12 Wisconsin Home Trends Everyone Regrets And 10 That Are About To Join Them

Wisconsin homes have seen their fair share of design crazes over the years. Some once-popular choices now make homeowners cringe when potential buyers tour their properties. Meanwhile, new trends are already showing signs of becoming tomorrow’s regrets. Let’s explore the fading fads that Wisconsinites wish they’d avoided and the emerging styles that might soon join the wall of shame.

1. Cheese-Themed Everything

The Cheesehead State’s pride went too far when homeowners decorated entire rooms with cheese motifs. From cheese-shaped throw pillows to cheese-patterned wallpaper in dining rooms, the dairy devotion quickly turned tacky.

Guests found it overwhelming rather than charming. Now these themed spaces feel dated and embarrassingly stereotypical, requiring costly makeovers to restore neutral décor.

2. Knotty Pine Paneling

Once considered the epitome of northwoods charm, knotty pine covered walls, ceilings, and even cabinets in countless Wisconsin homes. The warm wood initially created a cozy cabin feel that perfectly matched the state’s outdoor lifestyle.

Unfortunately, these spaces now feel perpetually dark and dated. The overwhelming wood pattern makes rooms feel smaller and darker, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere many homeowners now despise.

3. Sunken Living Rooms

Remember stepping down into the conversation pit? These sunken living spaces were all the rage in Wisconsin homes built during the 70s and 80s. The architectural feature was meant to create intimate gathering spaces and visual interest.

Reality proved less appealing. These split-level designs became mobility hazards, especially during Wisconsin’s icy winters when residents tracked in snow. Modern homeowners now face expensive renovations to level these impractical spaces.

4. Packers-Colored Exteriors

Green and gold might look great at Lambeau Field, but as exterior home colors? Not so much. Devoted fans painted their houses in bold team colors, sometimes adding logo accents or themed mailboxes to complete the look.

The neighborhood eyesores quickly became dated and embarrassing. Home values suffered as potential buyers couldn’t see past the garish color scheme, leaving owners with regrets and repainting bills that cost thousands.

5. Carpet in Bathrooms

Wisconsin’s cold winters tempted many homeowners to install carpet in bathrooms for warm feet during frigid mornings. Initially, the soft flooring seemed like a practical solution to the state’s climate challenges.

The moisture-prone environment quickly revealed the flaw in this thinking. Mold, mildew, and lingering odors became permanent bathroom companions. Even regular cleaning couldn’t prevent the inevitable deterioration that left many regretting this impractical choice.

6. Popcorn Ceilings

Wisconsin homes built between the 1960s and 1980s often featured these textured ceilings that resembled cottage cheese more than popcorn. Builders loved them because they hid imperfections and provided noise reduction in the state’s many family-oriented neighborhoods.

Homeowners now loathe the outdated look that collects dust and is difficult to clean. Worse yet, older versions may contain asbestos, turning a simple removal into a costly professional job many wish they’d never inherited.

7. Mirrored Walls

During the 1980s, Wisconsin homeowners embraced floor-to-ceiling mirrors to create the illusion of larger spaces during long indoor winters. Dance studios weren’t the only places sporting this reflective trend. Dining rooms, living areas, and even bedrooms featured entire mirrored walls.

The effect proved less glamorous than expected. Constant smudges, distorted reflections, and the disco-era vibe quickly dated these homes. Removal involves specialized labor that many regretful owners find surprisingly expensive.

8. Taxidermy Overload

Wisconsin’s hunting tradition led many homeowners to display extensive taxidermy collections throughout their homes. Trophy rooms featuring deer heads, fish mounts, and even full-body animal displays became status symbols in rural and suburban homes alike.

The trend aged poorly as tastes changed. New generations find the glass-eyed stares creepy rather than impressive. Selling homes with built-in trophy rooms has become challenging, with many buyers immediately planning to convert these spaces to more conventional uses.

9. Indoor Hot Tubs

The harsh Wisconsin winters made indoor hot tubs seem like a brilliant idea. Homeowners installed them in sunrooms, master bedrooms, and even living areas, creating what they thought would be luxurious relaxation spaces.

Reality proved less appealing. Humidity damaged surrounding walls and ceilings while chemical odors permeated the home. The constant maintenance and high energy costs quickly transformed these supposed luxury features into regrettable money pits that many now struggle to remove.

10. Barn Door Overuse

Sliding barn doors swept through Wisconsin homes like a Midwestern tornado. Homeowners installed them everywhere: bathrooms, bedrooms, pantries, and even closets, believing they added farmhouse charm and space-saving functionality to their homes.

The reality proved less charming. These doors offer minimal privacy, constantly jump off their tracks, and create noise that echoes through the house. What seemed like a practical nod to Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage now feels like a dated trend many are eager to replace.

11. All-White Kitchens

Wisconsin homeowners embraced pristine white kitchens with enthusiasm, installing white cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and even appliances. The clean, bright look seemed perfect for making dark winter days feel brighter and spaces appear larger.

Daily life in these kitchens quickly revealed the impracticality. Wisconsin’s muddy springs and food-centric culture meant constant cleaning to maintain the spotless appearance. Many now regret choosing style over substance as they scrub tomato sauce splatters from every white surface.

