Design Fails in Dubai Architecture and Decor
There are no cities in the world without architectural design fails. Dubai is a gorgeous place, filled with gorgeous homes – no doubt about that. But it also has its fair share of some truly questionable design trends. Here are some of our biggest pet peeves:
1. Wall Decals
We get it. You ‘Live, Laugh, Love’. Does everyone who visits need to be confronted with a large wall decal over your living room couch? Sure, it seems like an inexpensive way to personalise your new rental, but it just feels like you’re trying too hard to come across as a free spirit.
2. Pre-Cracked Floor Tiles
Why oh why would anyone intentionally lay down tiles that look as though they’ve been driven over by a large tank? And it hardly matters that they’re a nightmare to clean because they’ll always look dirty!
3. Tiles on Walls
There are only two acceptable places for tiles on walls. The bathroom and behind your kitchen counters. Unless you want to feel like you’re living in a subway station, or in some sort of weird, converted bathroom, please keep tiles where they should be!
4. Too Shallow Sinks
While sunken in sinks may feel boring, shallow, on-the-counter sinks are simply impractical. Turn on the tap and if the water pressure is too high, you’re treated to a small shower every time you want to wash your hands.
5. Tiny Bathrooms
You know the ones. Open the door and it bounces back off a dustbin. Or you need to suck in your stomach to squeeze past the narrow gap between the door and toilet. If you want a reminder that you’ve put on a few pounds, this is it!
6. Bright Paint in Dark Rooms
Sunset Orange looked fantastic in the hardware store but once it’s on the walls of a poorly lit room, it just makes the place look smaller, darker and more depressing.
7. Needless Kitchen Doors
This one just doesn’t make sense. We’ve seen so many kitchens with one wall opening into the living room, but have a door. What were the designers trying to keep out? Or in? What’s more, these doors usually block the refrigerator or a cabinet when open, making it even more inconvenient.
8. Monotone Decor
From the wardrobe to the bathroom to sofa to the kitchen cabinets…it’s like living in a brown nightmare. That you pay for.
9. Too Much Design
We have no problem with a chandelier, statement mirror, animal print carpets or even oversized furniture in all manner of busy prints. What we have a problem with is when they’re all in the same room. Unfortunately, some of the city’s residents seem to confuse kitsch with class, expensive and flashy with taste. So unless you plan on hosting a Liberace-themed house party, please…please go shopping.
10. Too Little Design
There’s a fine line between minimalism and soullessness. We all know that one person who’s been here for years but still only owns one grey sofa, one Billy bookcase from Ikea and one standard issue coffee table. At least throw a brightly coloured cushion into the mix!
If you’ve experienced any of these design fails, let us know. Or if you’ve had enough and just need to move, head on over to Bayut to search for your next apartment, villa or townhouse!
