Architectural Designs

How do I convince my parents to change their opinions on what looks nice in terms of interior design?

I'm 14 and and love modern houses. My parents are totally the opposite. Our house is small and old but we have fixed it up from the outside and it looks nice now(that took a long time because i had to keep repeating, 'Mum, this is nice, it's modern' or ' Dad, we shouldn't have too many plants because it's too crowded and just doesn't look nice' etc.) The problem is the inside. The furniture is country/modern which looks nice but my parents can't stop doing little things to annoy me. Photos - Instead of putting a few photos with matching frames and mainly in one area of the room, they put HEAPS of photos in mismatched frames all over the place. I cringe everytime I walk past them. I can't believe I walked past them for the past 2 years and didn't say anything earlier. I brought this up because we are going to renovate so I thought we should have a fresh start meaning making the house more modern. I like plain, they like detail, I like render, they like brick, I like floorboards, they like carpet etc. I have had so many headaches and arguments over this I'm wondering if i should give up. All I want after everything is complete is a organized, presentable and modern home that doesn't have to cost too much. My parents are just making it difficult. Btw, this reno won't cost much because I'm trying to save them as much money because all I want them to do is take the photos down (which is free). The rest will follow from there.

Public Comments

1. Instead of arguing with them, If you can, buy new frames that match that you think your mom would like and rearrange them when their out for the day. Like a surprise for her. They may just realize that your ideas are good. That would be a start for you. And let her know that you want to help in the reno and you like designing. They probly will stay in that home once your of age and move out on your own. So why not just make them happy with what they like but with a touch of your style.
2. Dear Danni, Leave your parents alone. You will be living in that house maybe four more years and they will be staying the rest of their lives. Would you want them coming into a home you had worked hard to pay for and made comfortable for yourself and have them change it all to suit you. Of course, not. Those photos you hate are memories to them. Those details make them feel cozy and comfortable and loved. If modern is your style, feel free to express it in your own room, but your parents have worked hard to pay for that house and make it suit themselves so unless you are paying a third of the mortgage each month, keep your decorating ideas to yourself unless they ask.
3. They probably figure since they are paying for it, they can decorate it however they want. Homes cost alot of money. They've earned the right to make all the decorating decisions
4. set your tv guide to auto switch over to all of the home and garden shows. leave brochures lying around. but above all dont pester! at the end of the day its up to your parents to know what they like? keep all your good ideas and use them on your own home. when your paying all the utility bills house bills food bills car bills looking after a 14 year old bills! you will see its not so simple. not only have you not got the money you will also not have the energy! and if all fails DO IT YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!