12. Themed Basement Bars

Wisconsin’s drinking culture inspired elaborate themed basement bars that turned lower levels into personal Northwoods taverns, complete with neon beer signs and sports memorabilia. Homeowners spent thousands creating these entertainment spaces for legendary game-day gatherings.

The novelty wore off as maintenance issues arose. Basements prone to moisture created mold problems, while changing tastes made the themed décor feel dated. Many now find these spaces embarrassingly over-the-top rather than the entertaining showpieces they once were.

13. Faux Granite Countertops

Budget-conscious Wisconsin homeowners jumped on the granite look without the granite price tag. These laminate or painted surfaces initially fooled visitors into thinking they were seeing the real stone that dominated home improvement shows.

Time wasn’t kind to these impersonators. Edges chipped, seams separated, and the fake patterns became obvious. The money saved initially now feels wasted as homeowners face replacing these damaged surfaces that scream “early 2000s budget renovation” to potential buyers.

14. Smart Home Overload

Tech-savvy Wisconsin homeowners are installing complex smart systems controlling everything from lights to coffee makers. The promise of convenience through smartphone apps has led to homes filled with devices that respond to voice commands and automated schedules.

The reality often feels more frustrating than futuristic. Systems frequently become incompatible after updates, while power outages render homes temporarily unusable. Many predict this excessive connectivity will soon join the regret list as maintenance and upgrade costs mount.

15. Shiplap Everything

Fixer-upper shows convinced Wisconsin homeowners that covering every vertical surface with horizontal wood planking would instantly create farmhouse charm. Entryways, bedrooms, and even bathrooms received the shiplap treatment regardless of the home’s architectural style.

The rustic look quickly became rural overload. Dust collects in the grooves between boards while the style clashes with many Wisconsin homes’ natural character. This trend is already showing signs of dating homes to the late 2010s renovation era.

16. Gray-on-Gray Color Schemes

Wisconsin homes have turned increasingly monochromatic as owners embrace gray flooring, gray walls, gray cabinets, and gray furnishings. This neutral palette seemed like a safe, modern choice that would appeal to future buyers while reflecting the state’s often cloudy skies.

The colorless approach now feels depressing during long winters. Without contrast or warmth, these spaces appear cold and institutional rather than inviting. Design experts predict this trend will soon join the regret list as homeowners seek more personality.

17. Waterfall Countertops

Luxury-minded Wisconsin homeowners have embraced countertops that dramatically cascade down the sides of islands and peninsulas. These architectural statements use expensive materials like quartz or marble to create vertical continuations of horizontal surfaces.

The dramatic look comes with practical problems. The vertical surfaces show every fingerprint and smudge while taking up valuable floor space. Designers predict this trend will soon feel as dated as 1980s waterfall faucets, with many homeowners questioning the significant extra expense.

18. Accent Walls

Wisconsin homeowners embraced the accent wall trend, painting single walls in bold colors or applying dramatic wallpaper patterns. The approach seemed like a safe way to add personality without committing to an entire room of strong color.

These focal points now feel like unfinished projects. The single-wall approach appears disjointed rather than designed, especially in open floor plans common in newer Wisconsin homes. Interior designers predict this halfway approach to color will soon join the regret list.

19. Oversized Farmhouse Sinks

Wisconsin kitchens have seen a surge in massive, white ceramic farmhouse sinks that protrude beyond cabinet fronts. The nostalgic appeal and practical washing space initially seemed perfect for families preparing large meals during holiday gatherings.

Daily use has revealed drawbacks that owners didn’t anticipate. The protruding fronts catch hip bones painfully, while the white ceramic shows every mark and stain. The installation often requires custom cabinetry that’s expensive to replace when the trend fades.

20. Open Shelving Instead of Cabinets

Wisconsin homeowners have been removing upper cabinets in favor of open shelving to display dishes and glassware. The trend promised a more spacious feel and easy access to frequently used items in kitchens and bathrooms.

Reality proved less Instagram-worthy. Wisconsin’s seasonal temperature changes create dust that constantly settles on exposed items. The need for perfect organization creates daily stress, while the lack of storage proves impractical for the state’s food preservation traditions.

21. Tiny House Movement

Some Wisconsin residents embraced extreme downsizing with tiny houses under 400 square feet. The minimalist lifestyle and reduced environmental impact appealed to environmentally conscious homeowners looking to simplify their lives and reduce utility costs during harsh winters.

The novelty quickly wore off when faced with practical challenges. Wisconsin’s need for winter clothing storage, indoor activities during long cold months, and entertaining space makes tiny living particularly difficult. Many tiny home enthusiasts are already upgrading to more practical small homes.

22. Vessel Bathroom Sinks

Wisconsin bathrooms saw a wave of bowl-shaped sinks that sit completely above the counter surface. These artistic statements replaced traditional inset sinks with sculptural forms in glass, stone, or ceramic that drew immediate attention.

Function quickly revealed problems with form. Water splashes beyond these elevated basins, creating mess and potential water damage. The awkward height makes simple tasks like washing faces or brushing teeth unnecessarily complicated, especially for children and shorter adults in Wisconsin families.