Bothers Me So Much

This Chandelier At A Restaurant I Ate At Bothers Me So Much

fluffynuff Report

Bored Panda reached out for a chat about aesthetics and developing our sense for it with pie artist Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin. She is the author of 'Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book’ and has made a career from putting her great sense of aesthetics to use in the kitchen. Her work is as much about design as it is about delicious baked goods.

We were curious to get her take on whether or not good taste is something that we can develop or if we’re born with it, and how subjective she thinks our sense of aesthetics really is.

“Our sense of taste is a product of our upbringing and the people and content we are exposed to throughout our life, particularly during our formative years,” artist Jessica explained to Bored Panda how we develop our aesthetic tendencies.

#5

You Have To Step Over The Bathtub To Get Between The Toilet And The Sink

You Have To Step Over The Bathtub To Get Between The Toilet And The Sink

Mococe Report

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

I picture myself falling over every single time, in between the possibility of landing my head in the toilet or catching the reflection of my face as I fall.

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“Different cultures, different families, different peer groups place different value on different aesthetic conventions. If we want to ‘fit in’ with whatever group we are affiliating with, we tend to morph our own personal tastes to match that of the group,” she said that we tend to sacrifice a part of our taste to better adapt to our new social circle.

“But what if we don’t want to ‘fit in’ and conform our taste to match the crowd? Well, that’s where things get interesting,” Jessica mused.

She said that we start developing a truly personal sense of aesthetics when we start looking at different types of design, learning about various artists and artistic movements, listening to different types of music, and reading fresh new authors whose books we usually wouldn’t flip open.

#7

When They Said "Half-Bath", I Wasn't Expecting This

When They Said "Half-Bath", I Wasn't Expecting This

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#8

We Have A Really Small Radiator In Our House

We Have A Really Small Radiator In Our House

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“Once a person has, for whatever reason, decided to expand their horizons beyond what is naturally presented to them in their immediate circles then something magical happens: their true ‘personal taste’ begins to coalesce,” the aesthete said.

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“We may be born into a family/community that places a high value on exploring different aesthetic forms and embarking on journeys of personal discovery. We may be born into a family/community that punishes any deviation beyond the accepted norms,” Jessica told Bored Panda.

“But we always have the choice to learn about something new. Taste may always be somewhat subjective, but the more forms of aesthetic content we seek out and allow ourselves to be exposed to, the better our shot at claiming that elusive, “good taste” badge!

#10

Man Opening The Curtains Of His Windowless Hotel Room

Man Opening The Curtains Of His Windowless Hotel Room

imgur.com Report

#11

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

aprilcotz Report

#12

My Grandparents Have A Fish Pond In Their Living Room

My Grandparents Have A Fish Pond In Their Living Room

brokentelescope Report

According to Tim Antoniuk from the University of Alberta, it’s up to the designer to ensure the client’s project turns out well and that the builders turn their vision into reality.

“Everything, in my view, rests in the designer's hand. This is why some of the most outstanding designers in the world have such a deep knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, of the problems that can happen during installation,” the Associate Professor of Design Studies told Bored Panda during an earlier interview.

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#13

Bottom Side Of The Stairs. Just Why

Bottom Side Of The Stairs. Just Why

vinylas Report

"It's hard, but that's why the best designers get paid so well for their outstanding work. They do great design/aesthetic work, but they also create efficiencies and they foresee and spot (some) problems from happening."

Essentially, this means that the designer has a huge responsibility when it comes to making sure the house is designed well. And that means being on-site, often. "Many jobs can not just stop because a designer is not onsite or is not able to be reached. That said, builders need to honor the designer's vision, but again, if there is 'fuzziness' in the drawings or plans, decisions will be made by people that we may not want to make them."

#16

Fleshy Shower

Fleshy Shower

lalavilala Report

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

Oof...this could look so clean and aesthetically pleasing...and then they picked THIS color

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#17

An Apartment In London That Has No Front Door. Just A Set Of Stairs Leading Up To A Window

An Apartment In London That Has No Front Door. Just A Set Of Stairs Leading Up To A Window

Lord-Crimble Report

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In Tim’s view, designers need to focus on good and clear communication, doing great drawings and visuals, and constantly educating themselves in the field of construction while keeping on top of any important changes. “We exist in a field that is ever-changing with the introduction of new materials, new construction requirements, and restrictions," he said.

