Cringiest home decor decisions: poll

The ‘70s nostalgia is over — 42% of Americans regret ever thinking shag carpets, conversation pits and wood-paneled walls were ever trendy.Show more

A new poll of 2,000 US homeowners found 75% admit some of their past home improvement choices aged poorly over the years, and 69% are embarrassed to have people over to their home due to their aesthetic choices.

Half have even been judged by someone else over how their living space is decorated.

Along with the 1970s icons, people said they regret having their TVs mounted above eye level (43%) or over the fireplace (40%), and 15% regret their paint color choices, particularly avocado green (53%), eggshell white (49%) and millennial pink (44%).

Respondents also identified the home improvement projects that are the most “in” — decorating with live flowers (57%), reclaimed wood art (54%) and crown/base moulding (52%) — and the most “out” — chalkboard walls (39%), poured cement art (39%), applying wallpaper (38%) and framing mirrors (36%).

Commissioned by Slickdeals and conducted by OnePoll, the study found 85% believe their home is in “dire need” of some updating, and 78% 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%), primary bedroom (48%) and kitchen (47%).

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

However, 81% are trying to keep their projects as close to their budget as possible. Nine percent of respondents even claimed they could do it for under $500.

"Changing your home to reflect your style can be done even with a smaller budget,” said Vitaly Pecharsky, head of deals for Slickdeals. “This can start with something as simple as decluttering your home to larger changes such as bathroom vanities and appliances. Tapping into seasonal sales can also help you save.”

The most popular aesthetics people currently stick to in their homes are modern (29%), bohemian (12%) and rustic (7%).

When it comes to inspiration, many turn to the classics: decor/architecture magazines (55%), home improvement apps (54%) and TV shows (50%).

According to those polled, the best, most aesthetically-impactful “small” home improvement changes are simple ones like painting walls (46%), decorating with trinkets and tchotchkes (46%), buying new throw pillows (45%) and hanging art (44%).

Over half (52%) have considered changing their home’s aesthetic because of something they found and bought on sale.

Seventy-three percent are willing to purchase something for their home if it’s on sale, even if it doesn’t fit in with their home’s aesthetic.

Pecharsky added, “Finding a sale doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on your home’s aesthetic. By checking back regularly with a deal site like ours, you can find the best products at the best prices.”

13 BIGGEST DECOR 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%

Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American homeowners was commissioned by Slickdeals between March 27 and April 3, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).