These are the trends you're going to regret in your renovation, according to an architect

There's no denying it, renovating is expensive. Not only do you need to buy the house, but then the rising cost of building supplies and labour is making the average home renovation pricier every year.

So what does this mean for home owners? It means that if you're intending to renovate, you want to get it right.

Georgina Wilson Associates', Georgina Wilson, recently posted an Instagram reel titled 'Unpopular opinions on popular design choices'. In it she revealed the trends she believes home owners will regret after installing.

To help you avoid making a costly mistake, read Ms Wilson's nine trends to think twice about.

Overuse of a material

According to Ms Wilson when it comes to mistakes, it's not always the trend but the amount of it in a home.

"Overuse is usually the issue, not the element itself," she says. "Fluted textures in glass or timber can be beautiful when applied with restraint, but we're seeing entire rooms wrapped in it.

"When every surface is competing for attention, the detailing loses its impact and quickly feels excessive."

Trends that don't make architectural sense

Additions should always make sense to the architectural style of the home. While arches have certainly come in vogue, Ms Wilson says that adding them "purely for decoration" without any architectural relevance "can date a space almost instantly."

"Architectural gestures should feel purposeful and considered, not applied as ornament."

Stainless steel kitchens = touchy subject

Don't like constantly seeing fingerprints on your kitchen surfaces? Don't choose a stainless steel kitchen. In her reel, Ms Wilson says she has lived experience with this one.

"These are quite trendy right now, but as someone who has lived with one I am traumatised by the sight of fingerprints everywhere I look."

Imitation polished brass = tacky

Another kitchen material Ms Wilson recommends avoiding is imitation polished brass.

"It promises warmth, but often wears poorly, chips or discolours in an unrefined way," she says. "In contrast, unlacquered brass ages with integrity and develops a patina that feels authentic and intentional."

Mosaic tiles = cleaning hell

When it comes to tiles, avoid choosing something that is going to be incredibly high maintenance, such as mosaic tiles.

"While visually appealing, they require diligent upkeep. Without proper care, grout lines can discolour and attract mould, particularly in wet areas," says Ms Wilson.

Unpopular opinions on popular fabrics

Material choice is essential for liveability, which is why Ms Wilson recommends avoiding two popular and trending fabrics.

"Bouclé upholstery is rarely practical for everyday living, especially in high use family spaces," she says. "It can be difficult to clean and tends to show wear quickly."

The second is 100 per cent linen for sofa covers and curtains. While she loves the idea of natural fibres, she warns that curtains will shrink and your sofa "will forever look disheveled."

Bookshelves = dust heaven

Probably one of her most controversial opinions, Ms Wilson urges people to think twice before filling up endless bookshelves.

"I can't think of a worse way to make your home a dust haven."

Kitchen serveries - kitsch not cute

Kitchen serveries might be prolific on Pinterest, but they're not practical in real life.

"Very cute in a photo, but in practice makes you feel like you're running a tuck shop," says Ms Wilson.

Built-in bunk beds - bad for resale

Another popular design trend that Ms Wilson advises home owners to think twice about is built-in bunk beds.

"Your kids will outgrow these in a number of years and you'll have to rip them out," she says.

"The one exception might be in a holiday house where you're trying to maximise temporary accommodation."