Poll Reveals Americans’ Biggest Home Decor Regrets

The ‘70s nostalgia is over — 42 percent of Americans regret ever thinking shag carpets, conversation pits and wood-paneled walls were ever trendy. A new poll of 2,000 US homeowners found 75 percent admit some of their past home improvement choices aged poorly over the years, and 69 percent are embarrassed to have people over to their home due to their aesthetic choices.

Along with the 1970s icons, people said they regret having their TVs mounted above eye level (43 percent) or over the fireplace (40 percent), and 15 percent regret their paint color choices, particularly avocado green, eggshell white, and millennial pink.

Respondents also identified the home improvement projects that are the most “in” — decorating with live flowers, reclaimed wood art, and crown/base moulding — and the most “out” — chalkboard walls, poured cement art, applying wallpaper, and framing mirrors.

Commissioned by Slickdeals and conducted by OnePoll, the study found 85 percent believe their home is in “dire need” of some updating, and 78 percent already have plans for home improvement projects this year.

These home improvers are planning to renovate or redecorate an average of three rooms in the next six months, putting their focus on the living room (49 percent), primary bedroom (48 percent), and kitchen (47 percent).

The results also suggest that the average homeowner plans to spend at least $1,753 on their upcoming projects.

13 Biggest Design Regrets

• Shag carpeting – 43%
• Conversation pits/recessed seating – 43%
• TVs mounted above eye level – 43%
• TVs mounted above a fireplace – 40%
• Wood-paneled walls – 39%
• Reclaimed wood art – 35%
• Vinyl wall stickers – 32%
• Lawn ornaments – 29%
• Kitchen islands – 23%
• Popcorn ceilings – 20%
• Kitchen peninsulas – 17%
• Furniture/upholstery covers – 17%
• Glass tables – 16%

What do you think of this list? And what did kitchen islands ever do to anyone?