8 Features Parents Tend to Not Approve of (But Can Actually Look Good)

Your house, your rules.

No matter what interior design style you choose, some features are bound to raise a few eyebrows. The biggest critics: parents, who tend to prioritise practicality and durability above all else (yes, that includes aesthetics).

We’ll admit that their concerns aren’t always unfounded or just said for the sake of criticising. But that doesn’t necessarily mean these features are terrible ideas – because when done right, some of them can actually be standout features in your home.

1. Black toilet bowls

What your parents may say: “Eeh, looks dirty,” or “Why can’t you just get a normal white one?”

Most toilet bowls we see in homes are white, not only because they’re the ‘default’ choice but also because they can be easy to match and spot dirt. Black toilet bowls, on the other hand, show water marks more clearly, which may make them feel like a cleaning headache.

Also, there’s the perception of dark things = dirty, especially in bathrooms where people tend to associate white with being clean and hygienic. Still, if you’re fine with the extra upkeep, black toilet bowls can make your bathroom striking, especially in darker, more contemporary spaces.

2. Dark interiors

What your parents may say: “Makes your house so cramped and hot” or “Aiyoh, so depressing.”

Similar to the previous point, darker homes are usually associated with looking gloomy, cramped, or being harder to maintain. There’s also the concern of darker colours absorbing more light, which can make houses feel smaller – and definitely not something you’d want in an already small HDB flat.

Done right, though, and dark homes can look chic, cosy, and warm. The key is balance: pair the dark finishes with textures, lighter accents, and proper lighting, and you’ve got a home that can sway the biggest naysayers.

3. Cement screed or microcement surfaces

What your parents may say: “Looks like you never renovate properly” or “Looks unfinished.”

As a generation that grew up associating glossy tiles and marble-look finishes with luxury, raw features like cement screed or microcement can feel like the complete opposite to older homeowners.

But that rugged, pared-back look is exactly why these finishes have become so popular today. They’re an easy way to add texture and visual interest without overwhelming the look, while also adding a cool, sleek feel.

4. Open bathrooms

What your parents may say: “Eeh, everyone can see you do your business.”

Open bathrooms can look gorgeous in photos (especially in large homes overseas). Still, they’re also the kind of feature that raises questions, especially among our practicality-oriented parents – like about privacy, steams, and smells.

That being said, an open layout can make an ensuite (especially in a small HDB flat) feel much bigger and more luxurious – and while rare, it’s also the kind of standout feature that has us looking twice.

5. Open kitchens

What your parents may say: “Later you cook, everything smelly.”

In this day and age, open kitchens won’t raise as many questions as open bathrooms. But there’s still one pertinent concern: cooking fumes traveling throughout the space, and lingering on your soft furnishings and clothes (the latter being especially so if your service yard/laundry area is next to the kitchen).

But, like open bathrooms, it can make the space (in this case, your communal area) more spacious and airy. If fumes are a concern, be sure to invest in a good kitchen hood and keep the space well-ventilated to disperse any lingering odours ASAP.

For adjacent service yards/laundry areas, there’s also the option of installing a sliding/folding glass door to block out smells.

6. Hacked rooms

What your parents may say: “Next time got kids, then how?”

Hacking a bedroom to enlarge your space is a pretty common thing to do these days, but it also means limiting your home’s future-proofing potential. There’s also the resale question: some buyers may prefer having the original number of bedrooms intact before purchasing.

However, if that extra room genuinely doesn’t suit your lifestyle (e.g. you don’t intend to have children, or host people overnight), opening it up can be a better use of the space. You’ll have to deal with a few side comments, sure, but hey – your home, your rules.

7. Exposed pipes and wires

What your parents may say: “Looks unfinished”, or “Why pay so much just to leave everything exposed?”

Exposed pipes and wires can look unfinished if you prefer having things neat and tidy. There’s also the concern that they’ll collect dust and make the home look messy, since they do take up visual real estate.

When done right, though, they can easily be part of the design instead of looking like something you didn’t have the budget to conceal. They especially work well in industrial or wabi sabi interiors, while also making future maintenance work easier to access.

8. Bathtubs

What your parents may say: “You sure you’ll use meh?”

With HDB flats getting smaller and smaller, luxuries like a bathtub can feel like…well, a luxury. And that’s not to mention the extra upkeep needed, maintenance, increased water usage, and so on – all of which your extra-practical parents will be sure to point out.

But if you’re sure that you’ll use it often – like as a treat after a long day of work, or as a bath for small children/pets, a bathtub can be a functional (not to mention, stylish) addition to your home!