Property television presenter Phil Spencer has identified some of the most significant home design flaws he has encountered over his 26-year career. Spencer, known for his work on shows like "Location, Location, Location" and "Love It or List It," often visits homes to assess their suitability for renovation or sale, leading him to observe recurring layout problems.
One of the most frequent issues Spencer notes is the placement of toilets near kitchens, a design choice he finds particularly puzzling. He also points to poorly designed corridors with "wasted space," doors in inconvenient locations, or those that open incorrectly as common problems. These issues often arise when a home's layout no longer suits the needs of its occupants.
Shifting Interior Trends
Spencer has observed a notable shift in popular interior design preferences, particularly regarding open-plan living. Once a highly sought-after trend, especially in older properties like Victorian buildings, open-plan layouts are now becoming less desirable for some homeowners. The rise of remote work has highlighted the disadvantages of having no distinct separation between living areas, kitchens, and workspaces.
"Open plan was such a popular thing Pre-COVID," Spencer stated. "But it's gone slightly the other way now, with more people working from home realising that being completely open plan can have its disadvantages." He added that situations where a kitchen is open to a living room can become problematic when children are present, leading some homeowners to consider reintroducing dividing walls or doors.
Exterior Appeal
Beyond interior layouts, Spencer also emphasized the importance of a home's external space. He considers the garden to be "as important and as valuable as a room" and stressed the need for it to be well-maintained and presented to potential buyers. Neglected gardens, such as those with unaddressed pet waste, can be an immediate deterrent.
Spencer advocates for gardens that are full of life, with plants, greenery, and nature. He noted that overly complex or overgrown gardens can deter buyers due to the perceived maintenance effort. Similarly, poorly maintained water features can become unsightly. For positive impacts, he suggests practical additions like water butts for water conservation and birdhouses to encourage wildlife.