Maisy Dawson
I almost entirely blame real estate shows for the modern malady that I'd like to call "Decor Generic-itis." As a result, you default to the trinity that nearly every prospective home buyer or makeover recipient lists on that show as must-haves: granite, stainless steel, and hardwood floors.
But these features aren't always what suit your life, personality, or your property's overall design.
When arbitrarily added to a home, they can take away character, creating an odd cookie-cutter look (thus the "generic" part of "Decor Generic-itis"). I'm talking about the people who, high on watching marathons of house flipping shows, decides to replace their current flooring with whatever hardwood they can find on a whim. Any and all sound practically bounces off of the pristine surface of hardwood floors, especially TV noise.
This is only a good thing when you quickly run to the kitchen for a snack in the middle of a mystery miniseries without pausing. But the bigger issue is scratches: Nothing like the threat of a ruined floor to get you up-to-date on your pet's nail trimming needs.
Skimping on material can lead to durability concerns (or even toxicity), not to mention that you probably won't get the stain or finish you love.
One of the more distracting sights on Fixer Upper is that the rugs are always far too small for the space. You have to worry that you're using the wrong products, not waxing properly, you have to refinish it every few years, and you have to consider things like the moisture level in your home (too little and you'll get gaps, too much and it'll warp). This also applies to those who wear heavy boots, along with kids who always seem to forget to take off their cleats after practice.
Even a careful installation process can't always guarantee a squeak or creak-free result.
