What’s Your Most Toxic Design Trait?
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Everyone has a “toxic” trait they can joke about. Generally, these qualities may be impractical, over-the-top, or even a borderline humble brag, but despite what the name suggests, they’re not truly harmful. Although these toxic tendencies can be pinpointed to all aspects of life, we’re zeroing in on the design world. We asked interior designers to reveal their toxic design traits—and they didn’t hold back. From unrelenting expensive taste to a preference for form over function, their toxic design traits are hilarious and relatable. Some designers have accepted their “flaws,” while others identify as a work in progress. In any case, these realities prove even the experts have their moments!
Amanda Gunawan, co-founder of OWIU Design
“My toxic design trait is my aversion to clutter. I need everything to be hidden. Because of this, I always over-design the storage in a house. For my personal spaces, this makes me feel like I can buy more things because they’re always so hidden I forget how much I already have. It is a vicious cycle!”
Aimee Meisgeier, founder of AM Interior Design
“Even though I advise my clients to use certain performance fabrics on any pieces that pets will be around—preaching about the durability and low maintenance of those fabrics—I continue to use high maintenance, pet hair-unfriendly fabrics, like mohairs and vintage velvets, in my own home around my own pets. Neither my love for my German shepherds nor mohair and velvet fabrics is going to stop any time soon, so I have just accepted the fact that I will be vacuuming or lint-rolling furniture on a constant basis.”
Ryann Swan Hackett, founder of Ryann Swan Design
“I asked my husband to opine because I figured he would better roast me. Without hesitation, he says, ‘Remember that time you bought a sofa… without arms?’ I fall in love with furniture forms, and they’re not always the most functional. The sofa sans arms was not super practical for my 6-foot-4-inch spouse, and he made me sign a contract prior to our wedding stating that I would never purchase another ‘abomination’ (his words) again. I’m not even kidding. His second comment was, ‘There are too many damn pillows.’ Look, I love pillows and I love parties, so I’m leaning into a good pillow party without shame. You only live once. He can deal.”
Marie Cloud, founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio
“In the kaleidoscope of design traits, my ‘toxic’ penchant swings towards my love for bold, statement-making colors. Yes, I’m that designer who treats every room like a canvas for a vibrant splash of paint, where 'subtle' is a concept as foreign as a quiet carnival. My design philosophy: If life gives you colors, why make beige? In my zeal to infuse every space with the energy and personality of a soulful spirit, I occasionally overlook the practical side of living with such a riot of colors… I dance on the fine line between a colorfully curated chaos and a bold, beautiful harmony. It’s a vibrant challenge, turning homes into spaces that don't just whisper but sing (or occasionally shout) with color.”
Andi Morse, founder of Morse Design
“I want to improve every space, and I don’t hold back in sharing how I’d do it. With clients, some of these ideas may not even be on their agenda to address. With friends, they may not want my opinion, but I give it to them anyway.”
Lauren Meichtry, founder of Elsie Home
“My toxic design trait is selecting designs that are the most difficult and expensive to execute. Whether that be an arched doorway, a rounded kitchen island, or detailed cabinetry, it seems every time I have a design idea, my contractors tell me I've chosen something incredibly difficult and time-consuming to create. To that, I always say, ‘If my client wanted something basic, they wouldn't have hired me. If it were easy, everyone would do it, right?’”
Nancy Evars, founder of Evars Collective and Decorate by Nancy Evars
“I am never done decorating my own home. I get so excited when one of the lines in my showroom releases a new collection or we start repping a new line [that] I immediately need to wallpaper a room or reupholster something! My home has turned into an extension of my showroom. Luckily, my family is on board with it.”
Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studios
“I prefer form over function when designing the entryway of a home. Who wants a clunky shoe rack and coat stand making the first impression? Give me statement lighting, a vintage console, art, and a potted tree!”
Abby Gruman, founder of Abby Leigh Designs
“My toxic design trait is being drawn towards light-colored and non-performance fabrics. Many of my clients have young children and pets and are looking for durable fabrics. My favorite fabrics tend to be more delicate and lighter-toned. I love using cream-colored fabrics on sofas and beds. These fabrics are not as durable and can be hard to clean.”
Mark Schubert, founder and principal designer of Phillip-Harrison Interiors
“I am constantly searching for that one piece of furniture that perfectly fits into the design and is the showstopper. This pursuit of perfection becomes an endless cycle, but I have learned to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and embrace the design journey with its inherent discoveries and surprises.”
Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design
“I love layers of lighting and accessories, but I have to remember that little hands and furry children are around and those things must be kept out of reach!”
Lisa Schwert, founder of Innate Studio
“My most toxic design trait is my often compulsive attention to detail. Thankfully, I’ve found tradespeople who share my obsession, but I’ve definitely driven a few contractors mad over the years!”
“Any time there are multiple options presented, I always find myself picking out the most expensive options. Quality and good craftsmanship are always so obvious, which is a great trait as a designer but can become a hindrance if I am trying to work within a budget!” —Alissa Johnson of Alissa Johnson Interiors
“I believe that every room needs at least one antique! I love how antiques can add a layered history, richness, and depth to a room like nothing else can. However, there are rooms that really don't need an antique, like the laundry room.” —Debbie Mathews of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs
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