Pet Peeves in Home Design
Introduction
This week we discuss our pet peeves in architecture design. The two cover poorly adapted historical elements; inconsistent use of materiality and detail in a project; dead-end hallways; poor construction execution and more.
1. Poorly Adapted Historical Elements
One of our biggest frustrations in design is when elements are crafted to imitate something from a different era or context, but in doing so, they lose their original function and purpose. This is particularly evident with shutters, a feature commonly found on homes across the United States. Originally, shutters were functional—they could be opened and closed to protect windows from storms or to control light and ventilation. However, in many modern homes, especially in places like California, shutters have become mere decorative panels. They’re fastened directly to the facade, with no hinges and no ability to move. They may look like shutters at a glance, but in reality, they’re just static panels with no practical function.
“When elements are crafted to imitate something from a different era or context, they lose their original function and purpose.”
What’s even more perplexing is when these decorative shutters are completely out of scale with the windows they’re supposed to complement. I often see homes with shutters that are too small for the windows they are paired with. Even more absurd is when rectangular shutters are placed next to arched windows—an architectural mismatch that underscores the disconnect between form and function.
This kind of design is a missed opportunity. Architecture and design should be honest, with every element serving a purpose beyond mere decoration. When we add features to a building, we should be thoughtful about their function and integrity. Design isn’t just about how something looks; it’s about how it works and how it enhances the experience of the people who use it.
2. Inconsistent Materials
Every project operates within a set of guiding principles or rules, and it's within this framework that true beauty in design is created. A project is beautiful not just because it looks good, but because there’s a clear, underlying logic to it—a thoughtful, consistent approach that ties everything together.
One of the telltale signs of a well-designed building is the consistent and appropriate use of materials and details throughout the project. Each material and design element should be selected with intention, grounded in the specific needs and context of the building. Different materials should never be implemented on subjective preferences or fleeting trends. When design choices are made arbitrarily, without a unifying concept or logic, the result is often a disjointed and incoherent structure that lacks harmony.
“Materials should never be implemented on subjective preferences or fleeting trends”
3. Dead-End Hallways
A double-loaded "Death Hallway" refers to a corridor with rooms lining both sides, often ending in a dead end. While this layout might be highly efficient in terms of space utilization, it falls short of what architecture truly aspires to be. In many ways, hallways, especially those designed with this double-loaded approach, can feel like a shortcut—a cheat that avoids addressing the deeper spatial and experiential needs of a building. The focus is on getting from point A to point B as quickly, cheaply, and efficiently as possible, but it disregards the experience of moving through the space. A well-designed space considers the journey, the interaction between different areas, and how each part of the building contributes to the overall experience.
4. Poor Construction Execution
The easiest way to determine if a house is well made is to look at the junctions and transitions between different materials and surfaces. If you’re working with a good contractor, these transitions will be near perfect. This level of execution is not always easily achieved.
Construction is an intense process, requiring substantial physical effort, time, and coordination. Every aspect, down to the smallest feature, involves multiple people and steps to execute properly. That’s why we always advise clients to invest the time and the relatively low cost in thorough planning before breaking ground. A comprehensive planning phase helps identify potential issues early on, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes during construction. It’s a proactive approach that pays off immensely, avoiding the headaches and delays that can arise from overlooked details.