When you’re installing utilities or decorating a space, whether it’s a home, an office, or a clinic, there are usually a lot of decisions to be made. Plans have to be drawn up, measurements taken, materials selected, and everything carefully reviewed before putting it all together. And projects like these often involve multiple people, too. From designers and contractors to managers and clients, each has a chance to spot potential issues along the way.
So when you think about it, making a mistake (or an especially baffling choice) should be pretty difficult. Yet somehow, they still manage to slip through the cracks. And perhaps more often than you would imagine. To show you what they look like, we’ve compiled a list of some of the cringiest design fails recently uploaded to the internet. Ouch!
#1
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#2
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
A recent survey discovered that more than half of American homeowners (54%) are currently renovating, while a slightly smaller share (52%) reports they’re decorating.
Spending patterns remain relatively stable, with the median renovation cost at $20,000, down from a peak of $24,000 in 2023.
However, higher-end spending has increased, with the 90th percentile rising to $150,000 in 2025, compared to $140,000 in 2024.
#3
© Photo: marthas.funny.stuff
#4
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#5
© Photo: bruhgram
Half of homeowners (50%) plan to undertake some sort of projects in 2026, down slightly from 52% last year.
41% are planning just to redecorate, while 35% are eyeing only repairs, both declining (from 44% and 37% in 2025, respectively).
The rising cost of living is reflected in people’s latest budgets, too, with the median planned renovation at $15,000 in 2026, down from $20,000 in 2025.
#6
© Photo: creacultclub
#7
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#8
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#9
© Photo: explainingnews
#10
© Photo: bruhgram
#11
© Photo: creacultclub
#12
© Photo: propertystoriess
#13
© Photo: scott_yancey
#14
© Photo: huskcreative
#15
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#16
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#17
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#18
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#19
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#20
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#21
© Photo: explainingnews
#22
© Photo: explainingnews
#23
© Photo: explainingnews
#24
© Photo: bruhgram
#25
© Photo: lewisinfra
#26
© Photo: creacultclub
#27
© Photo: creacultclub
#28
© Photo: creacultclub
#29
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#30
© Photo: scott_mcgillivray
#31
© Photo: gerberplumbing
#32
© Photo: timscapes
#33
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#34
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#35
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#36
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#37
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#38
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#39
© Photo: explainingnews
#40
© Photo: explainingnews
#41
© Photo: bruhgram
#42
© Photo: bruhgram
#43
© Photo: timscapes
#44
© Photo: zatustracom
#45
© Photo: creacultclub
#46
© Photo: creacultclub
#47
© Photo: gravity_broker
#48
© Photo: scott_mcgillivray
#49
© Photo: scott_mcgillivray
#50
© Photo: gravity_broker
#51
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#52
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#53
© Photo: vikingkitchens
#54
© Photo: huskcreative
#55
© Photo: huskcreative
#56
© Photo: flippinrustic
#57
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#58
© Photo: rszdesigndevelopment
#59
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#60
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#61
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#62
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#63
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#64
© Photo: bruhgram
#65
© Photo: lewisinfra
#66
© Photo: lewisinfra
#67
© Photo: lewisinfra
#68
© Photo: lewisinfra
#69
© Photo: creacultclub
#70
© Photo: creacultclub
#71
© Photo: creacultclub
#72
© Photo: gravity_broker
#73
© Photo: cuyahogalandbank
#74
© Photo: gravity_broker
#75
© Photo: timscapes
#76
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#77
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#78
© Photo: interiordesign.addicts
#79
© Photo: scott_mcgillivray
#80
© Photo: gerberplumbing
#81
© Photo: tradeupmanitoba
#82
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#83
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#84
© Photo: thesachinpatel
#85
© Photo: _the_art_of_installation_
#86
© Photo: timscapes
#87
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#88
© Photo: credoqueluxo.ig
#89
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#90
© Photo: designfailsofficial
#91
© Photo: nikkilevyinteriors