#19

Privacy? Never Heard Of It. Only Showers With Full Viewing Windows In This House

Privacy? Never Heard Of It. Only Showers With Full Viewing Windows In This House

ctomp8 Report

#20

This Combination Of Staircase, Cellar And Bathroom Gets Worse Every Second You Look At It

This Combination Of Staircase, Cellar And Bathroom Gets Worse Every Second You Look At It

GdoubleWB Report

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

This is like the 5th time I've seen this picture posted in a different list

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#21

"Don't Come Down The Stairs! I'm Pooping"

"Don't Come Down The Stairs! I'm Pooping"

Chomilk23 Report

Previously, Tim from the University of Alberta explained to Bored Panda that there are objectively good and bad interior design decisions. Not everything is subjective. Though that doesn’t mean that our sense of taste is unimportant. In fact, it’s what causes a gray area between quality and a lack of it in interior design.

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#24

One Closet. 6 Feet Above The Ground And No Stairs To Get To It. Why?

One Closet. 6 Feet Above The Ground And No Stairs To Get To It. Why?

RussiannTaco Report

"The gray area comes in when people start to talk about taste and about degrees of aesthetic. I may love the design of Bauhaus furniture, for example, while somebody may feel that it is too cold and void of personality. Not unlike great art, I believe that much of what came from this era is ‘great design,’ in part because it represents an era and a philosophy. When we start to mix in discussions of taste and preference, that is where the gray areas of good and bad design get blurred,” he said.

#25

Sacred Resource

Sacred Resource

IAMmojo Report

#27

The Intersection Of Three Rooms At My New Place

The Intersection Of Three Rooms At My New Place

spsajewski13 Report

According to the expert, we can intuitively tell if a particular design is good or not. "Quite often, this relates to ergonomics and the usability or functionality of the products and services and systems. Having said that, I think far too many people expect poor design that doesn’t really work well," he said.

"For me, great design is what Dieter [Rams] talks about—it is also intuitive, it is deeply sympathetic and empathetic to the user at all levels, and at some level, it is emotional. It is a catalyst for giving us feelings."

#28

Studio Apartment. No Thanks

Studio Apartment. No Thanks

Cyanidesuicideml Report

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

All for an affordable price of 4k a month in NYC..."Stunning view"...🤑

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

That no studio apartment, that’s a converted closet!!

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

Okay, so i learned that people used to effin hate smell of cooking food. That was the synonym of poverty, and in old mansions kitchen was as far as possible from living and even dining spaces. And that's how and why stove hoods were invented. Also people hate toilet smells, so there is some sort of weird logic) "Do you have toilet in your kitchen?" - "Yeah, I'm not some sort of mudblood peasant, you know!"

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have they never heard the old saying “Don’t s**t where you eat”?

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

You can multitask: do the dishes while on the toilet or make supper while taking a bath.

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

This is all some people can afford. What's really sad about this is how inhumane so many human beings are treated. The thought of people not having food or housing if they don't have enough money or any money at all. Like actual human beings will be denied those extremely necessary things in order to stay alive is absolutely insane and wrong. Yet somehow we have all been made to think it's okay to do this to people. Just think about that for a second. You will be denied vital things you need if you don't have money. There's plenty of the things we need but nope, you can't have it unless you have money. Placing a condition on being able to eat is bad enough. How on earth is this going on? I guess we will all starve and be cold even though the things we need are readily available for us to survive. But hell no you ain't getting any of it until you pay. Completely and udderly inhumane.

anamac1210 avatar
Anne McKinney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Common in Europe. They usually hide it in something that looks like a kitchen cabinet and then you open it up to a toilet.

perstephone29 avatar
Persephone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't s**t where you eat.... unless you live in an expensive city.

