When Instagram Designs Meet Real-World Disappointment
When Sylvia set out to renovate her kitchen, she was buzzing with excitement!.. She’d saved diligently for months, finally ready to create the warm, modern space she had always envisioned. Like many of us, she turned to Instagram, that endless scroll of aesthetic spaces and curated design magic for inspiration and service providers and that’s where she found her interior designer.
The designer’s feed was nothing short of stunning: clean finishes, bold cabinetry, ambient under-lighting. It all looked so effortless. Sylvia reached out. They brainstormed ideas. She received flawless 3D renders that mirrored her vision down to the last detail.
Then… reality hit!
When the Render Isn’t the Result
Work began, and almost immediately, Sylvia noticed something was off and her excitement quickly turned into concern. The materials being delivered the tiles, handles, fittings looked nothing like what she’d seen in the renders And when she flagged it, the designer waved off her concerns saying, “Don’t worry, it’ll all come together.”
Spoiler alert: It didn’t turn out as expected.
Two weeks past the agreed deadline, the work was declared “complete.” Sylvia walked into her new kitchen and froze. The finishes were rough. The cabinetry was misaligned. The surfaces felt cheap. The lighting was wrong. It was nothing like the agreed design.What was delivered bore no resemblance to the renders she had fallen in love with.When she tried to reach the designer to discuss it, her messages were met with silence. Eventually, her calls went unanswered.
What happened to Sylvia’s kitchen wasn’t just a design mishap, it was a cautionary tale.
What to keep in mind for your renovation
Aesthetic ≠ Execution
Social media has blurred the line between inspiration and reality. A beautiful Instagram feed doesn’t guarantee professional standards, solid project management, or quality delivery. Always verify past work, request references, and if possible, visit a completed site before engaging.
The Render is a Concept, Not a Contract
3D renders are a communication tool, not a binding document. Ensure there is a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQs) and clear specifications in your contract, outlining exactly what materials, colors, and finishes will be used. If it’s not on paper, it’s open to interpretation or exploitation.
Contracts Matter
A signed agreement should not just cover scope and cost, it should include timelines, payment schedules, and penalties for breach. Verbal agreements or DMs are not enough. Protecting yourself is not paranoia,it’s preparation.
Don’t Ignore the Red Flags
If communication gets vague, materials seem off, or progress is unclear, pause the project and demand clarity. Trust your instincts. “It’ll all come together” is not a valid project strategy.
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Not Just Stylish
In a market where the informal sector dominates the design and construction space, consumers must become more discerning. Sylvia’s story is not unique. It’s happening in neighborhoods across Kampala and beyond, where eager homeowners are being let down by poor workmanship hidden behind pretty previews.
Good design is more than a mood board. It’s a process. And if we want better homes, better spaces, and better experiences, we must demand better service and equip ourselves with better knowledge.
Coming Soon in NEST Conversations:
- How to vet a service provider
- What to include in your renovation contract
Subscribe now, and don’t let your dream kitchen become your next renovation horror story.
Don’t let poor planning or the wrong team derail your dream space. Whether you’re just starting or already knee-deep in renovations, Nest Uganda is here to help.
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