Recently, I wrote about Decorating a Rental House on a Budget: DIY Ideas for Tenants , focusing on creative and affordable options. While doing my research, I stumbled across numerous “worst interior designs” articles. Many were informative, but something was missing—taste.

Let’s be real: what’s ugly or beautiful in interior design is deeply personal. That’s why I won’t call this a “worst décor list.” I’m calling it ugly because that’s how I personally feel about these design choices.

So, if you're like me—drawn to cozy, functional, and stylish interiors—these are five design choices I find cringe-worthy and would personally avoid.

Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Interior Designs:

Defy the rules—improvise

Reflect your lifestyle

Consider your space

Embrace symmetry

Choose simplicity

Blend textures

Remember: style is personal, but comfort and functionality should never be compromised.

#1: Newspaper Walls and Ceilings

A friend once decorated her walls with newspaper clippings—complete with dramatic headlines and pictures of glamorous women captioned “Love me or leave me.”

Let’s just say... it felt more like a haunted tabloid shack than a cozy living space. While it may seem edgy or nostalgic, newspaper décor on walls and ceilings often ends up looking rustic in the worst way—not retro or vintage.

Verdict: Leave the headlines to your coffee table, not your drywall.

#2: Cowhide Prints Everywhere

Cowhide prints are often hailed as rustic-chic or country-style, but I just can't get behind the idea of spreading faux or real animal skin across furniture or floors.

Why turn your home into a tribute to a cow?

Not only does it feel outdated, but for some, it also raises ethical and aesthetic concerns. There are better ways to embrace earthy tones without going full-on cattle ranch.

#3: The Brown Overload

Brown is warm and grounding—but too much of it can shrink your space, especially if you're working with limited square footage.

Drapes? Brown. Sofa? Brown. Carpet? Brown. Walls? You guessed it—brown.

Without brighter accents or textures to balance things out, you risk ending up with a dull and gloomy space that feels closed in.

#4: Plastic Furniture and Stands

Yes, plastic is cheap—but it can also look...cheap.

Plastic shelves, pantry stands, or chairs may save money upfront, but they lack durability, elegance, and warmth. And let’s not forget their environmental impact. As the world moves towards sustainable living, loading your house with plastic feels both outdated and environmentally inconsiderate.

Bonus tip: If you must go plastic, choose eco-friendly minimalistic designs that blend form and function.

#5: Turning Your Home into a Jungle

I love indoor plants. In fact, in my previous article, I recommended several. But there’s a fine line between greenery and green overkill.

When you can barely sit, walk, or eat without brushing against a leaf, you’ve officially crossed into interior jungle territory.

Plants should complement your space—not dominate it. Stick to a few statement greens or low-maintenance plants that add life without crowding your living room.

Can I digress a little?

 I love, love Karen—the beautiful trees, the serene aura, those gentle uphill roads that make you fall in love instantly. But—there’s this one house...

It practically qualifies for a Hollywood horror film. The overgrown plants crawl over the gate, blanket the windows, and completely hide the structure. One glance and your adrenaline spikes. Everything screams: run, don’t knock.

Nature is lovely, yes—but it shouldn’t feel like a survival test. Use plants to welcome, not ward off guests.

Why Only 5 Ugly Designs?

Because taste is personal—and I’m not here to shame, just to share. These five examples stood out to me as creative overkills or outdated trends that often clash with comfort and elegance.

I believe your home should make you feel safe, happy, and at peace. It’s okay to express yourself—but there’s a difference between personal style and questionable taste that stirs awkward laughter from your guests.

Final Thoughts

Should you go minimalist? Should you embrace warm tones?

It all comes down to one thing: personal taste, personal taste, personal taste.

Just make sure your taste blends with your lifestyle, your space, and your long-term comfort. Ugly is subjective—but impractical is universal.