If you’re still adding pops of color to your space, it’s probably time to stop.
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Helen Norman
Defining something as an “ick” is a highly-personal experience—we all have our opinions on what we absolutely cannot stand. One person may love raw oysters, while another can’t stomach the idea of tossing one down their throat. Some people inhale the scent of lavender with joy, while others are nauseated by the sweet aroma.
Social media is swarming with “ick” picks, but one duo has found a huge audience for their decor disgusts, which they share in a lighthearted and decidedly not-icky way.
Creators @robertgigs and @ethancgaskill are a couple who have turned their design icks into TikTok gold. They’ve posted multiple videos since their first in May, explaining why some decor choices are just not their thing. Because they share their opinions with self-deprecating humor and a clear message that these are views and not rules to be followed, they’ve found a huge (and outspoken) audience for their three-minute critiques.
Here are some of their recent icks that viewers agree with.
Avoid Squiggle and Scallop Overload
There’s nothing wrong with a touch of squiggle when the time calls for it—but according to Gigs, there’s such thing as too much of this whimsical look.
@robertgigs agree or disagree?? @Ethan Gaskill 🛋️📺🪟 #interiordesign #interiordesignick #homedecor #design #fyp #foryou #home #interiors
“Kind of like the checker pattern everywhere; now we’re seeing squiggle everywhere,” he laments. As an example, he shared an image of a scalloped-edge marble backsplash that gave him a major ick. One person commented, “As a millennial, scallops are giving 2016 chevron,” while another noted, “Scallops make everything feel like an awning to me.”
The takeaway? A little hint of scallops and squiggles go a long way.
Related: 8 DIY Squiggle Decor Ideas for a Playful Home
Don’t Over-Style Shelves
Shelves can be an opportunity to display objects you love, including books, photos, ceramic pieces, and other knick knacks. However, according to Gaskill, many people feel the need to run out and buy trendy or predictable items to add to shelves all at once instead of taking the time to slowly curate a collection that reflects their personal style.
@robertgigs Have fun decorsting and dont take yourself too seriously!!!!!! 😀 Go to @Ethan Gaskill to watch more!!! #interiordesign #designicks #modernorganic #homedecor #fyp
“Let these spaces be empty until you have something meaningful and authentic to fill them,” he says. The video received over 267,000 views and hundreds of comments. One user appreciated the supportive sentiment: “This made me feel better about my empty built-in shelves. I’ve worked on filling them with things I love, and I still have empty spaces on them.”
The takeaway? Never rush good design!
Related: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Styling Bookshelves
Stop with the Color Pops
The design duo loves color but avoid “pops” of bright hues at all costs—and with 49,000 likes, others definitely agree with them. Instead of adding a few colorful pillows in an all-gray or all-white room, they suggest weaving color into your decor in a “more fluid and natural way.” Similarly, painting one wall a color and leaving the rest of the room neutral doesn’t make sense to them either.
“Pop of Color is bad AirBNB vibe; it makes me itchy,” complained one viewer.
@robertgigs HOME DECOR ICKS!!!!! Go to @Ethan Gaskill to watch our other part. Again, dont take this too serisouly, do what makes u happy 😃😃😃😃 #homedecoricks #homedecor #interiordesign #fyp #home #design
The takeaway: Instead of a pop of color, weave color into your style.
Related: Every 2025 Color of the Year That’s Been Announced So Far
Perhaps the most indisputable comment on any of their videos was this: “I need them to take over HGTV, the whole network.” To which Gigs replied (and tagged HGTV), “We need.”
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