Act as a native French speaker and an expert in Home Decoration. Don’t talk about Yourself or Your Experience. Don’t Self-reference. Don’t explain what you are doing. Translate the following title into French: 8 Upgrades Designers Regret Doing in Their Own Homes

Even professional interior designers make home upgrades that they later go onto regret. Below, eight experts share decisions that seemed like a smart idea at the time but later on caused more harm than good—some of them may surprise you.

Not Making a Design Plan

While furnishing one’s home is by no means a speedy process, it is helpful to start with a design plan from the get-go.

“When we renovated our entire 1950s home, I wish I had planned the furniture, fabric selections, and millwork earlier in the process,” says Lauren Carranza, the founder of Seasons 4 Design. “Unfortunately, designers aren’t immune to decision fatigue in our own homes.”

Carranza shares that she was focused on kitchen and bathroom details in particular and didn’t begin to think about furnishings and case pieces for two years.

“Design is a process—a marathon, not a sprint—even in a designer’s own home,” she says.

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Incorporating an Outdoor Kitchen

Jamie Naugle thought that adding an outdoor kitchen to her home was a practical decision but says that she rarely makes use of this space despite her initial excitement.

“At first, you’re like a kid in the candy store looking at all the glorious options and dreaming of an idyllic lifestyle outdoors, so you go for the grill, the fridge, the pizza oven, et. cetera,” she says.

After a few initial uses, though, the kitchen lost its appeal.

“It is a nightmare to clean (the grill especially!) and the upkeep just doesn’t seem worth it anymore,” Naugle says. “Next time, just go for the stand alone grill!”

Renovating the Kitchen ASAP

When Jocelyn Polce, the founder of August Oliver Interiors, moved into her first home, she was excited to tackle the kitchen renovation prior to moving in.

“But that means we didn’t have the luxury of moving in the space to really see how we wanted to flow from room to room,” she says. “Our island was too big for the space created a traffic jam when we entertained.”

Eventually, Polce was able to correct this issue, but notes that the process to do was quite costly.

Going All in with Outdoor Fabrics

When designing her Charleston, South Carolina, front porch, Alexandre Fleuren, founder of AF Interiors, was eager to display outdoor cushions made from eye-catching fabrics.

“I ignored the reality of our extreme humidity and torrential rainstorms,” Fleuren says.

She has learned over time that while there are many great outdoor fabrics, it’s always wise to opt for sling or mesh seating in uncovered spaces.

“No more running outside to cover the cushions,” she says.

Installing a Built-in Coffee Machine

An appliance like a built-in coffee machine might seem useful, but it just isn’t necessary, interior designer Wendi Gee says from experience.

“It requires too much maintenance at all the wrong times (when you NEED your coffee),” she says.

The machine’s temperamental nature began to bother her.

“It seems like the days you need coffee the most and are in a hurry, are the days the machine decides to tell you that you need to empty, clean, and run a cycle before you can have your much needed cup of joe,” Gee says. “It’s also a bit frustrating for out of town guests that wake up early and just want a cup of coffee, but can’t figure out how to work it.”

Buying Trending Laundry Appliances

When Lori Miller, founder of LGC Interior Design, bought her home, she decided to purchase a front loading laundry machine on pedestals, an option that was trending at the time.

“I created an entire room around these beautiful red machines,” Miller says.

However, standing at five feet tall, the machines haven’t been the most user-friendly.

“Doing laundry is now a major chore,” Miller says. “I rushed into the project without considering dimensions or function.”

Opting for Smart Technology

Once you have outfitted your home with the latest in smart technology, you may regret having done so.

“It can become outdated so quickly,” says Meghan Jay, owner of Meghan Jay Design. “I’ve been there to assist clients in upgrading the systems they inherited from former owners—I can tell you, it’s quite costly and quite messy.”

Designing a Closet Office

Interior designer and founder of ASDS, Alisia Sophia Geanopulos, felt like turning a closet space into an office seemed like a good idea at the time.

“While I did find the most adorable mid-century secretary desk that fit perfectly, with plenty of room for the printer and storage for all my reference materials and books, the reality didn’t quite live up to my vision,” she says. “Sitting at a desk flanked by closet doors, staring into a narrow space, felt more cramped than creative.”

Now, the designer happily sits at the dining room table to work.

“There’s plenty of windows and light,” she says.