Let’s face it—sometimes, as a designer (or a sane human), you’re forced to live with something in a room you despise. Maybe it’s a beloved-but-horrifying family heirloom. Maybe it’s a reproduction of “Starry Night” that your Airbnb host swears makes the room feel “classy.” (Bless your heart!)
Hey, if you’ve got this exact artwork hanging in your home and it sparks joy—rock on. This isn’t personal. Design is subjective, and what makes one person’s eye twitch might make another’s heart sing. That’s the beauty of design: it’s as personal as your workout playlist. So you do you, and Van Gogh for it!
Now, back to the room with the offending object.
This post is for anyone who’s had to design around something you hate—whether it’s a painting, an inherited armchair, or that futon your partner just won’t let go of (you know the one). Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. The goal? Turn your design lemons into aesthetic lemonade.
Step 1: Get Real Comfortable with It
Take a few photos. Sit on it (if it’s sittable). Study the lines, the color, the style, the tragic stitching. Accept that this piece is now part of your home squad.
Step 2: Mentally Relocate the Offender
Imagine it in a different space. Would this object feel more at home in a rugged bachelor pad? A baroque fantasy home dripping in gold leaf and mahogany? Visualizing it elsewhere helps you understand its design personality—and, honestly, it’s kind of fun.
Step 3: Find the Silver Lining
What’s one redeeming quality of that bachelor pad scenario? Maybe it’s low-maintenance. Maybe it says “don’t take life too seriously.” You’re now one step closer to peace.
Step 4: Do Some Visual Research
What’s the current style of your home—and what style are you dreaming of? Try mashing up design styles on Pinterest, for example, “modern baroque living room” or “boho traditional home office.” You’ll be amazed at how often strange combinations actually work.
Step 5: Mix, Match, and Modify
Once you’ve identified a blended style that feels right, get creative. Maybe you reframe the art. Or add bold, modern pieces nearby to contrast the traditional vibe. Or maybe you finally swap out those drawer pulls your grandma installed in 1983.
In my case? I embraced the bold blues and yellows of “Starry Night” and built around them with an electric blue nightstand, mustard yellow pillows, and dramatic black-and-white accents to bring in some modern contrast. Finally, I threw up some quirky black dot decals—because why not?
And guess what?
This once-problematic room is now one of my favorites. It’s funky, unexpected, and full of charm. Moral of the story? Sometimes your least favorite pieces are just misunderstood, and you can design around something you hate. – Lindsay Verastegui
Ready to Find a Home You Actually Love (Every Corner of It)?
Whether you’re buying your first home or leveling up your investment game, you deserve a space that works for you. Let’s find a place that matches your style—or at least gives you the freedom to hide that weird painting in the garage.
Contact us today to start the hunt for your perfect home
(ugly art not included—unless you want it)