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

Modern days multi tasking skill: cooking while shxxing or taking a shower

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

That looks like places in Ireland that go for 1200 a month.

vanburensupernova44 avatar
Buren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honey I need a place to wash a lot of potatoes! I am making shitload of hash brown! Wonder where I could...

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#30

Nice Paint Job On The Cabinets But Why Purple

Nice Paint Job On The Cabinets But Why Purple

AstronomicalCat Report

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Steve Barnett
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Okay Prince, you can decorate the kitchen. Just don't spill any paint on th... Oh. Whatever'

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#31

DC Condos Really Pretend That This Is Ok (5'7" Man For Scale)

DC Condos Really Pretend That This Is Ok (5'7" Man For Scale)

cosinetangentini Report

#32

My Grandparent’s Carpeted Bathroom

My Grandparent’s Carpeted Bathroom

Iamwallpaper Report

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

You can get out of the bath and simply roll round the floor a few times, no need for towels

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#33

$500 Per Week Excluding Expenses. Close To Shops

$500 Per Week Excluding Expenses. Close To Shops

moogoquack Report

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#35

This Shower At My Airbnb

This Shower At My Airbnb

daredelvis421 Report

#36

Let Me Just Hop Into The Bathtub To Fill/Empty The Washing Machine. No Problem

Let Me Just Hop Into The Bathtub To Fill/Empty The Washing Machine. No Problem

Sami Kuhmonen Report

#37

Part Three Of Things In My House At Annoy The Hell Out Of Me

Part Three Of Things In My House At Annoy The Hell Out Of Me

Locos_Tacos4 Report

#38

Someone Played Cat's Cradle With These Heating Pipes

Someone Played Cat's Cradle With These Heating Pipes

AhegaoSuckingUrDick Report

#41

My Parents' Bathroom Is On A Platform Next To An Angled Ceiling So You Hit Your Head Every Time... And It Has A Telephone

My Parents' Bathroom Is On A Platform Next To An Angled Ceiling So You Hit Your Head Every Time... And It Has A Telephone

Bdipentima Report

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

Telephone to call an ambulance before you pass out due to the concussion from hitting your head. Makes sense.

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#42

Have A Good Sleep

Have A Good Sleep

Flyingfox178 Report

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

How nice! The drops in your face. But it is a huge temptation to open it while someone is sleeping 😈

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#44

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

#45

This Bathroom In A House I Was Shown By My Realtor

This Bathroom In A House I Was Shown By My Realtor

the_flynn Report

#46

Well You Asked For A Kitchen Island Didn’t You?

Well You Asked For A Kitchen Island Didn’t You?

foxrealtyaustin Report

#47

The Lamp Prevents The Cupboard From Fully Opening In My New Apartment

The Lamp Prevents The Cupboard From Fully Opening In My New Apartment

88miyou88 Report

#48

Because Having Two Staircases Is Better Then One In The Bathroom. Toilet Is Behind The Wall On The Left

Because Having Two Staircases Is Better Then One In The Bathroom. Toilet Is Behind The Wall On The Left

mrhealthy Report

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

The well in the center is for the corpse disposal in case somebody gets lost and does not return?

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#49

My House Has Many Of These Architect Flaws (I Live In Brazil), One Of Them Is The Flaw In The Ceiling Of The Living Room's Stairs That Makes My Mom's Bathroom Have Stairs

My House Has Many Of These Architect Flaws (I Live In Brazil), One Of Them Is The Flaw In The Ceiling Of The Living Room's Stairs That Makes My Mom's Bathroom Have Stairs

Louas52 Report

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

Nurse: "Oh, my goodness! What happened to you this morning?" Homeowner: "Honestly, I feel so silly. I got off the toilet, tripped up the stairs, bashed my head on the edge of the sink, slipped on the blood, and broke my wrist trying to save myself. *tremulous smile* But at least it's not Covid"

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#50

This Bathroom I Saw While Looking For A House

This Bathroom I Saw While Looking For A House

YellowOnline Report

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

I would love to know how much crack the owners smoked to think this was a beautiful choice!

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Note: this post originally had 171 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.